Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => Auction Talk => Topic started by: Stephen Furley on August 04, 2009, 05:42:30 PM

Title: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Stephen Furley on August 04, 2009, 05:42:30 PM
Any nominations?  I've got a few:

The Dali Lobster

http://www.tate.org.uk/servlet/ViewWork?workid=2988 (http://www.tate.org.uk/servlet/ViewWork?workid=2988)

Empress Deluxe Push Button Telephone, Padua Table Dial Telephone, Parisienne Table Dial Telephone and Rondo Telephone from this page: http://www.telephonesuk.co.uk/phones_1980on.htm (http://www.telephonesuk.co.uk/phones_1980on.htm)  All supposed to look like old 'phones, but they don't.

GPO Bakelite 'Crocodile'
http://tinyurl.com/n62q7d (http://tinyurl.com/n62q7d)

This one is brand new in box if anybody wants to buy it.  Seems to have less buttons than the similar ones which I've seen in the past.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: gpo706 on August 04, 2009, 06:02:27 PM
Pretty hideous, except the Dali phone, I love the surrealists and think that is probably my ultimate phone!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HobieSport on August 04, 2009, 06:09:04 PM
This ought to be a fun thread.

I guess it's somewhat a matter of personal taste. For example, I really like lobster ;), and I think Dali was making a joke in his usual weird fun way.

And the GPO intercom looks just uncommon enough to seem cool to me. Like the "stretch limo" of phones.

I don't like modern phones that try to look like old phones, and the fancier and more gaudily decorative they get, the more they put me off. I guess I just prefer honest simple designs with just a bit of style and class.

I won't even get into "novelty" phones because then the sky is the limit for potential hideousness.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bwanna on August 04, 2009, 10:14:38 PM
ugghhh hate the lobster phone :P   kinda like that"streeetch limo" :D  don't even mention the novelty phones.   >:(
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: McHeath on August 04, 2009, 11:04:07 PM
Novelty phones usually win the awards for bad design, along with phones that are trying to look old like the "Rondo" phone on Stephen's page with the "Empress".

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HobieSport on August 05, 2009, 12:19:12 AM
Quote from: bwanna
ugghhh hate the lobster phone

I think I could live with it with butter, garlic and chopped parsley sauce tho. :P

I have a sneaking suspicion that Dali did not intend for his lobster phones to be "liked". Shock value is more like it.  It's surrealism of course...Are we talking on a telephone or speaking into the wrong end of a creepy leggy crustacean with claws by our ears? :o

But then, I prefer Art Deco to Surrealism... ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on August 05, 2009, 01:41:55 AM
My nominations:

1.  Sheep phone

2. Man's innards phone.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HobieSport on August 05, 2009, 02:26:14 AM
...and of course any good old phone that someone has made into a lamp...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bingster on August 05, 2009, 09:40:13 PM
From a current ebay auction...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bwanna on August 05, 2009, 10:20:28 PM
uuummmm, i think that one is kinda purty  ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bingster on August 06, 2009, 04:41:13 AM
Girls.  ::)

Here you go, Bwanna:  > Fancy Fone < (http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-BELL-TELEPHONE-ROTARY-FANCY-SILVERPLATE-PHONE_W0QQitemZ130322539835QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1e57d4253b&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14)   ( dead link 02-20-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bwanna on August 06, 2009, 06:45:34 AM
thx bingster

i think the silver cover must be VERY valuable, as the phone came from a "wealthy estate"! ;D

you make fun all you want, but i do have the handset cover on one of my princess phones :P
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Dennis Markham on August 06, 2009, 07:45:51 AM
Last week I bought an Ivory 591.  It has one of those handset covers on it.  That will be the first thing that will come off---before the dirt.  I have 5 or 6 of them now.  If anyone wants one or more let me know.....free too!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bingster on August 06, 2009, 07:21:15 PM
Nice find, Dennis.   I should pay more attention--when I see a silver cover on the listings page, I don't even bother opening the auction page for that phone.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Dennis Markham on August 06, 2009, 07:34:01 PM
Thanks Bingster.  I couldn't pass it up.  It's an ivory, all dates matching including the cords.  

I think I'll make a separate posting to show those that may not have seen a Model 591 the difference.  I'll post a link here afterward.

Link to the posting about the W.E. Model A/B 591

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1364.new#new
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on September 30, 2009, 01:16:05 AM
In space, no one can hear the phone ring...

http://tinyurl.com/yg85u22 (http://tinyurl.com/yg85u22)  ( dead link 02-20-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HobieSport on September 30, 2009, 02:42:21 AM
Quote from: Brinybay
In space, no one can hear the phone ring...

Gack! Another beautiful example of hideous telephones. But we never know;

Underneath all those sparkly stars might be a 1949 WE 500.

At least it's not a lamp. ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on September 30, 2009, 11:20:08 AM
Quote from: Brinybay on September 30, 2009, 01:16:05 AM
In space, no one can hear the phone ring...

So, then the age old question is "Does it really ring?"  Or better yet, when someone here asks why their phone doesn't ring, the fact that it might be lost in outer space might be one thing they should check!

Someone had a lot of fun painting that phone.



Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on September 30, 2009, 11:22:36 AM
Quote from: HobieSport on September 30, 2009, 02:42:21 AM
At least it's not a lamp.

A candlestick lamp looks better
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bwanna on September 30, 2009, 11:44:44 AM
that is one ugly phone.  hopefully is just crafter's paint & won't be too hard to clean up. is that a "curly" line cord too?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: McHeath on October 01, 2009, 12:49:40 AM
Yeah I agree, under all that is the only surviving 49' model 500. :P
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bwanna on October 01, 2009, 06:24:42 AM
nobody wanted to gamble, it didn't sell.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: McHeath on October 06, 2009, 12:40:09 AM
Bet I could e-mail the seller and make them an offer on that stary wonder.   ::)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on October 06, 2009, 06:36:47 AM
I've seen these from time to time, 70s stuff I believe.  Now this one WOULD look better as a lamp!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Ellen on October 06, 2009, 07:48:41 AM
Or as an Arab coffee grinder or water pipe.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bwanna on October 06, 2009, 08:12:53 AM
i kind of like it :) put light bulbs in the ear/mouth pieces. need black cords, tho. as a phone or lamp, would be a good conversation piece.

huuumm.......a pipe you say :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Ellen on October 06, 2009, 08:43:13 AM
Yes, dear Bwanna-Donna,

Get your mind out of the clouds and hie thee to your local Arab grocery and ask if they have a brass water-pipe.  It will look kind of like this and they will also have apple-flavored Turkish tobacco for it.  Yuk.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HobieSport on October 06, 2009, 06:47:23 PM
Please calm down.  I don't understand women let alone cats and ducks.

I miss you!

-Matt/Hobie
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bwanna on October 06, 2009, 08:57:58 PM
hey hobie, i missed you too  :'(

thank you for the info, ellen. i am familiar with the middle eastern water pipe. my son's friend has one & uses the flavored tobaccos. i didn't care much for it. she also favors little clove ciggies. to each his/her own. :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on October 15, 2009, 10:31:38 AM
Here is my contribution:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Awesome-Leopard-Fur-Desk-Phone_W0QQitemZ250510942099QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a539d9f93  ( dead link 02-20-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bingster on October 15, 2009, 07:34:45 PM
Can you imagine how dirty that must get after a couple year's use?  It wouldn't be out of place in a bawdyhouse.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on October 15, 2009, 07:55:51 PM
bingster,

I'd rather not try to imagine.  Someone here could start a whole new thread on cleaning techniques.  Anyway, I'd be afraid that it might bite me if I pushed any of its buttons.  Surprisingly ;), nobody has bid on it yet.  I wonder what kind of lamp it would make  :D.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Dennis Markham on October 15, 2009, 10:43:41 PM
Flavored tobacco....heard that one before. :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: McHeath on October 16, 2009, 12:53:51 AM
I bet you have back in your copper days.  :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bwanna on October 16, 2009, 06:18:23 AM
surprisingly the fur phone did not sell. maybe cuz it was only listed as awesome, not vintage or art deco ::)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on October 16, 2009, 11:50:52 AM
Quote from: bwanna on October 16, 2009, 06:18:23 AM
maybe cuz it was only listed as awesome, not vintage or art deco ::)

Awesome?  More like "shock and awe" to borrow a phrase, and not to be political.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on October 21, 2009, 09:14:51 AM
The "awesome" fur phone is about to be sold! 
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: McHeath on October 21, 2009, 11:37:50 PM
Looks like no takers again.  Gee, why ever not???? ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: dsk on October 22, 2009, 03:04:21 AM
My flea market find a few years ago, the right one of these.
The leather telephone. Not as warm and comfortable for whats inside, as fur :)
Still for about $ 5-6.  Some fun.  It is really professional made, and has to be handmade.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v480/dsk/Telephone/Tastafon/tastafonlr.jpg)

dsk
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bingster on October 22, 2009, 03:34:50 AM
I really like that leather phone, actually. The shape of the two phones reminds me of a phone Northern Electric once made.  I think it was called ;) the "Contempra," but I'm too lazy to go look it up.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on October 22, 2009, 05:42:33 AM
Quote from: bingster on October 22, 2009, 03:34:50 AM
I really like that leather phone, actually. The shape of the two phones reminds me of a phone Northern Electric once made.  I think it was called ;) the "Contempra," but I'm too lazy to go look it up.

I kinda like it too.  Now THIS is HIDEOUS!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36153366@N00/502534641 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36153366@N00/502534641) ( dead link 02-20-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on October 22, 2009, 05:46:56 AM
And then there's the mannequin phone:

(http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/images/set2/mannequin-phone.jpg)

http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/2005/08/009624.htm (http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/2005/08/009624.htm) ( dead link 02-20-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: McHeath on October 22, 2009, 06:58:11 PM
I actually like the zebra phone, it's silly but well done and kinda cool to me.  That phone in the dummy is a little weird, but I'm guessing that eventually they will be installing the things in our heads so that we have access all the time, so we may all end up looking like that.   :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bwanna on October 22, 2009, 08:24:22 PM
leather phone, cool 8)

zebra phone, creepy :(

mannequin phone, that's just wrong :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on October 22, 2009, 08:35:02 PM
Quote from: bwanna on October 22, 2009, 08:24:22 PM

mannequin phone, that's just wrong :o


Be glad it wasn't the inflatable kind of mannequin...  :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bwanna on October 22, 2009, 08:37:04 PM
yikes!!!!, briny ::)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: dsk on October 23, 2009, 04:30:21 AM
My leather phone has started to generate noise, just like some older phones with electronics.

Do you have any experience with problemslike that?
If I change all the electrolytic capacitors, cold I be quit sure of a proper working telephone?

I have the same problem with my "Lillehammer" Olympic telephone.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v480/dsk/Telephone/Lillehammer/23102009684.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v480/dsk/Telephone/Lillehammer/23102009685.jpg)

dsk
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on October 23, 2009, 07:15:53 AM
dsk,

What sort of noise?  My 1989 NT "Solo" phone has a 60Hz hum, though it does not have an AC input to it.  I stopped using it because people on the other end of phone calls were complaining to me about the noise.

Larry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bingster on October 23, 2009, 03:12:32 PM
It is well done.  It also reminds me of the battleship camouflage the Brits used in WWI.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: dsk on October 23, 2009, 04:00:32 PM
Quote from: LarryInMichigan on October 23, 2009, 07:15:53 AM
dsk,

What sort of noise?  My 1989 NT "Solo" phone has a 60Hz hum, though it does not have an AC input to it.  I stopped using it because people on the other end of phone calls were complaining to me about the noise.

Larry


Somthing like that 50 hz hum here, but yes..
dsk
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bellsystemproperty on October 24, 2009, 12:12:21 AM
This phone is hideous, and must get dirty from all the holding it goes through. It's not even a real rotary phone. This phone is worthy of incinerating

http://tinyurl.com/repulsive1
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bwanna on October 24, 2009, 06:36:55 AM
bsp...your link doesn't work.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: JorgeAmely on October 24, 2009, 11:40:49 AM
Donna:

Copy the link, then paste it and hit return.

Or

http://cgi.ebay.com/Emerson-corded-novelty-telephone-Redial-flash-Rotary_W0QQitemZ370278395164QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item56364fed1c ( dead link - 3/6/20 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on October 24, 2009, 08:58:04 PM
Wow! there are more than ten of them available.  That means that at least ten of us can have one  :-*, so no fighting over them. 
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: McHeath on October 25, 2009, 12:27:31 AM
It looks like a cross between a Tribble and a phone. 

Going on my Christmas list! ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Ellen on October 26, 2009, 07:51:46 AM
The rhinestones and fur is hilarious! 
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on October 26, 2009, 08:20:35 AM
Perhaps someone could convince the craigslist lady in WI (re: http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1645.0) to turn those phones into clocks.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on November 04, 2009, 10:00:48 PM
Here's another one for the hideous list.  ebay item #170401899167.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 04, 2009, 10:12:22 PM
I see that style come up every once in a while on E-Bay.  That one deserves to be turned into a lamp!

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bellsystemproperty on November 04, 2009, 11:53:48 PM
These are also pretty hideous. Ebay #130341168813






./ ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: JorgeAmely on November 05, 2009, 12:43:45 AM
BSP:

Disgusting  ;) !
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on November 05, 2009, 12:59:05 AM
Repulsive!  Hmmm, it's in Portland too.  But Cowiche is in eastern Washington.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bellsystemproperty on November 05, 2009, 01:04:42 AM
Such a disgusting phone. If only we could buy it and beautify it by adding a nice lamp inside it and tearing out all the other unnecessary components like those brass bells, coils, and the stupid wires inside it.  ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 05, 2009, 12:11:07 PM
That phone is being sold by Chuck Irwin in Portland.  He knows his phones.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bellsystemproperty on November 05, 2009, 06:33:04 PM
We could also make a clock out of it ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on November 18, 2009, 09:58:22 PM
I kid you not:

http://tinyurl.com/yew9ht6 (http://tinyurl.com/yew9ht6) ( dead link 02-20-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bellsystemproperty on November 18, 2009, 10:25:39 PM
Where is the handset?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 18, 2009, 10:28:45 PM
Briny:

Did you ask for the numbers on the underside of the base?

Oh, by the way, I have an AE80 that has a date of 9 71 23.  So, it looks like the first digit is the month, then year, then day.  Odd.  Not that the standard American format of MM/DD/YYYY makes much sense either.  I kind of like the European way of DD/MM/YYYY.  There is kind of a natural progression to that format.

PS:  It does not look like I am going to Seattle in November either, so I need to check shipping alternatives on the pbx.  Maybe there's a way for me to sneak it into the interoffice mail....

-Bill

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on November 19, 2009, 12:59:30 AM
Quote from: bellsystemproperty on November 18, 2009, 10:25:39 PM
Where is the handset?

The back of the chair is the handset.  I have to admit though, of all the ridiculous novelty phones, at least this one makes me smirk (which turns to a guffaw when I look at the price).  Look at the description of what it does on ebay.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: dsk on November 19, 2009, 02:22:04 AM
what about this one:
http://tinyurl.com/yczucap ( dead link 02-20-21 )
(Finn is a Norwegian on-line "garage sale" in is your for only NOK 800  +P&P
or about  US$ 143)

dsk
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bingster on November 19, 2009, 03:23:53 PM
I have one of those, DSK!  If I could get somebody to pay $143 for it, I wouldn't have it for much longer.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on November 19, 2009, 06:38:28 PM
Lego isn't hideous.  In my younger days, I would have loved to have a phone like that.  Lego was my favorite toy.

Larry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: McHeath on November 19, 2009, 10:28:20 PM
Yeah I was a Lego guy as well, as was my son, and that's a cool phone. 
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bellsystemproperty on November 19, 2009, 10:29:17 PM
It would also be fun to play with on a long phone call since you could build things. If only it was rotary...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 19, 2009, 10:35:57 PM
Maybe they make a Lego lamp kit to go with it.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on November 19, 2009, 10:37:57 PM
If you have enough of the right Lego pieces, you can build your own lamp.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on December 20, 2009, 09:09:48 AM
This phone is not only hideous, it would probably make me sneeze.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230412084032 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230412084032) ( dead link 02-20-21 )


Larry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HobieSport on December 20, 2009, 12:45:48 PM
Yikes! Gee Larry that's gotta win some kind of hidiousness award indeed. I'm not as worried about sneezing as I am more afraid that it might yap at me and then bite my ankles and cause rabies. "Agh! Get it off me!"
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on December 20, 2009, 01:09:02 PM
Imagine all of the germs that would be breeding in the fur around the transmitter  :-[
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: gpo706 on December 20, 2009, 02:55:20 PM
Novus polish no good on this then, maybe take it to the poodle parlour for a wash and set
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HobieSport on December 26, 2009, 08:27:56 AM
The Trouble with Tribbles.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on December 28, 2009, 02:45:35 PM
No comment:

http://tinyurl.com/5tokrq (http://tinyurl.com/5tokrq)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on December 28, 2009, 03:15:38 PM
I can only imagine the types of calls made with that phone.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HobieSport on December 28, 2009, 05:56:17 PM
Did that black leather and lace phone come from the office of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark?
If so, have her call me, please.
She needs to make an appointment with me to be cleaned and have her filters changed.
And her car needs some work, too.
http://www.elvira.com/home_2.html ( dead link 02-20-21 )

(If this pic too racy for the forum, anyone, just please let me know and I'll delete it. Seriously. I don't want to offend anyone! Just looking for laughs.)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bwanna on December 28, 2009, 06:35:09 PM
hobie :o ::) :o ::) :o ::)

ps...i don't see any lace on that phone....that part is in your fantasy ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HobieSport on December 28, 2009, 09:30:23 PM
Quote from: bwanna
...i don't see any lace on that phone....that part is in your fantasy ;)

Yes, I thought that also, but I think they mean that the leather is laced, like shoe laces. Or better yet, Elvira's boot laces... ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AET on December 29, 2009, 03:23:38 AM
That phone looks like a goth kid threw up on it.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on December 29, 2009, 05:46:56 AM
There's a 302 under there somewhere.  Elvira aka Cassandra Peterson.  She's really a blonde and much prettier as herself than Elvira, although she's getting up there in age (58).

Ok, for you vintage vehicle buffs, what make and year is that car she's perched on?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bwanna on December 29, 2009, 06:26:16 AM
'58 vette
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AET on December 29, 2009, 01:55:27 PM
Looks to be about a 58 T-Bird would be my guess or maybe a 59.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bingster on December 29, 2009, 03:14:26 PM
It's a Thunderbird.  I'm not sure of the year, but it's a squarebird, so it's 1958, '59 or '60.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bellsystemproperty on December 30, 2009, 09:01:21 PM
I think the fake French style phones are pretty hideous. I saw one for sale today (in a store) and it was the first time I had actually felt repelled by a phone. Normally the phone would be like gravity and draw me near to examine it, but not this one. The handset is so impractical, it's not nearly as comfortable as the wonderful G handset. I guess the same could be said for the donut phone though.
Here's one that looks similar.

http://tinyurl.com/ykq6qml ( dead link 02-20-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on December 30, 2009, 09:52:08 PM
That e-bay auction called it an old Gaudy phone.  I call them an old lady phone in honor of my grandmother (now departed).  It is kind of interesting.  My grandmother was a switcboard operator from the time she was a teen-ager and went to work at the phone company her dad owned in a rural town in Utah.

I have a picture of her from 1926 as a switchboard operator during the first trans-Atlantic phone call from Portland, Oregon to London, England.  I posted that picture here a while back.

When I was Kyle's age, she was the lead PBX operator at the very large PBX for the Oregon Capitol building in Salem, Or, before they went to Centrex.  I went to work with her one day, and got to see it in action, as well as all the switches that supported that PBX in the basement.  I even got to see the jack on the switchboard that was for the Governor, Mark Hatfield at the time.

When she retired, she just had to have one of those "Old Lady" "French" phones.  She used it until she died.  A few years ago, my mom, who knows of my habitual compulsive telephone disorder, decided that I should have it.  So, now I own one of these gems, in honor of my grandma.

Tom:

My grandpa knew better than to keep my grandma off the phone.  It served two purposes.  First, it didn't matter.  She had all the telephone resources of the entire State of Oregon at her fingertips.  She used to call my mom every day during her lunch hour from Salem to Portland and talk the entire lunch hour.... for free.  Second, I think my grandpa knew that for every minute she was on the phone was a minute that he could do what he wanted and avoid the "Honey-do" list.  In fact, it is a well known family fact that my grandpa could really hear pretty well, even though he wore hearing aids.  He would always "conveniently" misplace the hearing aids, or they always used to have dead batteries just at the moment my grandma wanted something done.  Oh well.  We all play the games from time to time....

-Bill Geurts
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on December 31, 2009, 01:09:15 AM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on December 30, 2009, 09:52:08 PM

When she retired, she just had to have one of those "Old Lady" "French" phones.  She used it until she died.  A few years ago, my mom, who knows of my habitual compulsive telephone disorder, decided that I should have it.  So, now I own one of these gems, in honor of my grandma.

Tom:

-Bill Geurts

But was it an actual antique, or one of those repros?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on December 31, 2009, 03:00:41 AM
Repro.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HobieSport on December 31, 2009, 07:23:52 AM
Bill, thank you for writing about the fun family stories about your Grandmother and her work at the phone company, and the subtly amusing story about your Grandfather and his "convenient" hearing loss. I love family stories/memories like that.

As for the "gaudy French phone repros", I have to agree with "bellsystemproperty" that I also find them repellent, or more accurately, simply impractical and somehow sadly pretentious in their design. Like poor folks attempting to feel like they are "rich and elegant", when really it's just plain tacky. But I can also see the fun in it, and can imagine Bill's Grandmother looking truly elegant while using a phone like that.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AET on December 31, 2009, 03:58:50 PM
A lady told me yesterday at work that she has two "gold and beige phones with handsets that rest in cradles" I am assuming that this is what she is talking about.  She offered them to me, and I really don't know what I'd do with them as I don't care for them.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jester on December 31, 2009, 05:04:26 PM
I'm sure some of you find these hideous, but this Noteworthy phone has actually made life a little easier in the Jester household.  My wife wanted to declutter the spot under the wall phone in the diningroom, so I started looking for one of these.  I found this one in ash on ebay in unused condition.  It's been moderately customized--I changed the moulding around the "message center" and added a dry erase panel where the chalk/bulletin board went.  The original board was a bulky "frameless" corkboard with a big tacky clock in the upper righthand corner.  This board is also magnetic & came with two Lucite encapsulated magnets to use as "tacks".  There is also a handy magnet in the marker cap.  I also didn't like the "tink tink tink" made by the steel gonged ringer, so I switched it with a VERY early trimline P type with the brass gong & clapper.  The other benefits of this design are the handy phonebook nook & the small shelf on top.  And the nicest feature--you can use the phone while the microwave is on without disturbing the radio frequency of the handset! ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bellsystemproperty on December 31, 2009, 06:09:00 PM
Bill you're grandpa sounded like a very funny guy. Jester, I don't like the Trimline that much, but if the Noteworth came with a G handset and had the dial on the phone I'd definitely get one. The Trimline handset is uncomfortable for me.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on December 31, 2009, 06:31:02 PM
Tom,

At least some of those phones contain 3" dials which will fit into just about any antique phone.  Also, many contain WE networks and ringers.  So, even if the phone itself is a gaudy piece of junk, there are useful parts inside.  You could probably use a dial from one for your new Leich phone.  It wouldn't be quite authentic, but it could be made to work. 

Larry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AET on December 31, 2009, 06:34:38 PM
I thought of that too.  The leich however is going to stay authentic.  I didn't have a blank dial phone in my collection, so it kinda sets things off.  It gets the most questions.  I guess it depends on how much she wants for them.  I could use one for an example and sell the other one too.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bingster on December 31, 2009, 07:18:33 PM
You should ask for details, because "gold and beige phones with handsets that rest in cradles" also describes the WE Imperial!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AET on December 31, 2009, 07:24:07 PM
That was of course the first phone to cross my mind when she said it (which, ironically is sitting in pieces in front of me right now) but with my luck, they are frenchie phones.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HobieSport on December 31, 2009, 07:24:46 PM
...and a WE Imperial is certainly not hideous!

It's cool to hear that you have an Imperial that you're working on right now, Tom.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on December 31, 2009, 07:38:59 PM
Tom,

I thought that you meant that she was willing to give them to you for free.  You should first try to find out what they really are.  Most people haven't a clue about phones.  I was speaking with my mother today while she is in a friend's condo in FL, and for a moment, the phone there had a problem.  When I asked her what kind of phone it was, she replied "I don't know, its a desk phone".  When I asked her what the model or manufacturer was, she didn't have a clue.  So your coworker might actually have something valuable without knowing it.

Even if her phones are junk, if they include decent parts, they may be worth a new dollars.  You never know when a dial, network, ringer, transmitter, etc. might be needed.

Larry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AET on December 31, 2009, 08:00:44 PM
I love my imperial, even though I am very upset it's giving me problems right now. 

I will take them either way depending on the price, because of parts and my ma wanted one as a teenager.
(http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu307/AtomicEraTom/Phones/Phones2005.jpg)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HobieSport on December 31, 2009, 10:04:18 PM
Quote from: AtomicEraTom
I love my imperial, even though I am very upset it's giving me problems right now.  

Tom, just checking, but you recently learned from Bill that your only "problem" with your nice Imperial is that she just needs a simple subset, correct? So you're not upset about it anymore, right? I'm just double checking with you about this. 8)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AET on January 01, 2010, 05:52:49 PM
Yeah, again, guess you can't trust what everybody tells you.  I was told it would work just find without one.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bellsystemproperty on January 01, 2010, 07:27:26 PM
Maybe she's talking about a 12/49 500 that is painted ;)
lady- Yeah I was gonna throw the piece of junk away. It is marked 500 12/49. Does that mean anything?
Tom (holding excitement, struggling to keep straight face)- Nah, it's a piece of junk. They're not worth anything, but I'll  be happy to take it off your hands to keep it from the landfill.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AET on January 01, 2010, 07:57:00 PM
you have no idea how hard it would be for me to keep a straight face.  That's why I don't play poker!

Quote from: bellsystemproperty on January 01, 2010, 07:27:26 PM
Maybe she's talking about a 12/49 500 that is painted ;)
lady- Yeah I was gonna throw the piece of junk away. It is marked 500 12/49. Does that mean anything?
Tom (holding excitement, struggling to keep straight face)- Nah, it's a piece of junk. They're not worth anything, but I'll  be happy to take it off your hands to keep it from the landfill.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: dsk on January 05, 2010, 12:49:29 PM
Quote from: HobieSport on December 31, 2009, 07:24:46 PM
...and a WE Imperial is certainly not hideous!

It's cool to hear that you have an Imperial that you're working on right now, Tom.

I agree with you!

But this is: http://tinyurl.com/yawcf5f

dsk
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AET on January 05, 2010, 01:56:41 PM
DSK, I don't wanna see the decor that that phone goes with!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 05, 2010, 02:38:15 PM
Quote from: AtomicEraTom on December 31, 2009, 03:58:50 PM
A lady told me yesterday at work that she has two "gold and beige phones with handsets that rest in cradles" I am assuming that this is what she is talking about.  She offered them to me, and I really don't know what I'd do with them as I don't care for them.
They might be celeberties, which aren't bad for design line phones.
Jim S.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bushman on January 12, 2010, 08:21:53 PM
I think I found a hideous one.

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=5672367  ( dead link, no image attached )


Bushman
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 12, 2010, 08:41:45 PM
Quote from: bushman on January 12, 2010, 08:21:53 PM
I think I found a hideous one.

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=5672367


Bushman

They were selling those at JC Penney in the 1970's. Rest assured they are more hideous in person. They had a half dozendifferent  brass or brass/marble telephones. That was the first time I had ever seen telephones for sale in a regular store.

Jim S.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on January 12, 2010, 09:36:31 PM
Now with that one, I think I'd rather have a candlestick lamp!

Yikes.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bellsystemproperty on January 12, 2010, 10:16:01 PM
Agreed. Phones should be designed for function, not looks.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: McHeath on January 13, 2010, 01:26:14 AM
That elephant phone is so bizarre and awful that it becomes kinda charming.  :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HobieSport on January 13, 2010, 01:41:58 AM
Thank you posting the hideous pachyderm phone, Mr. Bushman.  I really got a laugh from that.

Of course whenever the phone rings, the first thing I want to do is pick up an elephant. It's only natural. Not.

Come to think of it, though, I wonder if a real elephant could handle a G1 handset, with their sensitive and dexterous trunks. After all, an elephant can deal with little tiny peanuts and such with no problem.

Of course Henry Dreyfuss was not considering any communicative elephants when he was designing the G1 handset, but still, I bet that the G1 is so well designed and balanced that an elephant might find it quite comfortable. Of course the distance between mouthpiece and ear would be a bit longer and require some back and forth movement of the elephant's trunk. But elephants are smart and seem to have no problem with doing that kind of thing, so I don't see an ergonomic problem, Henry Dreyfuss-wise.

Please excuse my humor. Now you know what I think about late at night.

-Hobie
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bushman on March 07, 2010, 10:00:41 PM
Here is a worse one than the elephant, if that's possible.   

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=5919177  ( dead link, no image attached )

Bushman
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Dennis Markham on March 07, 2010, 10:25:15 PM
Every hunting lodge should have one!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Netdewt on March 07, 2010, 10:29:17 PM
Quote from: d_s_k on October 22, 2009, 03:04:21 AM
My flea market find a few years ago, the right one of these.
The leather telephone. Not as warm and comfortable for whats inside, as fur :)
Still for about $ 5-6.  Some fun.  It is really professional made, and has to be handmade.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v480/dsk/Telephone/Tastafon/tastafonlr.jpg)
dsk

This is a "Rhapsody".
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on October 14, 2010, 04:04:19 PM
I keep running into truly hideous phones, so this thread is worth reviving.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Kenny C on October 14, 2010, 04:05:02 PM
that looks like a bejewled raw hamburger patty lol
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on October 14, 2010, 04:25:11 PM
Not only hideous, but really cheap-looking (an so unhygienic).

Larry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on October 14, 2010, 05:21:21 PM
Here's the URL.  I'm pretty sure nobody here is trying to bid on it.  If you are, you need help!

Oh, and is "Princess" the new "Art Deco"?  I see it used for everything from Trimlines to stuff like this!

http://tinyurl.com/fuzzywuzzyfone (http://tinyurl.com/fuzzywuzzyfone)
( dead link 02-21-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on October 14, 2010, 05:32:25 PM
Briny,

Don't worry, we will not bid against you.  I think that this phone will make a fine companion for you bronze D1/E1, sort of like its female better half ;D

Larry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: baldopeacock on October 14, 2010, 06:13:55 PM
Quote from: Brinybay on October 14, 2010, 04:04:19 PM
I keep running into truly hideous phones, so this thread is worth reviving.



That thing needs a shave.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on October 14, 2010, 06:31:46 PM
Quote from: LarryInMichigan on October 14, 2010, 05:32:25 PM
Briny,

Don't worry, we will not bid against you.  I think that this phone will make a fine companion for you bronze D1/E1, sort of like its female better half ;D

Larry

I think it is more like a floozy , A respectable phone wouldn't be seen in her company.
JMO,
Jim
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: KeithB on October 14, 2010, 07:14:41 PM
(barf)  :-[
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: McHeath on October 14, 2010, 10:02:47 PM
Yep it's a keeper alright.  ::)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Kenny C on January 06, 2011, 01:11:52 AM
This is on Ebay  :o oh the horror
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on January 06, 2011, 01:35:30 AM
Do you think that is "factory" wallpaper (Mac Tac)?

This is my first time through all 9 pages of this thread. Everyone needs to remember to post the pictures into the threads as half of the links in here are dead now.

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HobieSport on January 11, 2011, 06:26:33 PM
That's a good point about posting pics Terry. Thanks.
By the way, welcome!
So...do you have an AE #2 like the one in your "avatar?". What a beautiful phone. When were they made? Late 20's or early 1930's before the AE 34s?

-Matt
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on January 11, 2011, 09:38:52 PM
Quote from: HobieSport on January 11, 2011, 06:26:33 PM
That's a good point about posting pics Terry. Thanks.
By the way, welcome!
So...do you have an AE #2 like the one in your "avatar?". What a beautiful phone. When were they made? Late 20's or early 1930's before the AE 34s?

-Matt

Hi Matt:

Thanks for the welcome! I am 7 posts "behind you" (845 / 852). I know that you were AWOL here for awhile...read lots of your posts while trying to catch up on many of the threads. So welcome back! I think that Jorge in the end is responsible for me being here but that is only fair as I am ultimately responsible for him losing at least 24 hours of his life forever while sanding an AE80 phone to find out what color it was supposed to be.

No that isn't my AE #2. I WISH! It is or at least was Ray Kotke's to the best of my knowledge but an original, not a reproduction. I oknow of no colored #2's other than the walnut or mahogany variations which aren't plastic but are bakelite.

You pretty much nailed the dates for the #2. The AE #1 (similar to a WECo "B mount"/102) was introduced in 1926 and then the self contained AE #2 in 1928. While the #1 continued to be manufactured into the 1950's the #2 was discontinued quickly after the AE 34 was introduced in 1934. Then the 34 was discontinued quickly once the 34 was again redesigned into the AE40 in about 1939.

There are matching wall phones for both the 34 and the 40. They are the AE35 and the 50. In both cases the matching wall phone seems to have been introduced around a year or so after the desk phones introduction. I think desk phones were the hot new comodity back than as most people had wall phones of one sort or another.

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Dennis Markham on January 11, 2011, 09:56:57 PM
Hobie, good to see you back with us on the Forum.  Welcome back!

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: JorgeAmely on January 12, 2011, 12:12:01 AM
Terry:

I place the blame on Dennis for me being here. I wonder how long the chain can be extended ....
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on January 12, 2011, 02:13:14 AM
Quote from: JorgeAmely on January 12, 2011, 12:12:01 AM
Terry:

I place the blame on Dennis for me being here. I wonder how long the chain can be extended ....

New thread...what came first.....

You may have just ended the chain Jorge...Dennis probably came first.

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: stopthemachine on January 23, 2011, 03:33:23 AM
Quote from: Stephen Furley on August 04, 2009, 05:42:30 PM
Any nominations?  I've got a few:

The Dali Lobster

http://www.tate.org.uk/servlet/ViewWork?workid=2988 (http://www.tate.org.uk/servlet/ViewWork?workid=2988)

Empress Deluxe Push Button Telephone, Padua Table Dial Telephone, Parisienne Table Dial Telephone and Rondo Telephone from this page: http://www.telephonesuk.co.uk/phones_1980on.htm (http://www.telephonesuk.co.uk/phones_1980on.htm)  All supposed to look like old 'phones, but they don't.

GPO Bakelite 'Crocodile' http://tinyurl.com/n62q7d (http://tinyurl.com/n62q7d)

This one is brand new in box if anybody wants to buy it.  Seems to have less buttons than the similar ones which I've seen in the past.

Haha.  Funny story about the Dali-Lobster phone.  When I was visiting London in 2004, I went to Dali Universe, and unbeknownst to my phone-collecting self, I came across all of his lobster phones.  It just made my trip that much more entertaining. 

Although some of the WE fake, French phones are pretty gaudy, I would like to know what AE was thinking about when they decided to redesign the AE 80—they went from a phone that was stylish (and not a WE 500 duplicate) to a phone that worked as a touch-tone design, but almost always looks ridiculous and, sadly, hideous as a rotary phone. 

Anyone else agree with the late AE 80 phones? 
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on January 23, 2011, 01:33:32 PM
Quote from: stopthemachine on January 23, 2011, 03:33:23 AM
I would like to know what AE was thinking about when they decided to redesign the AE 80—they went from a phone that was stylish (and not a WE 500 duplicate) to a phone that worked as a touch-tone design, but almost always looks ridiculous and, sadly, hideous as a rotary phone. 

Anyone else agree with the late AE 80 phones? 


AE 80E phones (with the faceplate) is what we are discussing here I'm thinking?

When they first appeared on the scene in 1975 I thought they were pretty stylish. I soon realised that they were junk inside but all in all I don't mind the look. I have about 12 or so of them on display in various colors and configurations.

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: rdelius on January 23, 2011, 03:10:57 PM
This telephone was sent in for repairs at COT when I was working there. Made out of a Northern Electric set
Robby
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: JorgeAmely on January 23, 2011, 03:29:05 PM
Let me guess: ringer didn't work?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: stopthemachine on January 23, 2011, 03:45:28 PM
AE 80E phones (with the faceplate) is what we are discussing here I'm thinking?

When they first appeared on the scene in 1975 I thought they were pretty stylish. I soon realised that they were junk inside but all in all I don't mind the look. I have about 12 or so of them on display in various colors and configurations.

Terry
[/quote]
Yes, that's the one.  (I couldn't remember the numerical difference on these sets and was too lazy to look it up when posting originally  :D ) I think they look pretty decent as a touch tone phone, but MOST of the time, I think the rotary version is a bit gaudy--sometimes, it has to do with the color or something, I think.  I just can't put my finger on it!  Haha.

I love AE phones too so I feel like I'm talking about them behind their back.  :-X  I greatly prefer the original AE 80s.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on January 24, 2011, 03:38:53 AM
Quote from: rdelius on January 23, 2011, 03:10:57 PM
This telephone was sent in for repairs at COT when I was working there. Made out of a Northern Electric set
Robby


Ridiculous, but it made me smile!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Adam on May 04, 2011, 12:59:29 AM
It's like an accident on the highway.  You don't want to see it, but you just can't look away...

http://tinyurl.com/6l5jupg ( dead link 02-21-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: DavePEI on May 04, 2011, 01:18:16 AM
Quote from: masstel on May 04, 2011, 12:59:29 AM
It's like an accident on the highway.  You don't want to see it, but you just can't look away...

Those look like unauthorized foreign attachments to me. Worse than a Carterphone or Hush-a-phone. Better get the phone police after them!

Telephonic Roadkill!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: NorthernMan on May 04, 2011, 02:10:19 AM
Looks FISHY to me.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Dennis Markham on May 04, 2011, 09:36:12 AM
It reminds me of the heat shield tiles on the bottom of the space shuttle.  I'll be surprised if the seller gets his $60.  Dave that is a great description...like an accident on the highway. :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on May 04, 2011, 09:46:27 AM
I wonder if there is an official psychological term for the unnatural compulsion to stick inappropriate things to telephones :)

Larry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: rdelius on May 04, 2011, 09:56:09 AM
Looking at the handset cord, feet and fingerwheel, I feel this is a soft plastic set.
Robby
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Dennis Markham on May 04, 2011, 10:31:17 AM
If one were able to remove the sequins, there might be a nice soft plastic phone under there.  The handset cord turning to that white color is an indication of an early pink handset cord.  Maybe with more photos/information it would be a good collectible, IF the sequins can be removed.  But then again, $60 is a bit much for the work that would have to go into it.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on May 04, 2011, 10:47:34 AM
From my small amount of experience, I would guess that it is soft plastic.  The soft plastic I have seen fades and becomes lighter with age, while the ABS tends to develop a brownish tinge.  I would be concerned that the glue may have reacted with the tenite, and removing it might leave serious damage.  If one is going to ruin a phone by gluing things to it, why ruin anything but a valuable phone?

Larry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: gpo706 on May 04, 2011, 06:08:08 PM
"From the estate of Liberace...?" maybe
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Kevin Lane on May 04, 2011, 07:43:09 PM
This telephone doesn't ring - it BLINGS!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: DavePEI on May 04, 2011, 09:50:16 PM
Quote from: Kevin Lane on May 04, 2011, 07:43:09 PM
This telephone doesn't ring - it BLINGS!

And the person who decorated it is the blinger! :-\

The process of making one of these is called Art Deco!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Kevin Lane on May 04, 2011, 10:08:36 PM
And when it does bling, you have to pick up the handset and say in a high country voice, "Hi, I'm Glen Campbell!"
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Adam on May 04, 2011, 10:18:25 PM
Kev: Glen Campbell was the Rhinestone Cowboy, not sequin.

:)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Kevin Lane on May 04, 2011, 10:22:16 PM
My wife pointed this out to me seconds before Masstel's post appeared.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Kenny C on May 04, 2011, 10:23:29 PM
Well I'm going to have nightmares tonight ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Kevin Lane on May 04, 2011, 10:34:55 PM
My favorite part of the eBay ad is that the phone is non-returnable. 

Duh.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on May 05, 2011, 12:46:32 AM
I think you're all being very cruel.

This was some ten-year-old girl's first phone and she's very disappointed everyone laughed at her when she went to her local heritage phone group.

And thank $deity they did, because otherwise who knows what desirable and sought-after phones she'd be sequinning.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Willytx on May 05, 2011, 10:25:14 AM
Quote from: gpo706 on May 04, 2011, 06:08:08 PM
"From the estate of Liberace...?" maybe

Nah, no candle holders. I'm guessing a Gabor.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: GG on May 06, 2011, 10:59:25 PM


IMHO that's acceptable as folk art, and not a problem unless it's been done to a rare set such as a 1st production year model. 

What isn't acceptable is to destroy a phone by e.g. turning it into a lamp.  Reminds me of hunting trophies of the heads of endangered species. 
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: DavePEI on May 07, 2011, 12:22:39 AM
Quote from: GG on May 06, 2011, 10:59:25 PM
IMHO that's acceptable as folk art, and not a problem unless it's been done to a rare set such as a 1st production year model.

Not even acceptable as folk art. Not only that, but it is endangering ladybugs as a species. If enough people see it, they will go berserk, destroying everything red with polka-dots! Whoever painted it, agreed, had too much time on their hands, but they should have been given at least 20 years!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: GG on May 12, 2011, 05:06:45 AM


Nice one, Owain.  In a manner of speaking.

Looks like something you'd see about a half hour after drinking the wrong fruit punch at the party, just before reliving the last third of 2001 (the movie, not the year).  "If you ever see a phone like this, give your car keys to a friend and have him call a doctor..." : - )

In any case, very well done.  Doesn't appear to be paint, doesn't appear to be some kind of contact paper.  So how did they do that one?  Some kind of elasticized fabric, or "wrap" material?  But if that, then how'd it go on without obvious stretching of the imagery around the corners?  Not that I have any desire to turn a phone into a psychiatric fire-alarm, but it would be interesting to know.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Willytx on May 12, 2011, 11:46:18 AM
Quote from: GG on May 12, 2011, 05:06:45 AM


....

In any case, very well done.  Doesn't appear to be paint, doesn't appear to be some kind of contact paper.  So how did they do that one?  Some kind of elasticized fabric, or "wrap" material?  But if that, then how'd it go on without obvious stretching of the imagery around the corners?  Not that I have any desire to turn a phone into a psychiatric fire-alarm, but it would be interesting to know.

Mod Podge. http://www.plaidonline.com/mod-podge/brand/home.htm

Not that I'm advocating more of this horror.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on May 12, 2011, 03:53:38 PM
Quote from: GG on May 12, 2011, 05:06:45 AM



In any case, very well done.  Doesn't appear to be paint, doesn't appear to be some kind of contact paper.  So how did they do that one?  Some kind of elasticized fabric, or "wrap" material?  But if that, then how'd it go on without obvious stretching of the imagery around the corners? 

There appears to be a break in pattern (half a red flower) along  the front and right hand side panels, so I'd guess careful cutting of the fabric
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: DavePEI on May 12, 2011, 05:42:45 PM
Quote from: Owain on May 12, 2011, 03:53:38 PM
There appears to be a break in pattern (half a red flower) along  the front and right hand side panels, so I'd guess careful cutting of the fabric

Definitely a step above the first two examples... Think I will turn a candlestick into a lamp, then cover it with sequins, decoupage, or flowers! At least I would call this one folk art!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Wallphone on May 12, 2011, 06:51:07 PM
Dave, don't even think about it. If you do we'll all come out to the Maritimes and hunt you down and confiscate it. Besides that, you would probably lose your Museum License doing that kind of stuff.
Doug Pav
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: DavePEI on May 12, 2011, 06:56:30 PM
Quote from: Wallphone on May 12, 2011, 06:51:07 PM
Dave, don't even think about it. If you do we'll all come out to the Maritimes and hunt you down and confiscate it. Besides that, you would probably lose your Museum License doing that kind of stuff.
Doug Pav
:o  :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Wallphone on May 12, 2011, 07:20:15 PM
Dave, Sorry about the threat, that would just give me an excuse to come out and see the Maritimes which is something I've always wanted to do before my time is up.
Doug Pav
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: DavePEI on May 12, 2011, 07:43:30 PM
Quote from: Wallphone on May 12, 2011, 07:20:15 PM
Dave, Sorry about the threat, that would just give me an excuse to come out and see the Maritimes which is something I've always wanted to do before my time is up.
Doug Pav

Hi Doug:

I know you were! Who needs an excuse. Here's one - it is almost summer. Great time to plan a trip!

If you do get to the Island some day, you will be able to see my budding telegraph display, too. I figured since I had the teletype display as well as the phones, I might as well add telegraph!

http://www.qsl.net/vy2ac/rtty.html

I was able to purchase a Western Union sounder tonight, and have my old Ham radio Speed-x key, and have another older key coming whenever I get together with a fellow in Kensington, on the other end of the island. As time goes on, I will add to that display. whenever my pays get going again after being forced into medical retirement.

What can I say. I love all old technology (so long as it isn't decorated!).

Dave
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on July 18, 2011, 05:48:49 AM
Beyond saving, from the discription of the paint(s) and method(s) used.

http://tinyurl.com/3zwrk6v (http://tinyurl.com/3zwrk6v) ( dead link 02-21-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: old_stuff_hound on December 27, 2011, 01:22:51 PM
Dredging up an old thread....

This one is a turkey:
http://funtimeshad.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-time-to-eat/

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: m1898 on December 31, 2011, 01:29:29 AM
At least they didn't use a rotary phone.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: m1898 on December 31, 2011, 01:33:30 AM
Quote from: Brinybay on July 18, 2011, 05:48:49 AM
Beyond saving, from the discription of the paint(s) and method(s) used.

Looks like they had way too much of that medical maryjane or something.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on December 31, 2011, 02:30:31 AM
This thread is always good for a laugh, some much louder and longer than others, and of course, at times its unfortunately a sad head shaking laugh. :-\
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: GG on December 31, 2011, 05:32:41 AM


I don't object to the hand-painted psychedelic paint jobs, as long as they're done on phones that aren't historically important such as 1950 500s.  (Medical MJ doesn't make people do that; I have a couple of friends who use it, and one of them is about to get the all-clear for permanent remission from a brain tumor, which means he's cured.)

Re. 80-E, I personally like them, particularly the 2-line/2-hold version, 85-E, which is highly practical for normal use with two lines or with one line and intercom.

However, they had a few serious flaws:  One, paper facemats rather than proper faceplates (or alternately, put the digits under the finger-holes, like GPO 746, at which point paper facemats are OK because they're easy to reproduce without the alphanumerics on them).  Two, the flexible mounting brackets for the dials, which caused the dials to wiggle during dialing.  Three, the solid fingerwheels mounted with a single screw at the center, which make it impossible to use conventional number cards.  Fix those three things and you have a phone that's at least as good as the European phones of its era, with the best audio of anything that ever used a carbon mic. 

You can fix two out of three by simply coating the facemat front & back with clear "contact" self-adhesive plastic.  This prevents the facemat from getting damaged due to ambient dampness or liquid spills.  Trim the interior circle just a tiny bit smaller than the original dial hole, and it will also prevent the dial wiggling around during dialing.  For those pesky dial fingerwheels, use self-adhesive "contact" plastic in white or ivory, applied to the dial center and then trimmed to size with an X-acto blade. 

---

My idea of "hideous phones":

Go here: http://www.britishtelephones.com/identify/candle1.htm

Scroll down to look at some of those reproduction desk stands.  Eeee-yow!  Especially the 4th picture down on the left, and the 3rd one down on the right. 

Some of those use ITI (India) dials.  However the phones are not real ITI, which made a GPO 150 that is a correct version in the same sense as ITI's version of the 332 is correct: it's another country's adaptation of a widely-used design, built to telco specs. 

In general, repros that are all gaudy with excessive brass and gaudy decorative nonsense, and/or have proportions that bear no resemblance to the proportions of the thing they're trying to emulate, are what I consider hideous.  The 1970s Japanese repro desk stands were OK because they got the basic proportions correct and used quality parts.  The awful things on the linked page are awful because they look like they were designed by someone who was drinking on the job.  But even those aren't as horrid as some of the truly nasty creations we occasionally see on Ebay.

Oh, one more special nomination for hideous: the "wine glass" phone that uses the general configuration of a candlestick, and something that looks like a bottle for the base and a glass for the receiver.  That one is so bad it ought to be illegal. 

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bingster on December 31, 2011, 04:58:42 PM
RE: The turkey phone... Aren't the legs pointing the wrong way?  They seem to be for a turkey that walks upright.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: JubileeCompact on January 03, 2012, 05:42:55 PM
This works for me!

http://tinyurl.com/86gpk2b ( dead link 02-21-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bingster on January 03, 2012, 06:06:25 PM
The GPO tags are a nice touch.  ::)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: gpo706 on January 03, 2012, 07:53:27 PM
The GPO tags are the nicest thing about it, absolutely revolting.

Yuch!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on January 03, 2012, 08:42:53 PM
I do wonder why they (the manufacturers over there in the People's Republic) think that the GPO would have supplied such monstrosities, when they never did, just as they never suppliedWE500 (or similar) phones that seem to be branded as Steepletone GPO phones.... ???

I think the worst phone I've seen in person was a wooden wall-phone, well thought out, and laid out as it should have been, but, they slapped a push-button dial on it, added some chromed parts, including the bells, had RJ10 handset cords on a cheap plastic looking earpiece, it just looked wrong.... :o

I wish I got a picture of it, but it was early November and I was busy packing up for moving house, so the brain was too mushy to think... :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: GG on January 04, 2012, 12:03:43 AM


TwoCVbloke: just as well you didn't get a picture of it, your camera might have gone into shock. 

Bingster:   Yes that's the kind of thing I mean by "gaudy decorative nonsense" and it's a good thing we don't cuss on this board because I can think of a few other adjectives based on common 4-letter words.   Frankly downright sad, tragic even. 

I think the reason they all appropriate the GPO logos is because a) they're no longer an active trademark or copyright, and b) they suggest something high quality from the past.  Here in the US we see similar abuse of the Bell name. 

OTOH, has anyone seen any of the replicas produced by Conversation Pieces Ltd?  From their catalog pictures they appeared to be accurate enough to be acceptable (as in, replace the cords and dials with original material, and you can't tell the phone is a replica except on close inspection), and competently manufactured. 

There's also presently a replica of the 8746 (746 touchtone) presently being made, your choice of black or silver, that seems to be pretty competent.  It's basically the same as the red version on wheels that was produced for the car insurance advert some years ago, but minus the wheels and plus regular feet, and plus a dial number label holder.  Though of course I'd sooner have an actual 8746, if one would just turn up at a reasonable price from a seller who ships to the US. 



Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on January 04, 2012, 12:24:45 AM
Quote from: GG on January 04, 2012, 12:03:43 AMThere's also presently a replica of the 8746 (746 touchtone) presently being made, your choice of black or silver, that seems to be pretty competent.  It's basically the same as the red version on wheels that was produced for the car insurance advert some years ago, but minus the wheels and plus regular feet, and plus a dial number label holder.  Though of course I'd sooner have an actual 8746, if one would just turn up at a reasonable price from a seller who ships to the US. 

The 8746 was the model number for BT-modified 746 rotary phones that had been converted to the modern BT PSTN setup and fitted with 4k ohm ringers, the Pulse-dial Pushbutton model was the 756 or 8756, and the DTMF Pushbutton model was the 782 or 8782... :)

The repro GPO phones I think are made by Geemarc, and look pretty accurate, the "Mayfair" is styled to look like the 746, but has pushbuttons in a ring like the original dial, with * and # in the dial centre, and there's also the "Park Lane" which is the 782 version, as you described... :)

And they also make some nice looking Trimphones, confusingly named Trimline by some sellers on ebay, but Trimphones never really interested me, so, I'm not after one...  :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: old_stuff_hound on January 04, 2012, 06:12:19 PM
This one may be straying a bit off topic, but I saw this at Target today. I picked up the handset to look at it -- it weighs about the same as a paperclip. AND, there's a touchpad in it! Ugh.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: GG on January 06, 2012, 02:37:00 AM


Eeeek, that's the stuff of which nightmares are made.

And Bluetooth no less, for even worse audio, risk of eavesdropping at a larger distance than you would expect, and yet another battery to go dead at some point.

That particular Dreck-A-Phone doesn't even have the redeeming features of a poorly-executed 302 replica.  If extraterrestrials ever excavate our landfills for archaeology, they'll mark that one down as one of the signs of the tipping point into a new Dark Age. 
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: bingster on January 08, 2012, 02:38:50 AM
Speaking of replicas... Actually, this one's fairly accurate, so it may be inappropriate for this particular thread:

http://sell.lulusoso.com/selling-leads/71080/antique-telephone-set.html
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on January 08, 2012, 02:44:56 AM
The colour is hideous, so, I'd say it counts...  :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: GG on January 08, 2012, 04:08:08 AM


The color's not so bad, it's just odd for a D1.  If I'm not mistaken, our very own Kleenax made a phone for someone in that color.  Nice and sunny, good for kitchens or other rooms that are associated with bright daylight.   I'd be happy to see a Kleenax original of a WE 302 or AE 41 or GPO 332 in that color. 

Notice that the dial fingerstop resembles the one on a GPO dial.

And of course the obligatory 12-hole dial to accommodate the pesky * and #.

Someone here needs to bite the bullet and get one of those "fake rotary dial" phones just to see what kind of mechanism is in use there.  Is there a proper speed governor, or does it return with an immediate spin and a "thwack!" against the internal stop? 

In any case the overall shape of that one is pretty accurate for a D1 with F1 handset.  Thus better than a lot of the gaudy Dreck-A-Phones out there. 

---

I'd propose a rating system for these types of phones:

A:  Immediately recognizable as a replica of a specific type of historic phone.  Also should include well-thought-out imaginary designs that are "plausible" in terms of the design sensibilities of the relevant era, and are well-executed.  Crosley's versions of the 302 and 354 fit here, as do the better-quality 1970s Japanese desk stands, Telcer's 1980s replica AE 1A Monophone (with real rotary dial no less), and Pottery Barn's version of the Standard Electric European desk set.

B:  Similar enough to the real thing but with differences in shape.  Includes instances where the design elements of two or more phones of a given era are brought together in a manner that's not correct but is tolerable.  For example the replica WE 302 that used a handset similar to an AE 41 handset, and the one about a decade ago that looks like it was based on a Kellogg 1000 but has two buttons in the cradle and an odd rounded shape at the bottom of the sloped surface on the front.

C:  Poorly-designed replicas, where the shape is just wrong or exaggerated enough to look like the designer was slightly drunk on the job.

D:  Phones that claim to be retro designs but are implausible or impossible or just plain ugly.  This would include the Bluetooth handset monstrosity seen in a posting above.

F:  Phones that are basically like grade D above, but are festooned with Baroque or Victorian decorative complications that further compound the ugly factor.  Also includes phones that are truly horrid attempts at disguising them as something else, such as the "wine bottle & glass" in "candlestick" configuration.  The classic "phone-a-duck" fits in here but deserves a special place in history (and in H-ll) for being the example cited in the book _The Rape of Ma Bell_ as the tipping point to the Downfall.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on January 08, 2012, 04:18:54 AM
You know, I missed that bluetooth handset on that thing above, I knew they sold the handsets on their own on ebay (wired & bluetoothed), I guess they just had to add a base to sit the phone in... :o

Could have at least pictured the kit with one of those rotary dial apps on the phone's screen though... :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: GG on January 09, 2012, 05:57:42 AM


Egads, don't remind me. "Virtual" keypads on screens also get an F because they can't be used by people who are blind.  Totally flat and no tactile anything to help figure out where the digits are.  A.G. Bell himself, through his work with deaf people, started the industry on its road to universal accessibility, the Telephone Pioneers used to spend volunteer time building custom accessibility tech, and the "virtual" keypads are a complete derailment from that path. 
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on February 20, 2012, 01:19:03 PM
Gumball, shmumball... 

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/atq/2846780747.html (http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/atq/2846780747.html) ( dead link 02-21-21 )

QuoteRare Vintage Gumball Machine Telephone sold by Nieman Marcus - $200 (Lake Forest Park)

Date: 2012-02-18, 1:19PM PST
Reply to: tcbhf-2846780747@sale.craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

This is a fun piece of Americana, purchased from the Nieman Marcus Gift Catalog in 1980.
It is a combination working telephone and working gumball machine, with a red metal frame
and body, and plastic sides.

The paint is a glossy red in excellent condition, the plexiglass sides are clear and unmarked,
and the phone is in great shape as well; original owner. Through the years I have seen this phone
offered occasionally on eBay, and only with the square push-button dial pad, instead of the
classic, round rotary dial plate of this phone.

Pennies are not needed to operate the phone, only to get the gumballs out (or any fill-item to 3/4" diameter)
The phone worked well for years, but for storage reasons, the wall jack cord was cut off,
and will need to be rewired. This is a simple job and we would be willing to help buyer do that, if needed.

This phone was manufactured by Paul Nelson Industries.
It measure 6- 1/2" square and 17" high; approximately 12 lbs
This is a really fun collectible. Please email if you have further questions.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on February 20, 2012, 02:42:09 PM
I think that gumball phone is pretty neat for what it is, though I'd hate to be on the other end of the phone when the person using it starts chewing on some of the gum they just took out of the machine..... :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HarrySmith on May 17, 2012, 07:01:56 PM
Here is another one. Absolutely hideous 500! On eBay right now! Get your bids in quick!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190680545534 ( dead link 02-21-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on May 17, 2012, 08:26:15 PM
Yep, that qualifies..... :o

Why do people insist on plastering trinkets like that to poor innocent phones? They're only destroying the value of the phones, so they're losing out... ::)

And you've gotta love the "no rust on the base" in the description, despite the rust on the base in the pictures... :P
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: dsk on August 02, 2012, 10:46:38 AM
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-slOGPUZjap4/UBpWEu2QdqI/AAAAAAAAiuc/lGwoh7axIeg/s757/544604_10150985154329107_1187264652_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on August 02, 2012, 05:52:59 PM
No, those are Hideous Sheep....

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on August 02, 2012, 08:10:52 PM
They destroyed perfectly good handsets to make the hooves.

How sad, how so very sad that we have such demented "artists" in this world, and I use the word artist very loosely, very very loosely, indeed.

Now, how about a contest. How many coiled handset cords are used on those "things" . . . ?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on August 02, 2012, 08:24:55 PM
It's always ashame seeing a good phone turned into a lamb.

Larry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on August 02, 2012, 09:19:37 PM
Generally, art and destruction go hand in hand, what is art for one person is destruction for another... :-\
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on August 19, 2012, 02:04:16 PM
And they just keep on coming....

Not even a light on this one, that I can find at least. It does have wheeels though at least though I don't see a spare anywhere....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221106316534 ( dead link 02-21-21 )

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on August 19, 2012, 02:27:50 PM
All that comes to mind for that one is the letters W, T and F............ :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: DavePEI on August 19, 2012, 02:39:19 PM
Ahh, that's purdy! A phone on roller skates!  A truly mobile phone! It's even cordless  :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: gpo706 on August 20, 2012, 03:20:33 PM
Quote from: DavePEI on August 19, 2012, 02:39:19 PM
Ahh, that's purdy! A phone on roller skates!  A truly mobile phone! It's even cordless  :)

Its hideous isn't it, what on earth is it meant to be?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Russ Kirk on August 20, 2012, 05:08:10 PM
That some "artists" are dipping into their herbal medicines way too much.

Do they think they are that artist from the Beatles Yellow Submarine movie?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Submarine_(film)

Heinz Edelmann
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: gpo706 on August 26, 2012, 07:17:53 AM
VINTAGE RETRO VICTORIAN ART DECO ORNATE BRASS WOOD PHONE TELEPHONE ROTARY DIAL

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-RETRO-VICTORIAN-ART-DECO-ORNATE-BRASS-WOOD-PHONE-TELEPHONE-ROTARY-DIAL-/261056153373?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cc828c71d
( dead link 02-21-21 )

The table looks nicer than the phone.

YUCHHH
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: gpo706 on August 27, 2012, 01:08:50 PM
another two, get the sick bag out

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 01, 2012, 10:19:53 AM
Quote from: GG on January 04, 2012, 12:03:43 AM

There's also presently a replica of the 8746 (746 touchtone) presently being made, your choice of black or silver, that seems to be pretty competent.  It's basically the same as the red version on wheels that was produced for the car insurance advert some years ago, but minus the wheels and plus regular feet, and plus a dial number label holder.  Though of course I'd sooner have an actual 8746, if one would just turn up at a reasonable price from a seller who ships to the US. 

I've acquired a 'Direct Line' Geemarc version of a Tele. 8782.

The case mouldings are pretty good, the main differences are in the handset trasnmitter and receiver cups, and the pushbutton escutcheon plate is slightly wrongly shaped. It also omits the number card.

The hookswitch is, of course, vile, and the bells are awful. Two gongs inside but both at the same pitch.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 01, 2012, 10:20:50 AM
photo
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 01, 2012, 10:21:20 AM
photo
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 01, 2012, 10:21:51 AM
photo
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 01, 2012, 10:22:35 AM
photo
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 01, 2012, 10:22:58 AM
photo
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 01, 2012, 10:23:26 AM
photo - hookswitch mechanism
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 01, 2012, 10:23:46 AM
photo
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 01, 2012, 10:24:13 AM
photo
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 01, 2012, 10:24:36 AM
photo
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 01, 2012, 10:24:58 AM
photo
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 01, 2012, 10:25:23 AM
photo
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 01, 2012, 10:26:04 AM
photo
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on September 01, 2012, 10:44:14 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that an ITT/Cortelco (2)500 ringer assembly in there? :o

I'm impressed they didn't use the cheap bells like in my Steepletone and ProtelX phones... :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 01, 2012, 03:08:34 PM
Quote from: twocvbloke on September 01, 2012, 10:44:14 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that an ITT/Cortelco (2)500 ringer assembly in there? :o

It doesn't sound like an American ringer (like they sound on the TV) - maybe it's just badly adjusted. The gap between the clapper and the gongs sounds wrong so it goes ringddddddd rather than ringggggg

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: rdelius on September 01, 2012, 03:41:47 PM
It looks like an ITT Cortelco ringer to me also.I do not like these ball bearing ringers .Replaced one in a flea market 2500 set with an amplified handset I bought at the flea market today $5.00
They must not have paired the gongs corectly.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: gpo706 on September 01, 2012, 08:53:11 PM
It's the "Direct Line" insurance company prop, they must have had a batch made for customers or publicity.

Always wondered what was inside them, nothing much it seems.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on September 02, 2012, 12:12:08 AM
Quote from: Owain on September 01, 2012, 03:08:34 PMIt doesn't sound like an American ringer (like they sound on the TV) - maybe it's just badly adjusted. The gap between the clapper and the gongs sounds wrong so it goes ringddddddd rather than ringggggg

Well yeah, that's cos it's the ITT/Cortelco style ball-bearing chucker ringer, they never sound right compared to a proper original (2)500 ringer... :D

Shame there's not really enough room to retrofit a proper ringer in there, it'd take some modification to make one fit...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 02, 2012, 05:11:13 PM
Quote from: twocvbloke on September 02, 2012, 12:12:08 AM
Shame there's not really enough room to retrofit a proper ringer in there, it'd take some modification to make one fit...

I think there would be plenty of room to fit a GPO style ringer with 'flat' gongs. The dial PCB is a lot thinner than a rotary dial or a 782 press button unit.

But you can't make a bell ringer out of a boar's whatsit  and it would be a waste of a decent bell motor.

I could fix this inside though.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330783472900
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: dsk on September 03, 2012, 01:03:07 AM
At least it is a 2 gong ringer.
Putting in an older ringer will give another sound, but never the "exact right feeling", just because the resonance in the telephone itselves is different.

It seems to be one of the best at this thread.  :)

dsk
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on September 03, 2012, 03:00:16 AM
Quote from: Owain on September 02, 2012, 05:11:13 PM
I think there would be plenty of room to fit a GPO style ringer with 'flat' gongs. The dial PCB is a lot thinner than a rotary dial or a 782 press button unit.

But you can't make a bell ringer out of a boar's whatsit  and it would be a waste of a decent bell motor.

I could fix this inside though.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330783472900

I was thinking more of fitting it with a proper 500-type ringer, but that would take some modification to make it all fit in place...  :D

I'm thinking of getting myself a directline phone now, just so I can have a play with it's guts... ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 03, 2012, 05:26:26 AM
Quote from: twocvbloke on September 03, 2012, 03:00:16 AM
I'm thinking of getting myself a directline phone now, just so I can have a play with it's guts... ;D

It's a Geemarc Park Lane with added wheels ...

The Geemarc Mayfair is the 746 lookalike.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on September 03, 2012, 05:29:31 AM
Yeah, but you have to have the wheels, otherwise it's not a Direct Line phone... :D

Shame they didn't make it so that it had the old-style Direct Line horn, like they used to have:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YGlgZZx75s&t=6m39s

:D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on September 03, 2012, 12:49:53 PM
Now these phones are just vile!!! :o

Spotted in a shop in Newcastle Upon Tyne in the Eldon Square shopping centre.... :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Owain on September 03, 2012, 03:46:19 PM
way aye mon, I think I want to joomp oof the Tyne Bridge mon
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on September 03, 2012, 03:52:26 PM
Quote from: Owain on September 03, 2012, 03:46:19 PM
way aye mon, I think I want to joomp oof the Tyne Bridge mon

Hmm, a geordie-caribbean crossover, sounds wrong.... :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on September 09, 2012, 10:41:47 AM
Actually, not a hideous phone but one just missing something to make it a very nice '64 WE 500.

Unfortunately, seller claims to have done this to more than one phone. >:(

http://www.ebay.com/itm/160880346229 ( dead link 02-21-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: poplar1 on September 09, 2012, 01:19:52 PM
This may be '54 instead of '64, because of the suede feet and 3 mounting screws for the dial.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on September 09, 2012, 01:34:12 PM
Quote from: poplar1 on September 09, 2012, 01:19:52 PM
This may be '54 instead of '64, because of the suede feet and 3 mounting screws for the dial.

Zooming in on the pic of the side of the network, I'd have to say you're right, that is 6-54, not 6-64, so it's older than it was guessed to be...  :o

And yeah, that's an ugly modification, I'd prefer to have a dial blank, or a dial, not some cheap pound shop/dollar store clock shoved in the dial opening... :-\
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HarrySmith on September 09, 2012, 01:37:02 PM
Seems like a wasted talent. He did a great job of cleaning up the rest of the phone, looks real nice except for that "modification". Even the feet and the base look new! What a shame :(
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on September 09, 2012, 01:48:14 PM
Quote from: poplar1 on September 09, 2012, 01:19:52 PM
This may be '54 instead of '64, because of the suede feet and 3 mounting screws for the dial.

My error. I didn't blow up the network date, just looked like 64 to me at a glance. The suede feet give it away as being older. And the dial mount.

Being a '54, that would make the conversion an even greater crime. Can't wait to see what other phones he has "chopped" up.

At $5, a '54 dial and plate would seem to be all that is needed to restore the phone. Is it worth it?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on September 09, 2012, 02:28:20 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on September 09, 2012, 01:48:14 PMAt $5, a '54 dial and plate would seem to be all that is needed to restore the phone. Is it worth it?

It's tempting for me, and it's on the wrong side of the Atlantic... :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: rtp129495 on September 12, 2012, 01:42:46 PM
Posted elsewhere, forgot about this thread

My post:
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=7589.0

The attrocious Flav-a-flav clock C/D 500!!!:
http://tinyurl.com/8as394r ( dead link 02-21-21 )

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: McHeath on September 13, 2012, 10:06:01 AM
This phone is an easy salvage, new dial and bezel and it's good to go.  Seller did a nice cleanup job eh?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on September 13, 2012, 12:48:49 PM
Quote from: McHeath on September 13, 2012, 10:06:01 AM
This phone is an easy salvage, new dial and bezel and it's good to go.  Seller did a nice cleanup job eh?

I was thinking the same thing, it functions (as a phone) and is fully reversible, unlike those hideous phone lamps.  If I were to buy it, (I won't, shipping is too much as with most phones on ebay) I would ask if he still had the dial, but not like those are hard to find.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on September 13, 2012, 11:04:52 PM
I wonder what the purpose of leaving the set cord on it is? Maybe the clock is powered by 48 VDC! :)  Or incoming ringing voltage could charge a hidden battery to run the clock.

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on September 14, 2012, 12:24:10 AM
Quote from: AE_collector on September 13, 2012, 11:04:52 PM
I wonder what the purpose of leaving the set cord on it is?

Cos it's been wired up as a dialless phone perhaps? :D

Says so in the description...  :P

Though I guess where the seller comes from, they haven't got wristwatches, that's how I find out the time a call came through... :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on October 31, 2012, 01:58:05 PM
All I can say about this one is double-you tee eff??? :o

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/380499776388 ( dead link 02-21-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on November 02, 2012, 04:35:40 PM
At least you can see where that flowery thing gets it's er, "lineage" from... :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: gpo706 on November 19, 2012, 07:46:05 PM
Crystal set?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rotary-Phone-Classic-With-A-Twist-/110977786171?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item19d6caa13b
( dead link 02-21-21 )

"The classic twin bell ring phone, genuine old bt phone but with hours and hours of work to make it truly spectacular!!!! It has over 3000 crystals all added by hand... In good working order and a utterly bling tastic xxxx"

Only £80, probably covers the cost of the crystals...

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on November 19, 2012, 08:13:12 PM
Quote from: gpo706 on November 19, 2012, 07:46:05 PM
Crystal set?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rotary-Phone-Classic-With-A-Twist-/110977786171?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item19d6caa13b

"The classic twin bell ring phone, genuine old bt phone but with hours and hours of work to make it truly spectacular!!!! It has over 3000 crystals all added by hand... In good working order and a utterly bling tastic xxxx"

Only £80, probably covers the cost of the crystals...


Someone had WAY to much time on their hands and WAY to many spare crystals :D

Larry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on November 19, 2012, 08:23:11 PM
Beautiful....Simply Beautiful.......

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Dave F on November 19, 2012, 09:47:52 PM
Quote from: AE_collector on November 19, 2012, 08:23:11 PM
Beautiful....Simply Beautiful.......

Terry
Yes, it's lovely -- Almost as nice as Maureen's Picturephone.  Gee, I don't think I can afford both.  Hmmm, which would I really like to have?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on November 19, 2012, 09:52:16 PM
One of them is going to be more affordable than the other. Your Choice...

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 19, 2012, 10:09:52 PM
Call it ugly.... or call it the Liberace.  Just add a candleabra.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Dave F on November 19, 2012, 10:12:59 PM
Quote from: AE_collector on November 19, 2012, 09:52:16 PM
One of them is going to be more affordable than the other. Your Choice...

Terry
Boy, if it only was my choice.....!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on November 20, 2012, 02:46:35 AM
Quote from: gpo706 on November 19, 2012, 07:46:05 PM
Crystal set?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110977786171

Could be a new shiny prop for the Crystal Maze.... :D

Does make me wonder about the hookswitch though, given they've made the case slightly thicker with their shiny beads and glue, dos the hookswitch still operate? ???

Waste of a good 746R if you ask me... :-\
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HowardPgh on November 20, 2012, 11:39:57 AM
You need sunglasses to look at it.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on November 20, 2012, 11:55:02 AM
Quote from: HowardPgh on November 20, 2012, 11:39:57 AM
You need sunglasses to look at it.

And a bucket, to catch one's lunch on the way up......... :-X
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: George Knighton on November 25, 2012, 09:17:37 AM
Quote from: Dave F on November 19, 2012, 09:47:52 PM
Yes, it's lovely -- Almost as nice as Maureen's Picturephone.  Gee, I don't think I can afford both.  Hmmm, which would I really like to have?

Well, there's probably some interesting history.

Probably seized in the raid of a brothel in 1979.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: DavePEI on December 07, 2012, 12:40:35 AM
Quote from: LarryInMichigan on August 02, 2012, 08:24:55 PM
It's always ashame seeing a good phone turned into a lamb.

Larry
And it would also be a shame seeing a good lamb turned into a phone.

D.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Just4Phones on December 24, 2012, 06:50:56 PM
What is this creation???????

http://tinyurl.com/d79go9l ( dead link 02-21-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on December 24, 2012, 07:53:32 PM
Quote from: Just4Phones on December 24, 2012, 06:50:56 PM
What is this creation???????

http://tinyurl.com/d79go9l


An over-priced parts phone?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on December 24, 2012, 08:19:32 PM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on December 24, 2012, 07:53:32 PM
Quote from: Just4Phones on December 24, 2012, 06:50:56 PM
What is this creation???????

http://tinyurl.com/d79go9l


An over-priced parts phone?

And, $35 is a hefty parts phone shipping fee . . .

Okay, now I think I have this one figured out.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271126700916

It's a 12/21/12 post Myan apocalypse Pyramid 232 art deco impressionist creation for only $653 US, but may not ship to the US (in case if it's not there anymore?).
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on December 24, 2012, 11:10:10 PM
Quote from: Just4Phones on December 24, 2012, 06:50:56 PM
What is this creation???????

http://tinyurl.com/d79go9l


I am not sure but it looks like it has wheels. The mark of a quality phone in my books.

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on January 23, 2013, 12:35:03 PM
It speaks for itself.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261159166073 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/261159166073) ( dead link 02-21-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on January 23, 2013, 12:40:23 PM
At least if you strip it for parts, you have a nice piece of firewood to throw in the woodstove... :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: m1898 on January 23, 2013, 01:11:37 PM
Even us rednecks have more class than that. Maybe hillfolk?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: paul on January 23, 2013, 01:35:17 PM
According to the auction "This cool old phone was made by a lifelong phone company linesman worker who gave it as a gift to his friend who was also a phone company employee." Reading the card that came with it you can detect the satire about the Bell "decorator" phones of the early 70's. I assume "NTC" in the card is an independent phone company since the phone seems to be AE/GTE based on the dial.


Another picture adds to this:
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on January 23, 2013, 01:40:32 PM
Since it isn't injection molded plastic and appears to be a retirement gift spoof.....I think it is kind of neat! No valuable parts were wasted etc....

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on January 23, 2013, 03:18:56 PM
Quote from: twocvbloke on January 23, 2013, 12:40:23 PM
At least if you strip it for parts, you have a nice piece of firewood to throw in the woodstove... :D

Well, let's see here, there's an AE dial and hookswitch, a WE handset, a glass phone insulator, a bell from something much older, a network on the back side (can only see part of it) and the base is ?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on January 23, 2013, 04:12:16 PM
Quote from: Brinybay on January 23, 2013, 03:18:56 PMand the base is ?

Looks 500-ish, maybe a stromberg or Kellogg perhaps?  :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: poplar1 on January 23, 2013, 05:12:47 PM
The dial is North Electric. This is the early "easy to clean" version (NOT!).
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on February 12, 2013, 11:16:29 PM
This one made my head hurt.

Seller says, among other things, that "This thing is way too cool!"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281064564245 with a BIN at $74.00 plus $10.50 shipping.

Was this, or any part of this, ever a real phone? Created using select phone parts?

Item Description. "Description Offered for your consideration is a great old Alba Art Studio Cigar Lighter! It is shaped like an old rotary dial telephone, but built into the handset is a cigar lighter. You push the button on the receiver and the otherend heats up enough to light your stogie. And it is an electric clock with the dial like it would have been on a real telephone. It says "Timelite" on the clockface and the clock movement was made by Lanshire of Chicago. This thing is way too cool!  The original cord appers to have been replaced and is in good condition. The phone sits 5" wide, 6" deep and thehandset is about 7" long. The clock face, dial, clock hands and dial cover are pretty good but do have scratches and fading. The paint is in good condition with a few little dings from normal wear and use. Side of the case has a dent and crack  behind where the phone receiver sits "see pic of right side". Hard if not impossible to see in the pictures is a small piece of metal missing on the receiver where you light your cigar in between two of the holes. Most likely from heating many times. The originalAlba Art Studio plate is on the bottom w the clock setting knob is located.Your gonna love this item, even if you just set it in your office. It would make a fantastic decorative or conversation piece."

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on February 13, 2013, 12:29:51 AM
Quote from: TelePlay on February 12, 2013, 11:16:29 PM

Was this, or any part of this, ever a real phone?


I'm going to vote no, it looks like it was made that way.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on February 24, 2013, 08:19:04 PM
This one's just funny, nothing lost here, just funny . . .  :D

I wonder how the person using it would keep from sneezing?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170992294085

Starting bid asked was $9.99 plus $13.99 shipping and it did not sell.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: baldopeacock on February 25, 2013, 10:39:33 PM

That's not a phone.   It's a Tribble.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: DavePEI on February 25, 2013, 10:54:41 PM
Quote from: baldopeacock on February 25, 2013, 10:39:33 PM

That's not a phone.   It's a Tribble.
Can't be a tribble - tribbles are cute! Lets hope these don't multiply like tribbles!

Dave
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on February 25, 2013, 11:03:58 PM
Quote from: baldopeacock on February 25, 2013, 10:39:33 PM

That's not a phone.   It's a Tribble.

Nah, it's a cheap plastic phone that someone rammed into a tribble's behind....... :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Nick in Manitou on February 25, 2013, 11:51:25 PM
Bloke,

I have to admit, that made me chuckle.

Nick
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on February 26, 2013, 10:36:43 PM
So, twocvbloke, think there is a Tribble stuffing factory out there somewhere?  ;)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360604393832

This one must be fresher, it's starting asked bid is $19.99 plus $7.50 shipping.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Babybearjs on March 13, 2013, 02:15:10 AM
its not a lamp, but definetly an atrocity! this thing has been floating in cyberspace for the past 4 years... what do you guys think?? they want $150.00 for it.....
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on March 13, 2013, 02:20:57 AM
Quote from: Babybearjs on March 13, 2013, 02:15:10 AM
its not a lamp, but definetly an atrocity! this thing has been floating in cyberspace for the past 4 years... what do you guys think?? they want $150.00 for it.....

If they throw in a tin of paint stripper and drop the price by $140, maybe... :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on March 13, 2013, 12:11:56 PM
Quote from: Babybearjs on March 13, 2013, 02:15:10 AM
its not a lamp, but definetly an atrocity! this thing has been floating in cyberspace for the past 4 years... what do you guys think?? they want $150.00 for it.....

What do I think?  It's been floating around for 4 years, therefore, it's not really art if nobody likes it!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: wrangler64 on May 04, 2013, 12:24:54 AM
I think I found Barney the Dinosaur's phone
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on May 08, 2013, 03:13:17 PM
Here's a GPO 746 fitted with what looks to be a european dial of some description which sits very proud of the phone, seemingly over the top of the original dial ring, goodness knows how it's secured in place... :o

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151039283177
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: zaphod01 on May 25, 2013, 07:07:28 AM
Here is my dial blank Signal Corps TP-6-A 'toaster'.

It is 6 pounds of metal. You should hear this thing ring. It will wake the dead!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Nick in Manitou on May 25, 2013, 11:09:18 AM
There are those I am sure that think that these are beautiful, and I have one that I love.  But I really like it for its funky look...It looks like it weighs even more than it does.

My wife likes it too and thinks it looks like it would be a phone that came from Micky Mouse's house in Disneyland.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Mr. Bones on May 25, 2013, 01:51:31 PM
Personally,

     I always have liked the looks of the 'toasters', but, to each, their own. :D

Best regards!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HarrySmith on May 25, 2013, 03:11:50 PM
I like it ;D The dial blank is a cool look on it. I may have to put a blank on my Purple one!
If you have not seen it yet: http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=3028.msg53827#msg53827
Other "Toasters" there also.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Mr. Bones on May 25, 2013, 04:07:51 PM
Thanks to zaphod1, I have my very first toaster on the way here! Drool! :D

Best regards!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on May 28, 2013, 09:43:28 PM
The trouble with Tribbles, besides eating all the quadrotriticale grain if left on their own, is they turn grey and go bald on top and if well waxed, the dome beads up in a rain.

This sad one needed a smile (the second photo) to, to, to . . . oh, wait, it's a PHONE! :o

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360666233901
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HarrySmith on May 29, 2013, 12:46:30 PM
Thankfully it is not a collectible old phone that was destroyed ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on June 23, 2013, 06:52:43 PM
It's a "VERY RARE Antique Brass Art Nouveau Hollywood Style Ornate Telephone early 1900" and the seller says the phone is "Marked with Toshiba."

BIN: $750

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171064506746

Edit - . . . and still available by way of its 4th relisting on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171076381172
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on July 21, 2013, 06:48:22 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on June 23, 2013, 06:52:43 PM
It's a "VERY RARE Antique Brass Art Nouveau Hollywood Style Ornate Telephone early 1900" and the seller says the phone is "Marked with Toshiba."

BIN: $750

Changed to a 7 day auction with the asked opening bid set at $599.00. That should make a difference.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171079916000
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on July 21, 2013, 07:13:26 PM
They are heavy and with the price of scrap metal these days, you may only be out $590 plus shipping on it.

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on August 25, 2013, 06:27:15 PM
Don't think this is or ever was a WE stock item, but I may be wrong. Just trying to imagine the what the other 3 phones look like - a black dial on a white shell with a red handset and a yellow cord for example?

In a way, it's an eye catching color scheme, not really hideous, but that's about it other than being an interesting parts phone. At least the seller is being somewhat honest in a very optimistic way with respect to its value.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261272514796
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Adam on August 25, 2013, 10:40:26 PM
Interesting combinations.  To my eye, black goes with red, and black goes with yellow, but the whole thing together doesn't go.  A much better body color would be aqua blue, it would go much better with both the yellow and red.

I think this combination with my teal blue 500 is much nicer.  Just threw this together for fun.  My patriotic phone.  :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on September 03, 2013, 02:37:50 AM
Sit down before scrolling down to the photos!




OMG, what have they done?




Key system collectors, beware, this is not good.




6th degree burns and for what? It was a phone, now it's a




"Wild & Wacky OUTSIDER ART The Coolest MELTED TELEPHONE hand-made Sculpture!"




And it can be yours for only $175.00 BIN with FREE shipping, to boot . . .




http://www.ebay.com/itm/141052586580





You've been warned, now here comes the body, well, what's left of it  . . .


Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Mr. Bones on September 03, 2013, 09:55:44 AM
Oh, Dear!

     That is, indeed, a shame... :o

Best regards!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: dsk on September 03, 2013, 10:50:04 AM
Quote from: TelePlay on June 23, 2013, 06:52:43 PM
It's a "VERY RARE Antique Brass Art Nouveau Hollywood Style Ornate Telephone early 1900" and the seller says the phone is "Marked with Toshiba."

BIN: $750

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171064506746

Edit - . . . and still available by way of its 4th relisting on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171076381172


Its re-listed again!
And the seller has several other phones.

dsk
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on September 03, 2013, 12:50:04 PM
Well I just have to have one of those :(

Has anyone called the Coroner?

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Russ Kirk on September 03, 2013, 01:34:33 PM
Obituary for the melted phone.

Western Electric 565HK,  fondly called 565 by his close friends,  Not much was known about 565's early life.  In his later life he was sought out by avid collectors that had a special place reserved in their collections.

565 met an untimely demise when he met a demented pyromaniac in a hidden garage late one evening.  The pyromaniac had a blow torch and several cans of horrid spray paint.

Alas, ole 565 was born October 1965 and only 47 years 11 months old when he died.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Adam on September 03, 2013, 02:01:48 PM
I agree, a shame, but it was just black, not a particularly rare set.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on September 07, 2013, 10:17:49 PM
About 4 decades too early.

Quote1930's solid brass antique rotary phone - $75 (tacoma)

In working condition, our research has told us that it came from at New York motel lobby. Weighs 13 lbs. and stands 41 inches tall.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on September 08, 2013, 01:47:22 AM
From not a New York HOTEL Lobby but a from the rare New York MOTEL lobby! And I don't think it was a Motel in New York City but possibly it was in Hicksville New York. I guess it stood right between the Gumball Machine and the Ice Machine. They weren't a big enough Motel to have a Payphone so a cheap "Made in China" Pedestal Phone had to do!

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on September 08, 2013, 02:35:04 AM
Quote from: AE_Collector on September 08, 2013, 01:47:22 AMFrom not a New York HOTEL Lobby but a from the rare New York MOTEL lobby! And I don't think it was a Motel in New York City but possibly it was in Hicksville New York.

The "stump" (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1351.msg103482#msg103482) version seems tp be worth lot more to that phone's seller . . .   ;)

Could it be that maybe that was indeed the NY "hotel" version?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on September 08, 2013, 04:28:15 AM
BIN for $330 plus $62 shipping, really?

Posting this for posterity because it's right up there with the Dali Lobster phone that started this topic, sort of . . .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121172671431

Listed by the seller, with an apparently funky shift key, as a

"VinTagE ReTrO SpacE AgE PuRpLe TelceR BOBO phone Kartell PantoN PoP ABBA"

with a description of

BEAUTIFUL & VERY RARE VinTagE ReTrO SpacE AgE PuRpLe TelceR BOBO phone Kartell PantoN PoP ABBA HURRY UP!!! Observations: It is a beautiful and very rare vintage retro purple telephone Telcer Bobo . DESIGNED BY SERGIO TODESCHINI c.1969 MADE IN ITALY. ABBA CAN BE SEEN POSING WITH 2 "BOBO" PHONES FOR THE COVER SHOT OF THEIR 1973 HIT 'RING RING' It has two very small cracks but does not affect and working normally i tested this. Great for people who collect these vintage retro telephones. I do not ever seen this color model and NEVER SEEN ON EBAY BEFORE AND WILL NEVER BE SEEN AGAIN!!! It is chance for this price get it quickly and added for your collection!!! Condition: It is very good aged but it has two very small cracks but not affect and has one difference color down of the front metal from the years maybe or shine, working normally!!

Now, it seems to be that the ABBA photo of them with 2 phones was either an inside cover or pull out photo from the album, not the cover itself. So, that makes it worth $330 plus $62 shipping to the US from Greece for a cracked, cheap plastic phone? What am I missing here?  :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on September 08, 2013, 04:55:02 AM
Okay, maybe I half don't get it. Maybe it's an ABBA thing. And a slightly different album photo.

This sharper blue BoBo sold for $180 plus $75 shipping from Australia this past July and that seller described it as BOBO by TELCER of Italy. Always associated with ABBA this Iconic BOBO telephone will RING RING (sorry couldn't help myself) on Incoming calls, makes Outgoing calls and has Transmission and Reception. So that is to say in Telephone Talk - This Beautiful Blue BOBO works..!! After over 30 years in use it does possess some pitting of the chrome but this of course could be re-plated. The body of the Telephone also has a couple of small nicks but no cracks or deep scratches. This is one I have owned for many years . . .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141016849029

Who knew? Seems ABBA sells like WE does .  . .
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on September 08, 2013, 12:05:41 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on September 08, 2013, 04:28:15 AM
with a description of

BEAUTIFUL & VERY RARE

Yes "Beautiful" was my first thought as well......
well, right after "Knockoff of Northern Telecom's "Alexander Graham Plane"
but...maybe I am wrong, maybe Nortel stole his idea and improved upon it.

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on September 12, 2013, 06:53:01 PM
Quote from: AE_Collector on September 08, 2013, 12:05:41 PMYes "Beautiful" was my first thought as well...... well, right after "Knockoff of Northern Telecom's "Alexander Graham Plane" but...maybe I am wrong, maybe Nortel stole his idea and improved upon it.

As a comparison to the BoBo phone above and for the forum record, "Ze Plane! Ze Plane!" at

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190899829904

or otherwise known as the  "Great Vintage Alexander Graham Northern Telecom Rotary Dial Airplane Telephone Phone" which can be yours for at least $65 plus $19 in shipping. A steal!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on September 21, 2013, 08:40:08 AM
They want $525 for this?!?!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROTARY-DIAL-TELEPHONE-TRANSFORMED-SCULPTURE-WORKING-MOD-/360123462029
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: paul on September 21, 2013, 11:22:23 PM
$525 and it's not even Western Electric!  ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on September 23, 2013, 05:38:58 PM
On the 11th picture, yes, it is worth 59 cents :P
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: GeneGenie on September 26, 2013, 09:45:05 AM
That's a recent addition to my collection. It might not look as hideous as some weird looking phones people were posting but it kind of looks a bit silly, it's part of BT Special Range, which consists mostly of novelty phones including Rondo, Empress, Padua, etc. Here is a video of it ringing that I made: http://youtu.be/21-5dmhWaS0
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Russ Kirk on September 26, 2013, 10:34:51 AM
What does S and M stand for in place of the star and pound?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: GeneGenie on September 26, 2013, 10:46:01 AM
S is the Silent button - it mutes the microphone and M is for memory, it redials the last number.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on September 26, 2013, 12:39:30 PM
That is an annoying ring! Almost sounds like a little tiny AC buzzer...is it, or is it electronic?

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: GeneGenie on September 26, 2013, 01:08:33 PM
It's just got a small internal buzzer :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: gpo706 on September 26, 2013, 02:57:57 PM
I think your Eiger looks quite smart actually
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: GeneGenie on September 26, 2013, 06:12:50 PM
Maybe it looks but it doesn't feel that - it's made of weird texture and due to time passed it's gone very grubby but glad you like it :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 02, 2013, 07:07:23 PM
It's been a while since something new in the hideous category hit eBay but one did just that today.

Actually, I think it actually may be an improvement over the color shown on the base photo (except for those of you who like that shade of green) but it's still certainly a hideous when sitting as used.

Seller even gets it right in the listing title as "One of a Kind Ugliest GE Touch Tone Phone in the World!" but then asks for $1,000.00 BIN and generously offers Free Shipping which includes delivery confirmation and insurance . . .  ;)

Only 23 minutes left to go in the auction so look for a re-list.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380735573013

You can see all 58 hideous phones in this topic  -> Here <- (http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/library/Hideous%20Phones)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on November 02, 2013, 09:06:32 PM
The cords look useable!

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: paul-f on November 03, 2013, 07:49:09 PM
There have certainly been uglier decoration jobs done.  This phone appears to be "cordless!"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151153787156 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/151153787156)
( dead link 05-10-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 10, 2013, 09:27:23 AM
We've seen these before but this one is proof positive that they do grow and must be taken to a barber/salon occasionally to keep them from becoming a Tribble.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171170125373
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 10, 2013, 02:45:03 PM
Terry, I hope you are sitting down!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181237000073

Seller listed it as an "Art Deco Melted Phone Black With Base and Wires Great Conversation Piece" at $14 plus $13 shipping, and it didn't sell. You missed it! Well, watch for the relist.

The seller said "I know very little about this phone. I do know it's an older phone. It has the old rotary wheel, and has it's wires hardwired to the phone. I am not the original owner, it did not come from a house fire I know of. I'm not even sure it was in a house fire. The bottom  of the phone seems undamaged (see pictures). Makes a great conversation piece, was lovinly called "The Salvador Dali Phone". No kidding, on all of that . . .

(The number card was added with PhotoShop for effect)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on November 10, 2013, 03:08:26 PM
September 1965 AE 80. At least it doesn't look as though it had a ringer in it.

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on November 10, 2013, 03:43:17 PM
I can remember when sticking empty crisp ("potato chips" to those across the pond) packets in the oven to shrink them was all the rage, doesn't work on phones though, just turns them into an ugly mess... :-\

I wonder how people would react if someone were to melt the soon to be released Playstation 4 or Xbox One? You'd probably end up receiving hate mail and letterbombs or whatever the electronic equivalent is today... :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on November 10, 2013, 09:28:58 PM
I will have some minerals with my crisps please...

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on November 10, 2013, 09:37:02 PM
euh... if i had this kind of telephone,........I don,t know :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 14, 2013, 10:43:29 PM
Price tag on the bottom of this "NEW" phone says $135.00. Okay, so it's marked down to at least $35 on eBay, if it sells. Looks like a cake.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271322014706

Seller listed it as "Handpainted Push Button Telephone Art Work" and claims "This very cool phone is working and beautiful. Very colorful and fun for everyone. Looks like art work. Price on the bottom says $135.00. Great gift. Think it may be new but not sure. "
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on November 14, 2013, 11:48:41 PM
It looks like a painter threw up on it! :o I wonder what color it originally was...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on November 15, 2013, 12:01:19 PM
me too but I suppose that this phone has been sanded before painting.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: flhusa1 on November 19, 2013, 07:50:27 PM
i think this is the worst by far i have seen. no wonder nobody has bid on it on ebay.


Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on November 20, 2013, 03:12:30 PM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
I'm not much of a fan for Automatic Electric, but...
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Matilo Telephones on November 20, 2013, 03:40:23 PM
The fingerstop looks still usable.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on November 20, 2013, 03:46:18 PM
Quote from: Matilo Telephones on November 20, 2013, 03:40:23 PM
The fingerstop looks still usable.

And maybe the feet...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 20, 2013, 10:12:48 PM
Quote from: flhusa1 on November 19, 2013, 07:50:27 PM
i think this is the worst by far i have seen. no wonder nobody has bid on it on ebay.


I'm assuming you saw this phone when it was first listed in this topic, with all of the pictures from eBay, to create a record, to fully document the results of what one may seriously consider as criminal behavior?

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1351.msg111328#msg111328
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WesternElectricBen on November 20, 2013, 10:49:22 PM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on November 14, 2013, 11:48:41 PM
It looks like a painter threw up on it! :o I wonder what color it originally was...

"For only 35.00 USD you can have the anxious feeling on the true color.. Open it up!"
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 23, 2013, 03:46:54 PM
Quote from: flhusa1 on November 19, 2013, 07:50:27 PM
i think this is the worst by far i have seen. no wonder nobody has bid on it on ebay.


And now it's on sale at $10.65! What a deal for an original art-deco conversation piece! Won't last long at that price!  ::)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171170810773
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Matilo Telephones on November 25, 2013, 06:08:04 AM
Look here for a major contributor to this subject:

http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/PhoneAlicious ( dead link 05-10-21 )

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on November 25, 2013, 09:02:53 AM
People think that looks good?? They look like someone drank a few colourful cocktails and vomited over their phone, so mush messy colour that just looks ugly!! :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on November 25, 2013, 11:06:06 AM
I agree
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Matilo Telephones on November 25, 2013, 11:50:52 AM
Have you seen the prices? Over 100 euro for this one.

It seems to me that more people may be interested in making these than there are actually wanting to buy one.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on November 25, 2013, 11:54:58 AM
My opinion is : too much money for this ugly phone...I saw one at the effigy of Lady gaga on Facebook but the link is forgotten
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 25, 2013, 08:59:19 PM
Couldn't decide which one of those phones to use as the prime exhibit of that insanity from this "artist" so put the collage below of his/her/their work at the -> CRPF Hideous Phones <- (http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af121/CRPF/Hideous%20Phones/49-72/063_zps71e5363b.jpg) library.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: m1898 on November 26, 2013, 12:24:33 PM
One person's art is another's trash. These are trash.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on November 26, 2013, 12:32:30 PM
Exact. It takes all the normal beauty of a phone and it is not cute at all

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Matilo Telephones on November 28, 2013, 06:07:25 AM
Arab? Indian?

Custum home made job? Anybody recognize the dial?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on December 13, 2013, 08:41:34 PM
It's a painted, not swirled, AE. More photos at the link, while it lasts. Starting bid asked is $50.00 plus $17.75 shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Swirl-Painted-1950s-Telephone-/231115990185
( dead link 06-16-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Matilo Telephones on December 14, 2013, 02:30:55 AM
Wow, quite a hippy Phone. Pity the colors of the body and handset do not match. I wonder how they got that effect.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on December 14, 2013, 06:00:32 AM
Looks like it's been painted by use of swirl painting, basically put, you paint the phone with primer, you have a tank of water onto which you slosh a load of oil-based dye or paint on the water's surface, then swirl it about a bit to create some pretty pattens, then dip the parts in, lift the out and admire your work... :)

Doesn't always look good though, some people can go a bit overboard with how many colours they use, like with this phone... :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on December 14, 2013, 07:08:31 AM
Burn it!!! Burn it before it exists any longer!!! :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on December 14, 2013, 09:20:51 AM
beurrrrrrrrrrk !  I won't tell you what I think about this crazy.... lady gaga.. This is not all the world who likes this kind of decoration, there is nothing pretty in it, this is my own opinion ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on December 14, 2013, 10:43:53 AM
The "Hideous Phone" collection is now up to 67 phones. You can see them all in the order they were found right  --> Here <-- (http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/library/Hideous%20Phones)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on December 14, 2013, 04:41:08 PM
Make that 68 with this gem just listed on eBay for $72.25 BIN with free shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/310820057178
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Matilo Telephones on December 14, 2013, 05:04:01 PM
I have absolutely no doubt that there are people who are willing to pay that for this phone.

But it surely is one for the Hideous catalogue.


Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: old_stuff_hound on December 14, 2013, 07:26:02 PM
Quote from: twocvbloke on December 14, 2013, 07:08:31 AM
Burn it!!! Burn it before it exists any longer!!! :o

Nuke it from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on December 15, 2013, 01:41:22 AM
Quote from: Matilo Telephones on December 14, 2013, 05:04:01 PM
I have absolutely no doubt that there are people who are willing to pay that for this phone. But it surely is one for the Hideous catalogue.

For the record, this is how it works.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: tallguy58 on December 15, 2013, 07:53:05 AM
Here's the same phone minus the rhinestones for $19.

http://gadget.brando.com/super-model-telephone_p01152c038d00.html
( dead link 05-10-21 )

Y'know....for $19, it's awfully tempting.

Lets put it this way, stick this phone in amongst your others and everyone will notice it!

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on December 15, 2013, 07:57:40 AM
Just don't hang it on the wall or it'll start sagging over time... :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Matilo Telephones on December 15, 2013, 08:16:42 AM
I collect red telephones, so I probably can justify buying it to the wife.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on December 15, 2013, 10:52:03 AM
I only have 4 red phones, they're too pricey to buy cos people buy them and pretend they have a direct line to the leaders of whatever country they live in... :D

That said, I like green phones myself, but I will buy whatever's cheapest, so long as it appeals to me... :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on December 15, 2013, 11:01:56 AM
Beleive or not,many people have very fertile imagination.:D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on December 15, 2013, 11:05:28 AM
Quote from: Contempra on December 15, 2013, 11:01:56 AM
Beleive or not,many people have very fertile imagination.:D


Yep, and we don't have to buy boobphones... :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on December 15, 2013, 11:06:42 AM
hahaha yes twocvbloke
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on December 15, 2013, 11:56:15 AM
Quote from: tallguy58 on December 15, 2013, 07:53:05 AM
Here's the same phone minus the rhinestones for $19.

Okay, that's good information. Now we know the price of rhinestones, in this quantity, is $53.25 . . .  :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on December 15, 2013, 08:49:06 PM
Quote from: tallguy58 on December 15, 2013, 07:53:05 AM
Here's the same phone minus the rhinestones for $19.

http://gadget.brando.com/super-model-telephone_p01152c038d00.html
( dead link 05-10-21 )

Y'know....for $19, it's awfully tempting.

How much for the same phone minus the rhinestones AND minus the phone?

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: DavePEI on December 15, 2013, 08:50:40 PM
Good thing it isn't a payphone. Where would you insert the coins?  :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on December 15, 2013, 08:51:19 PM
Quote from: AE_Collector on December 15, 2013, 08:49:06 PMHow much forthe same phone minus the rhinestones AND minus the phone?

Terry

$18.99, wiring is included free of charge... :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on December 15, 2013, 08:52:26 PM
Quote from: DavePEI on December 15, 2013, 08:50:40 PM
Good thing it isn't a payphone. Where would you insert the coins?  :)

In the slot provided... ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on December 15, 2013, 09:25:35 PM
Quote from: twocvbloke on December 15, 2013, 08:52:26 PM
Quote from: DavePEI on December 15, 2013, 08:50:40 PM
Good thing it isn't a payphone. Where would you insert the coins?  :)

In the slot provided... ;D

:)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: GeneGenie on January 06, 2014, 11:18:13 AM
Someone has just listed that on eBay ( http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Retro-Modern-Phone-/271365366231 ). What on Earth is that? A phone partially made of glass? Not sure if it's supposed to be used as a phone or as a saucer! Also, notice the "lamp" switch at the back, presumably it lights when you turn it on?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on January 06, 2014, 11:26:56 AM
Reminds me of an ashtray.... ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on January 06, 2014, 11:42:25 AM
this telephone is not so hideous :D but at least you can choose TONE or PULSE..I have some phones with pulsation and they take a couple secondes for dialing the number and they are more hideous than this telephone :).......Anyway a phone is a phone and this thing can save your life ;).

Here's a link about he Columbia telephone : http://www.columbiatelephone.com/index-2.html (http://www.columbiatelephone.com/index-2.html)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: GeneGenie on January 06, 2014, 11:52:22 AM
I like pulse dialling phones, they're more fun! I don't think I have a single phone that supports tone dialling, perhaps I ought to get one in case I need to call emergency services.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on January 06, 2014, 12:09:22 PM
Quote from: GeneGenie on January 06, 2014, 11:52:22 AM
I like pulse dialling phones, they're more fun! I don't think I have a single phone that supports tone dialling, perhaps I ought to get one in case I need to call emergency services.

I've no idea if you have a touch-tone line but I agree with you for certain things... I like pulse dialling  phones because I have 3 and they're old and I like the antique phone or simply old phones.. I use a touch-tone and a rotary on a daily basis . my touch-tone is used because I have a Voicemail...otherwise I use my old rotary for the feeling :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on January 06, 2014, 02:04:29 PM
All telephone lines in the UK are touchtone, with pulse-dialling still being available on most lines (though it's all electronic, and often is very picky and phones have to be dead on 10pps or it's no-go!!), and yes, a push-button pulse-dialling phone is slower than touchtone to dial, but not that much slower than a rotary dial... :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: poplar1 on January 06, 2014, 03:15:14 PM
Quote from: twocvbloke on January 06, 2014, 02:04:29 PM
All telephone lines in the UK are touchtone, with pulse-dialling still being available on most lines (though it's all electronic, and often is very picky and phones have to be dead on 10pps or it's no-go!!), and yes, a push-button pulse-dialling phone is slower than touchtone to dial, but not that much slower than a rotary dial... :)

If the pushbutton DP phone is 10 pps, then how is it slower than a rotary dial? In fact, it may be a bit faster because the interdigit time is fixed, whereas on a rotary dial, the interdigit time is longer before dialing a large number such as 9 or 0.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on January 06, 2014, 03:18:10 PM
Quote from: twocvbloke on January 06, 2014, 02:04:29 PM
All telephone lines in the UK are touchtone, with pulse-dialling still being available on most lines (though it's all electronic, and often is very picky and phones have to be dead on 10pps or it's no-go!!), and yes, a push-button pulse-dialling phone is slower than touchtone to dial, but not that much slower than a rotary dial... :)


My chance !.. all my old electronic phones by Emerson and Radio Shacks have 10 pps and 20 pps and all stay on 20 pps
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on January 06, 2014, 03:21:16 PM
Quote from: poplar1 on January 06, 2014, 03:15:14 PMIf the pushbutton DP phone is 10 pps, then how is it slower than a rotary dial? In fact, it may be a bit faster because the interdigit time is fixed, whereas on a rotary dial, the interdigit time is longer before dialing a large number such as 9 or 0.

Seems I made an error, I meant to say "not much faster", my mind's a bit here and there cos I'm fiddling with computers that don't want to behave... ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on January 06, 2014, 03:28:14 PM
anyway, its much faster to 20 pps than 10 pps  ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on January 06, 2014, 03:41:49 PM
True, but not all phones have 20pps dialling available... :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on January 06, 2014, 05:58:48 PM
Quote from: twocvbloke on January 06, 2014, 03:41:49 PM
True, but not all phones have 20pps dialling available... :)


Exact  twocvbloke :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on January 09, 2014, 09:09:54 PM
Yes, it is re-listed, just now, within the past hour!  And at a the bargain (sale?) price of $9.99 BIN plus $13.37 shipping.

First posted in this topic at http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1351.msg111328#msg111328

and up for sale, again, on eBay at http://www.ebay.com/181298846712 in a 30 day auction which may or may not end early  ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on February 19, 2014, 08:48:27 PM
Quote from: GeneGenie on January 06, 2014, 11:18:13 AM
What on Earth is that?

Another one just came up on eBay and I kind of like it. It looks much better in white. If someone needed a cheap Pacific rim touch tone that would blend into (meet feng shui standards) a setting, this would work. Not classic, not rotary, really cheap, but if it works, it looks good - art deco meets the silicon chip. Not nearly as "hideous" as the black one posted a bit earlier.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261403185733
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on February 19, 2014, 09:22:50 PM
Getting back on topic, Hideous Phones, this has got to be in the top 10 ever. WECOS?

Seller listed it as an "Antique Telephone Lamp" with the description saying a "Very cool old lamp with rotary style phone.  The lamp works.  The black knob on the base of the lamp controls how bright you want the light.  The phone does not get a dial tone.  It is in need of a good cleaning."

It's a 7 day eBay auction starting at $89 or BIN for $119, but is comes with free shipping . . .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251455209053
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Bridie on April 01, 2014, 09:28:07 AM
Yuck.  http://etsy.me/1heLGsg

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Nick in Manitou on April 01, 2014, 09:43:45 AM
Bridie, I think that phone fits the topic title very well!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on April 01, 2014, 09:56:50 AM
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on April 01, 2014, 09:43:45 AM
Bridie, I think that phone fits the topic title very well!


Less than the others  Nick, I see some more hideous lowest in this thread..anyways
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on June 01, 2014, 11:35:09 AM
We've seen these before "intentionally" melted as phones #54 and #61 (http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/library/Hideous%20Phones/49-72) in this topic, but this is the first one that was truly melted in a fire, and being offered on eBay in a 7 day auction starting at $39.99 plus $25.10 shipping from Canada.

Since it seems to have not been intentionally destroyed, it doesn't belong in this topic but is here for comparison to the other two "works of art" that have been posted.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Black-Rotary-Phone-Melted-in-Fire-Monophone-Automatic-Electric-Canada-/151316279823
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on June 01, 2014, 07:33:28 PM
I have a feeling that dial might be a little stuck... ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: persido on June 30, 2014, 02:32:14 PM
Anyone like chickens?

http://tinyurl.com/nc5dd6a ( dead link 05-10-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: BDM on June 30, 2014, 06:41:16 PM
 :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Babybearjs on July 01, 2014, 02:56:31 AM
I don't know why people try to sell these things... the melted phone is just downright stupid... throw it away! as for the country phone... no thanks.... wrong décor... there are so many of these "ugly" phones out there that people have "personalized" why can't they just keep them!??
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on July 01, 2014, 03:31:12 AM
Devil's advocate:


Although the decoupaged phone is definitely not my taste either, it would seem that this seller is at least getting hard-wired phones out into the hands of the public, albeit kind of pricey, but I guess that is the price for the value-added artistic flair. 

Maybe decoupaging a phone is not much different than having one repainted in a standard Bell System color.  Either way, the original has been modified.

Hopefully they don't decoupage a 1949 500, or an early mushroom phone.  Better to sell one of those to a collector.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WesternElectricBen on July 01, 2014, 12:32:46 PM
That phones matches my friends wallpaper in his kitchen.


Ben
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Babybearjs on July 17, 2014, 03:48:33 PM
well, heres another hideous phone.... someone wrecked a perfectly good 302 again!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WesternElectricBen on July 17, 2014, 04:05:46 PM
I just don't get why they would paint over the light bulb covers?

Ben
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: poplar1 on July 17, 2014, 04:23:52 PM
Quote from: WesternElectricBen on July 17, 2014, 04:05:46 PM
I just don't get why they would paint over the light bulb covers?

Ben

Maybe not painted over.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171388929672
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WesternElectricBen on July 17, 2014, 04:32:45 PM
Hmmm.. Tinted or something, regardless I still don't understand why they would do that?

Ben
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: rdelius on July 17, 2014, 04:45:08 PM
They could have mounted neon bulbs in the holders to indicate the line was ringing. The switch might have been a ringer shut off. Have seen modified telephones on stages at theaters and radio station use
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: poplar1 on July 17, 2014, 04:54:00 PM
Switch is a Melco single-line hold unit.
Lamps are wired in parallel, but only one lamp visible in pictures.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Babybearjs on July 17, 2014, 11:50:05 PM
and you are the seller??
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: poplar1 on July 18, 2014, 12:06:16 AM
Seller is in  Ohio--not me. I just happened to find the listing. It would be helpful if you would  include a link to the ebay listing or at least the item number, rather than just a photo, as a courtesy to others who may not want to search through 11,671 listings to find it.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on July 19, 2014, 02:54:00 AM
Ugh!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171390916441

----------------------

EDIT:The discussion that took on a life of its own after this "ugly" phone was posted has been split off and move to its own topic (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=12349.0).
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on July 23, 2014, 09:05:00 PM
Quote from: Babybearjs on July 17, 2014, 03:48:33 PM
well, heres another hideous phone.... someone wrecked a perfectly good 302 again!

As an FYI for posterity on this phone (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1351.msg129754#msg129754), the auction attracted 5 bidders (http://www.ebay.com/itm/171388929672) and sold on Jul 21, 2014 for $49.67 plus $13.70 shipping
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: New England Tel. on July 27, 2014, 10:41:03 AM
Isn't this an awful thing?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321471286384

---------------

EDIT:  photo added, also, FTR: BIN $19.99 plus $10 shipping
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WesternElectricBen on July 27, 2014, 12:30:12 PM
In the state it is right now, but it's not that rare of a phone.

If it was wood, it would actually be pretty cool, if the casing was well done and the plastics were nicely shined.

Ben
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on July 27, 2014, 12:57:44 PM
With the recent few additions, the library has been updated and all phones submitted to date can be see at this link (http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/library/Hideous%20Phones)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on August 03, 2014, 06:05:53 PM
Words just can't begin to explain this one . . .

. . . but it can be yours for BIN $90 plus $15 shipping.

Vintage-BLACK-PINK-Rotary-Dial-Desk-Phone-Western-Electric-1967-Rare-retro (http://www.ebay.com/itm/251605157800)

Seller says "Vintage unusual Bell Western Electric C/D 500 telephone with an formed? Cover? With Black and pink stripes has some damage on the back side very neat telephone Please see pictures and ask all questions prior to bidding."
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: New England Tel. on August 03, 2014, 08:21:47 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on August 03, 2014, 06:05:53 PM
Words just can't begin to explain this one . . .

You can say that again!

Quote from: TelePlay
. . . but it can be yours for BIN $90 plus $15 shipping.

Sure, if they pay me that, I'll take it off their hands!   ;D

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on August 03, 2014, 09:20:58 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on August 03, 2014, 06:05:53 PM
Words just can't begin to explain this one . . .
...how about disgustingly repulsive? ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Dennis Markham on August 03, 2014, 09:28:16 PM
Perhaps a Cincinnati Bengals fan would like a phone to match the helmet.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on August 22, 2014, 07:48:18 AM
I think this phone (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=12485.msg131406#msg131406) qualifies for this category . . .
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on August 22, 2014, 10:03:37 AM
Quote from: TelePlay on August 22, 2014, 07:48:18 AM
I think this phone (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=12485.msg131406#msg131406) qualifies for this category . . .
You could cut it off of that plate and weld it to a WE stick base, make it a midget candlestick!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on October 21, 2014, 12:52:44 AM
In time for Halloween!


https://www.etsy.com/listing/84692943/ (https://www.etsy.com/listing/84692943/)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on October 21, 2014, 02:04:04 AM
That has to be the ugliest design I've seen on a GPO 746, the creator should be sent to bed with no supper!! :o

Looking at some of their other designs though, yeesh, everybody needs to buy up all the unmolested phones and prevent that travesty happening to them... :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 08, 2014, 10:11:11 AM
A different pattern on the same theme made in 1998: "Bug Catching and Breeding Telephone."

I am very familiar with how shag carpeting turns out after a few years of use, I wonder what this phone would look like after a few years, or does one just through it in the washer for a cycle or two to keep it "good as new."

Deva-Corded-Feathered-Telephone (http://www.ebay.com/itm/221599128285)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HarrySmith on November 08, 2014, 02:25:54 PM
At least they are using new "junk" phones, not destroying old, real collectible phones ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 09, 2014, 08:48:30 AM
And then these is this one thanks to a heads up from Doug Rose in a separate topic on the forum.

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=13020.0
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Babybearjs on November 16, 2014, 02:15:39 AM
OMG! now, I've seen everything.... who would do this to a telephone? if you obtained this, how would you restore it?? I'm not sure, but steaming looks like an option!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Kenton K on November 16, 2014, 02:21:20 AM
I would buy it, give it to a fellow phone collector just to see his reaction.


Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on November 16, 2014, 03:35:53 AM
Quote from: Babybearjs on November 16, 2014, 02:15:39 AMhow would you restore it??

Take it apart, soak the affected parts in soapy water, wait 'til the glue is softened, then peel off the cr@p until everything's removed, then give it a wash... :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: unbeldi on November 16, 2014, 08:48:16 AM
Quote from: Babybearjs on November 16, 2014, 02:15:39 AM
OMG! now, I've seen everything.... who would do this to a telephone? if you obtained this, how would you restore it?? I'm not sure, but steaming looks like an option!

Why would anyone want to "restore" it?
What is the purpose of that?  Someone spend time and created something, in their view, artistic, and it has just as much right to exist as anything else.  There are plenty of other phones you can "restore".
If it were your kid's art class project, would you still wash it all off ?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 16, 2014, 10:05:15 AM
I kind of like the end result (and the number card is interesting), even though it's still a phone that fits this topic.

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=13079.msg137432#msg137432

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on November 16, 2014, 11:03:37 AM
Quote from: unbeldi on November 16, 2014, 08:48:16 AMWhy would anyone want to "restore" it?

Same reason they'd restore anything else, it's about the phone's originality, not the Blue Peter artwork with sticky back plastic and newspaper (see Youtube for an explanation)... :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Fabius on November 16, 2014, 11:38:13 AM
It just screams STEAMPUNK!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Sargeguy on November 16, 2014, 11:41:55 AM
How are you supposed to answer the phone with out impaling your palm on the antlers?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Kenton K on November 16, 2014, 11:57:36 AM
That's just part of the experience!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 16, 2014, 01:32:14 PM
Quote from: Sargeguy on November 16, 2014, 11:41:55 AM
How are you supposed to answer the phone with out impaling your palm on the antlers?

It probably isn't meant to be used.  No cords. 
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WesternElectricBen on November 16, 2014, 01:36:50 PM
Remember, it's "artwork."

Ben
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: JimH on November 16, 2014, 01:38:13 PM
You never know...it could be a 1937 Yale Blue or Medium Brown original 302 with a seamless handset just waiting to be uncovered!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 16, 2014, 02:04:12 PM
Quote from: WesternElectricBen on November 16, 2014, 01:36:50 PM
Remember, it's "artwork."

Ben

It's what my wife and I call "Artsy Fartsy"
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on November 16, 2014, 03:40:11 PM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on November 16, 2014, 02:04:12 PMIt's what my wife and I call "Artsy Fartsy"

What I call it isn't suitable for this forum... ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Babybearjs on November 18, 2014, 04:30:23 AM
got you guys going...now, because it could have been someones art project, would you leave it as-is and replace the cords, and get a dial tone out of it.... or what? this is the first time I've ever seen a 302 redone this way.... after restoring so many of these and seeing how beautiful the actual phone really is.... I'm not sure what I would do.... do you think someone who owned a restaurant, who has a "antique" and "Vintage" interior would buy something like this to show off? or even have in use at the cash register?   its an interesting piece none the less....
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 18, 2014, 05:15:06 AM
Quote from: Babybearjs on November 18, 2014, 04:30:23 AMwould you leave it as-is and replace the cords, and get a dial tone out of it....

This is assuming all the internals are there and complete, and in working order. And you still have the problem of picking up the handset without hurting it, or oneself, when the phone "rings," of course. Could need a lot more than cords. Interior pictures would be nice.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on November 18, 2014, 10:31:36 AM
Quote from: Babybearjs on November 16, 2014, 02:15:39 AM
OMG! now, I've seen everything.... who would do this to a telephone? if you obtained this, how would you restore it?? I'm not sure, but steaming looks like an option!


Uh!,.. What is this thing? esssssssshhh!....Why do decorate a beautiful piece like this phone in a horror ??...It's a crime for me...If I had this phone, I defer to the original this phone as it should be..Of course, this is my own opinion . ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 18, 2014, 12:26:12 PM
I would turn it into a subset.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: baldopeacock on December 02, 2014, 04:21:55 PM
EDIT:  split off from Lamp Phone Atrocities and merged into Hideous Phones - and therefore, no longer off topic

-----------------------------------------------

Off-topic?  It's an atrocity done to a phone, but not a lamp this time.   

This is a Halloween "Telemarketer" costume, or at least it's claimed to be on the blog where I ran across it.   One of the phones on the guy's head sure looks like it has a thick, gray coiled handset cord and the center of the fingerwheel's open (extremely).   

Kinda looks like a Mediterranean Blue 500, doesn't it?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on December 04, 2014, 12:52:30 PM
Maybe he tried to sell it as a regular phone and nobody bid on it, so he decopaged it in the hopes of getting more out of it as a piece of art.  In fact, I was considering doing the same thing with my 5300 series phone before it sold.  Luckily a guy named Ben bought my phone.  He saved you guys from talking about a decopaged 5302!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Kenton K on December 04, 2014, 01:51:43 PM
Although not wallpapered. I met a guy who took 500 color sets and mixed up all the color components. He had some ten phones which became rainbow telephones! Then he sold them all.  :'(

Kk
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Babybearjs on December 05, 2014, 04:56:19 AM
The phone relisted @ $9.99....any takers??
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on December 05, 2014, 05:16:04 AM
If they offer free postage to the UK, maybe... ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: tallguy58 on December 05, 2014, 01:00:32 PM
Link??
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Babybearjs on December 06, 2014, 01:02:17 PM
...ebay...collectables, "R", Telephones, 1940-1969, "decopaged"
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on December 06, 2014, 02:15:52 PM
Quote from: Babybearjs on December 06, 2014, 01:02:17 PM
...ebay...collectables, "R", Telephones, 1940-1969, "decopaged"

I couldn't find it.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on December 06, 2014, 02:23:15 PM
Helps to spell "decoupaged" correctly with the U in it... ;D

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281515756056
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on December 06, 2014, 03:26:04 PM
Thanks, and it has 2 bids. $9.99 plus shipping so far.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on December 12, 2014, 08:24:49 PM
It sold for $9.99.  Exactly $1 more than my working WE 5300 series phone!  I knew I should've gutted the thing, sold all the working parts separately and decoupaged it!  Actually, I'm just frustrated that it sold for more than my phone.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on January 03, 2015, 02:53:31 PM
The phone in Reply #418 reminded me of something, but I couldn't figure out what until I saw an episode of the TV show Star Trek.  It looks like a tribble!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: twocvbloke on February 14, 2015, 08:22:26 AM
I was in B&Q the other day (like Home Depot across the pond, just not as useful and full of chinese tat) and happened to pass their telephone wiring section, and noticed they seem to be stocking the cheap copies there now... ::)

The first one is a GPO 162 clone (the 232 has a drawer in the base, this clone doesn't) which surprisingly had a rather heavy handset which felt like metal, but everything else felt cheap & nasty, especially that dial, doesn't sit right with me at all, and the price, £72....... :o

http://www.diy.com/departments/gpo-classic-corded-rotary-telephone/578059_BQ.prd

And the second phone, a WE Princess-style phone with a pushbutton dial, and a handset so crudely made it didn't sit right in the cradle, it just rocked back & forth (rocking in the cradle? There's a joke somewhere there!!), and it's apparently a GPO phone too, priced at £34... ???

http://www.diy.com/departments/gpo-retro-corded-rotary-telephone/578060_BQ.prd

Couldn't look at the bases of the phones, presumably they're bolted down to stop people walking off with them, why anyone would want to do so though I have no idea... ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on February 14, 2015, 12:56:10 PM
That last one has something called a mock rotary dial.  It is a push button phone, but the buttons are round and arranged in a circular fashion to make it look somewhat like a rotary dial.  They will even include a finger stop to further enhance the illusion.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on February 14, 2015, 02:18:22 PM
Quote from: andre_janew on February 14, 2015, 12:56:10 PM
That last one has something called a mock rotary dial.  It is a push button phone, but the buttons are round and arranged in a circular fashion to make it look somewhat like a rotary dial.  They will even include a finger stop to further enhance the illusion.

Yeah, those push-button "retro-style" phones make me nauseous. 
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on February 15, 2015, 08:46:59 AM
Just listed, this one hurts my eyes. To each his own, I guess. Good thing only one photo was posted, (lessens the hurt).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hand-Painted-Telephone-Western-Electric-/131429917483
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on February 15, 2015, 01:52:55 PM
According to the seller, this phone works.  It isn't just a work of art like that 302 we saw earlier.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on February 27, 2015, 07:35:26 PM
If it rang, could you find it? To me, it seems like a well done camouflage job . . . , but not worth the $150 BIN plus $12 shipping, maybe?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Retro-hand-decorated-decoupaged-rotary-phone-art-deco-/221702905633

The seller has at least 7 of these for sale, each at $150, and from the lack of cords, none of them working (handset holes are covered up, anyway).
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: NorthernElectric on February 28, 2015, 09:30:53 AM
Well, I sort of like this 302 with a groovy paint job, but thought others might not.

My apologies if anyone else spotted this and posted it already, but 29 pages of posts in this thread is too much to read for this newbie.   :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on February 28, 2015, 12:42:08 PM
This following link has also been posted at the top of the first post of this topic for easy finding, as the pages of this topic grow.

http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/library/Hideous%20Phones
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: paul-f on April 06, 2015, 02:27:42 PM
From the TCI Listserv.  From the thumbnail on ebay, I thought it might have been a variant of the Patio Phone set.

  http://www.ebay.com/itm/400773122591 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/400773122591)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: baldopeacock on April 06, 2015, 05:21:12 PM
That's an uncommon microwave antenna.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on April 23, 2015, 08:03:29 AM
Seller claims this frankenphone is not a reproduction and wants a BIN $460 plus shipping. Looks like the dial and the receiver came from the same repro stick.

"Antique Wall Phone with Hand Crank - Definitely Not A Reproduction"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Wall-Phone-with-Hand-Crank-Definitely-Not-A-Reproduction-/251931013054
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on April 23, 2015, 08:35:24 AM
That same transmitter is on Doug's GEC stick, or the triangle on it is, at least.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: rdelius on April 23, 2015, 03:12:44 PM
That connector is an English one.I suspect the fingerwheel is a Indian one on a later plastic version of a #12 dial.rec looks like indian fake to me also.Union Telephone transmitter, parts from everywhere
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Rokumoncat on April 28, 2015, 12:01:43 PM
This makes me either want to laugh or hurl... not sure which.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on April 28, 2015, 12:05:30 PM
Quote from: Rokumoncat on April 28, 2015, 12:01:43 PM
This makes me either want to laugh or hurl... not sure which.
Is there a way to do both? :P
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on June 14, 2015, 07:54:59 PM
Seems to need a haircut and a shave . . .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-dyr-Pink-Fuzzy-Furry-Telephone-WORKS-097-02-1897-/331582530656
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on June 14, 2015, 09:31:52 PM
This has to be what you end up with when you cross a tribble with a phone!  (only Star Trek fans will understand this comment!)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on June 20, 2015, 05:10:19 PM
Now, this is something not seen in this topic to date. And it already has one bid. Might be hideous, as a phone to some, a neo-classical to others. What is that saying, one person's trash is anther's treasure, something like that. It does have a 4 prong line cord plug so maybe it's old, older, not quite new, all of the above.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Orange-Rotary-Telephone-Made-In-Japan-/311385853391
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on June 20, 2015, 10:50:21 PM
I think there was a discussion about this model in the past. Seems to me that there were A LOT of colors available. Maybe it was in the decorator phones area.

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: paul-f on June 21, 2015, 09:16:40 AM
Quote from: TelePlay on June 20, 2015, 05:10:19 PM
Now, this is something not seen in this topic to date. And it already has one bid. Might be hideous, as a phone to some, a neo-classical to others. What is that saying, one person's trash is anther's treasure, something like that. It does have a 4 prong line cord plug so maybe it's old, older, not quite new, all of the above.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Orange-Rotary-Telephone-Made-In-Japan-/311385853391 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Orange-Rotary-Telephone-Made-In-Japan-/311385853391)

Obviously, some of us don't consider it a hideous telephone!   ;)

It's well covered here:
   http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=8767.msg94135#msg94135 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=8767.msg94135#msg94135)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on June 21, 2015, 10:23:18 AM
Probably not quite as hideous as the WE 500 with the AE Spacemaker swivel dial!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on June 21, 2015, 10:26:27 AM
Quote from: paul-f on June 21, 2015, 09:16:40 AM
Obviously, some of us don't consider it a hideous telephone!   ;)

Paul, thanks for the link. Having never "collected" them, had no idea of such a topic existed or even how to search for it.

I agree it's not hideous hideous (cute in an interesting sort of way) but it seems to be ergonomically challenged. How does one dial? Put a finger in a hole and begin to turn only to have the phone fall backward a bit and miss-dial? Or is there a 20 pound lead weight in the phone base to keep it "anchored" to whatever it is sitting on? A push button version, if there even is one, would be even more of a problem that way. Or does one have to hold the phone down or pick it up to dial? Curious minds want to know . . .  ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: paul-f on June 21, 2015, 11:53:53 AM
The phone weighs about 4 pounds, which is apparently heavy enough to make one-handed dialing possible.

There is also a fold out tab on the bottom, which can be used to provide a bit more stability, if desired.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on September 04, 2015, 11:52:57 AM
Here's a painted phone with a lot of stickers:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271901836310 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/271901836310)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on October 26, 2015, 08:44:59 AM
It's been about two months since the last discovery so it's about time for another, I guess . . .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Coquette-Black-white-Zebra-brass-rotary-phone-With-Cameo-Rare-Design-/121797792322

This one is attractive, but in a hideous sort of way.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on October 26, 2015, 01:40:43 PM
It's been a dreary day.  I needed a laugh, thanks.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Tech&Music on October 29, 2015, 09:34:55 PM
Classy or kitschy? I find these German Onyx phones to be way over the top. What phone needs a pillar?! And the other one is just a slap of gemstone with phone parts put on it!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on October 30, 2015, 04:19:08 PM
I've always thought that people who put their phone on a pillar have a high regard for it.  Other than that I have no idea!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Tech&Music on November 01, 2015, 04:38:04 AM
Some more downright awful phones.


Crappy plastic skull phone. Even as a Halloween decoration, that would just be too ugly.


This ugly hunk of plastic was designed by Dutch designer Jan des Bouvrie. It was also available in silver and red, and in a DECT format.


Now the third one could have been nice, but either it's a repro, or it's been upgraded to touchtones (there were these round modules with touch tone keys for PTT T65 rotary phones, the keys do look like that). Either way, with those keys sticking out like that, it's just ugly. And it would be kind of uncomfortable to enter in numbers, I'd imagine.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 22, 2015, 09:32:37 AM
Strange "clash of time periods" phone - the convenience of a TT pad but the inconvenience of a two piece stick. I guess $50 with free shipping from India is about right. And, the seller claims it as new but the gold finish on the receiver and perch looks less than new, at least to me, or is it just a reflection in an uneven surface?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-VINTAGE-LOOK-BLACK-BRASS-CANDLESTICK-TELEPHONE-PUSH-BUTTTON-PHONE-/262154662300
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on November 24, 2015, 07:09:55 PM
I've noticed that they usually use round buttons and put them in a circle and call it a mock rotary phone.   I've always wondered why they did it that way when making replicas of older phones.  I think I now have my answer!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Buzby on December 18, 2015, 08:36:24 PM
Apologies if this has turned up before, but this is a sure-fire cure for phoneitis.

(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/hdwAAOSw8-tWYOV3/s-l1600.jpg)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BOZO-PHONE-WORKS-/221968222043?hash=item33ae56475b:g:hdwAAOSw8-tWYOV3 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BOZO-PHONE-WORKS-/221968222043?hash=item33ae56475b:g:hdwAAOSw8-tWYOV3)

Image saved below for posterity.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on December 18, 2015, 08:44:32 PM
Well it is painfully obvious that good taste covers the earth.   :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: NorthernElectric on December 18, 2015, 08:57:37 PM
What are you supposed to do with that?  Talk into one giant clown foot and listen in the other?   ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on December 18, 2015, 09:05:51 PM
I remember seeing another Bozo phone here not too long ago and the feet were abit low for the positioning of the microphone.  :-[
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on December 19, 2015, 07:52:43 AM
Quote from: 19and41 on December 18, 2015, 09:05:51 PM
I remember seeing another Bozo phone here not too long ago and the feet were abit low for the positioning of the microphone.  :-[

No buts about that . . .
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on December 19, 2015, 08:51:13 AM
Now, a nice Bozo laugh would be appropriate here.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on December 19, 2015, 12:40:50 PM
What "Bozo" designed that silly phone! They were probably just "clowning around" in the design studios that day......

(Somebody que the Rim Shot)

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on December 19, 2015, 05:31:40 PM
Seriously, how does one hold this phone when using it? The fattest part of the phone is between the receiver and transmitter, the place one would normally hold a handset. Does one hold it by the legs, which I doubt would be comfortable. Either way, isn't it strange to have the mounting cord sticking up toward the user's mouth when holding the phone for use?

I've never had one, much less seen one - I would guess from that most antique stores do have some standards in place.

Right now they are on eBay ranging in price from $5 to $125 plus shipping. They have recently sold for about $10. An empty box sold for $25 and a phone in original box with documentation sold for $40, not that anyone really care - just added for posterity.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Buzby on December 27, 2015, 09:10:49 PM
I've worked out what the trouble with tribbles is. Sometimes they decide to be phones.

Victorian-Desk-Phone-Push-Button-Pink (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Victorian-Desk-Phone-Push-Button-Pink-/221974118066?hash=item33aeb03eb2:g:xc4AAOSwiLdWCc5H)
( dead link 05-21-21 )

What kind of person would give that houseroom???

Pic below for posterity.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on December 28, 2015, 12:24:07 AM
That one should come with a bottle of claritin.  :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: paul-f on December 28, 2015, 11:15:22 AM
Brings back fond memories from my youth.

About the time that phone was probably made, the style and color were popular for feminine boudoir attire.

Of course, the effect was much more pleasing on a twenty-something female form.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on December 31, 2015, 10:26:10 AM
Quote from: Buzby on December 27, 2015, 09:10:49 PM
I've worked out what the trouble with tribbles is. Sometimes they decide to be phones.

That one did not sell, the same fate as this one I would guess. Fluff plus more . . .

This one, in that line of fuzzy phones, comes with a rug. I've seem a lot of these tribble-type phones but I think this is the first one I've seen with the handset and base covered with fur. It may just be me but I don't think I'd want to use that phone given the prime breeding area for who knows what between calls after even one use. And how many uses would it take to mat that handset fur down to something that would look like 70's shag carpeting in 2016?

At $50, it should come with 2 bottles of Claritin.

RARE Faith Kinght Hollywood Princess Pink Phone Design Vintage Barbie Real Fur (http://www.ebay.com/itm/281897807809)

EDIT: I was wrong, there are many such phones with the entire handset covered in fur.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Melanie W. on January 03, 2016, 10:29:21 AM
This one caught my eye today...why??  And ouch!  I have caught lobster off Marathon Key and know you don't want to hold a Spiny Lobster without a glove.  Renders this phone unfunctional so the "look" is the only thing going for it, and for $548!


http://r.ebay.com/5toylR
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on January 03, 2016, 11:19:32 AM
I don't think that's a real lobster.  I think it may be a plastic replica of one.  However,  it may just authentic enough to be as spiny as the real thing!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on January 03, 2016, 11:30:05 AM
Quote from: Melanie W. on January 03, 2016, 10:29:21 AM
This one caught my eye today...why??  And ouch!  I have caught lobster off Marathon Key and know you don't want to hold a Spiny Lobster without a glove.  Renders this phone unfunctional so the "look" is the only thing going for it, and for $548!

That is the contemporary version of the Salvador Dali GPO Lobster phone that did garner big bucks just because it was a Dali. The design has been duplicated since then but this is the first I've seen on a contemporary phone, IIRC.

This Dali phone is "THE" phone that started this topic back in 2009. Just the link was posted so I added a screen capture to the first post today for posterity. The link still worked after 6 years, that itself is unusual.

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1351.msg17210#msg17210

Most of the phones (not quite up to date) can be found in this 4 album gallery

http://s1000.photobucket.com/user/CRPF/library/Hideous%20Phones

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Buzby on January 09, 2016, 10:09:31 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on December 31, 2015, 10:26:10 AM
Quote from: Buzby on December 27, 2015, 09:10:49 PM
I've worked out what the trouble with tribbles is. Sometimes they decide to be phones.

That one did not sell, the same fate as this one I would guess. Fluff plus more . . .

This one, in that line of fuzzy phones, comes with a rug. I've seem a lot of these tribble-type phones but I think this is the first one I've seen with the handset and base covered with fur. It may just be me but I don't think I'd want to use that phone given the prime breeding area for who knows what between calls after even one use. And how many uses would it take to mat that handset fur down to something that would look like 70's shag carpeting in 2016?

At $50, it should come with 2 bottles of Claritin.

RARE Faith Kinght Hollywood Princess Pink Phone Design Vintage Barbie Real Fur (http://www.ebay.com/itm/281897807809)

EDIT: I was wrong, there are many such phones with the entire handset covered in fur.

This one is just about to not sell again. Or perhaps the phones bred to produce a whole new brood.

Don't get 'em wet or feed them after midnight.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on February 25, 2016, 04:37:53 AM
This may be a first for this topic, a fuzzy Trimline, or maybe not.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-White-Princess-Trim-Line-Push-Button-Phone-Bling-/262306409873
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on February 25, 2016, 08:09:59 AM
It looks like a Rat if you blurr your eyes! :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Fabius on February 28, 2016, 11:00:15 PM
Groovy!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Phonesrfun on February 28, 2016, 11:32:39 PM
Funky.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on February 28, 2016, 11:55:28 PM
Sickening.

:o ::)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on February 29, 2016, 12:52:03 AM
Obviously a WesternOmatic Electric model 340......

Why do these wild paint jobs so often wind up on phones half from one manufacturer and half from another!

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on March 06, 2016, 02:15:46 PM
wouah sickening !...hello to all. ( off-topic )yes i'm not often online. Sorry the health of my wife is the first thing i pass before internet .. ..bye to all.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on March 06, 2016, 03:25:36 PM
Oh, sorry to hear of your wife's health problems Denis. Take care of her and check in here when you have the time, we understand.

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on March 06, 2016, 04:03:12 PM
Quote from: AE_Collector on March 06, 2016, 03:25:36 PM
Oh, sorry to hear of your wife's health problems Denis. Take care of her and check in here when you have the time, we understand.

Terry


Thank you Terry. see you soon
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on April 08, 2016, 04:38:11 AM
This one is listed on eBay.

Old-Art-Deco-Metal-Figural-Telephone-Lamp-w-Cigarette-Lighter-Clock-New-York (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Old-Art-Deco-Metal-Figural-Telephone-Lamp-w-Cigarette-Lighter-Clock-New-York-/331825785265)

"This old metal art deco lamp/clock/cigarette lighter telephone is quite a decorative piece with the original accordion clover shaped metal shade. It sits nearly 18" tall with the original finial, and the phone itself is 5 1/8" wide at the front tapering to 3 3/8" on the back. The phone is 6 1/4" deep. The shade is 11" in diameter with 2" thick bands. The casting is in excellent condition with no cracks or breaks. It is marked 'The Trea-Boye Corp Brooklyn N.Y.' The speckled white paint is in very good condition with just a small bit of wear on the receiver. The cigarette lighter located in the receiver does work. The lamp does work and the cord is in good shape. However the post and socket needs tightening. Also the clock does not work. Fixable by replacing the clock. An awesome lamp combination. Ca. 1950s. Good luck!"
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on April 08, 2016, 08:50:23 AM
Mighty nice!  No telephones were harmed in the creation of that piece!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AL_as_needed on May 08, 2016, 07:23:06 PM
A must have custom phone at a custom price! It works to boot.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rotary-Dial-Working-Phone-/152053749695?hash=item23671c17bf:g:eiUAAOSwf-VWUTEq
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on May 08, 2016, 09:17:48 PM
Wow, if you look up OMG in the Funk & Wagnalls dictionary, you will see a photo of this phone.

Makes me want to put together a poll for hideous phone of the year except I have a feeling we have the winner here.

I really wonder who, where and why (which might also go to answer who) would or could do something like this, and for what purpose?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on May 08, 2016, 09:35:12 PM
If I were a hermit crab, that would be my ideal phone.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AL_as_needed on May 08, 2016, 09:36:46 PM
Now under all that is a phone that could be saved, granted they only glued things to the surface without poking holes in anything. But the price! Good lord  :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: unbeldi on May 08, 2016, 09:48:52 PM
Quote from: AL_as_needed on May 08, 2016, 09:36:46 PM
Now under all that is a phone that could be saved, granted they only glued things to the surface without poking holes in anything. But the price! Good lord  :o

Saved for what?  or for when?

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on May 09, 2016, 07:34:49 AM
What else can be said . . .  ah-choooo!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on May 09, 2016, 08:13:28 AM
Hmm...  A Tribble-line.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AL_as_needed on May 09, 2016, 09:01:11 AM
Ah so that's where my uncle Rob's toupee went to.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: b3tamax11 on June 08, 2016, 04:36:54 PM
More of a Frankenphone than an ugly phone, but this AE handset on a 302 looks pretty weird

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-ART-DECO-TABLE-TELEPHONE-NO-RESERVE-/391473264831
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on June 08, 2016, 04:47:23 PM
A little like a dog with square ears.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on June 08, 2016, 05:45:51 PM
I saw a dog like that on a car commercial on TV!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on June 13, 2016, 10:11:31 PM
Thought this phone was posted already but couldn't find it, so here it is . . .   OUCH!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNIQUE-DEER-ANTLER-TELEPHONE-CABIN-HOME-DEN-DECOR-PHONE-HUNTING-/231978160184
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on June 13, 2016, 11:24:26 PM
That looks a lot safer than that horn that was Fred Flintstone's receiver.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Fabius on June 14, 2016, 10:21:13 AM
Quote from: 19and41 on June 13, 2016, 11:24:26 PM
That looks a lot safer than that horn that was Fred Flintstone's receiver.
Flintstone phones.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on June 14, 2016, 11:59:05 AM
The brown Rock Bell Phones are the most valuable.  This is because the brown rock from which such phones were carved was extremely hard and most difficult to carve. 
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: b3tamax11 on June 14, 2016, 01:08:44 PM
I don't know whats worse, the fact that someone made this or that they want $130 for it
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 14, 2016, 02:57:03 PM
Quote from: Fabius on June 14, 2016, 10:21:13 AM
Flintstone phones.

5 digit because that was where #'s ended.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on June 14, 2016, 03:28:13 PM
Love this site! even Education on cartoon telephones!  ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: compubit on June 15, 2016, 07:12:45 AM
Quote from: Jim S. on June 14, 2016, 02:57:03 PM
5 digit because that was where #'s ended.
But it appears that the Rubbles had a newer phone - it looks like Betty's phone has 6 holes in the finger wheel!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Fabius on June 15, 2016, 09:50:52 AM
Payphone
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on June 15, 2016, 11:51:33 AM
Quote from: b3tamax11 on June 14, 2016, 01:08:44 PM
I don't know whats worse, the fact that someone made this or that they want $130 for it

I can't say but i'll never buy a telephone like i see in the image...And paying $130 . no thanks ..
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on June 15, 2016, 02:01:59 PM
I guess you'd have to be a die hard fan to want that TB&J phone.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 15, 2016, 07:20:12 PM
Quote from: compubit on June 15, 2016, 07:12:45 AM
But it appears that the Rubbles had a newer phone - it looks like Betty's phone has 6 holes in the finger wheel!

Cool, Now we can date it. When did the sixth number come into use?

Jim S.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on June 15, 2016, 08:41:15 PM
Quote from: Jim S. on June 15, 2016, 07:20:12 PM
Cool, Now we can date it. When did the sixth number come into use?

Jim S.

About the same time Wilma grew another finger on her left hand.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Fabius on June 15, 2016, 08:44:36 PM
Quote from: Jim S. on June 15, 2016, 07:20:12 PM
Cool, Now we can date it. When did the sixth number come into use?

Jim S.

According to the Encyclopaedia Rockannica  23,000 BC
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on June 16, 2016, 02:18:28 AM
That change from 5 digits to 6 digits must have provided a lot of employment in the CO's. Changing phone numbers from 5 to 6 digits in length is NOTHING compared to adding another level to every Strowger switch bank and lengthening the shafts etc in every switch in every CO. Wow.......

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: b3tamax11 on June 24, 2016, 02:47:04 PM
This has to be the wierdest idea ive ever seen.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on June 24, 2016, 02:53:45 PM
Decycled.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on June 24, 2016, 03:35:29 PM
ChChChChia...Phone.

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on July 03, 2016, 11:34:28 AM
Quote from: AL_as_needed on May 08, 2016, 07:23:06 PM
A must have custom phone at a custom price! It works to boot.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rotary-Dial-Working-Phone-/152053749695?hash=item23671c17bf:g:eiUAAOSwf-VWUTEq

And you can still do it at a bargain price. It's still available at a lower price and now with free shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rotary-Dial-Working-Phone-/162124705657
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on July 03, 2016, 11:48:35 AM
Quote from: TelePlay on July 03, 2016, 11:34:28 AM
And you can still do it at a bargain price. It's still available at a lower price and now with free shipping.

It looks like it was made of "whatever-you-can-get-for-a-token" prizes at Chuck E Cheese! ::)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on July 03, 2016, 12:08:03 PM
Gee, I discounted that one when it first appeared!  ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on July 16, 2016, 12:53:58 PM
Up for view is this old not WE but AE crafted with a small paint brush and several different paints. Fast, cheap and hideous.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-BELL-SYSTEM-Custom-Painted-Hippy-Rotary-Dial-Phone-NOT-WORKING-ART-DECO-/122047327932
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on July 16, 2016, 01:12:21 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on July 16, 2016, 12:53:58 PM
Up for view is this old not WE but AE crafted with a small paint brush and several different paints. Fast, cheap and hideous.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-BELL-SYSTEM-Custom-Painted-Hippy-Rotary-Dial-Phone-NOT-WORKING-ART-DECO-/122047327932

Cheap, yet strangely overpriced!!! :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: poplar1 on July 16, 2016, 01:41:32 PM
Handset and maybe dial are AE, but mounting is WE or NE.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on July 16, 2016, 08:38:51 PM
Good evening all ... Every time I see a phone, here or elsewhere as the person is placed a pot of grass, a very colorful phone or phone turned into lamp, it pisses me off .I wonder what they have in their brain moron to do this kind of thing. It's very ugly to see a phone that time is fucked well and look disgusting. There is nothing like a beautiful phone again to the original
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on July 16, 2016, 10:23:58 PM
Quote from: Contempra on July 16, 2016, 08:38:51 PM
Good evening all ... Every time I see a phone, here or elsewhere as the person is placed a pot of grass, a very colorful phone or phone turned into lamp, it pisses me off .I wonder what they have in their brain moron to do this kind of thing. It's very ugly to see a phone that time is f***ed well and look disgusting. There is nothing like a beautiful phone again to the original
I can agree with that!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on July 17, 2016, 12:39:35 AM
they should do that treatment to their car.  It would kill a lot more time.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: zaphod01 on July 24, 2016, 09:50:17 AM
This one made my eyes hurt...

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on July 24, 2016, 12:49:36 PM
Quote from: zaphod01 on July 24, 2016, 09:50:17 AM
This one made my eyes hurt...

I agree, Hideous !
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Fabius on July 24, 2016, 01:25:52 PM
Buy that phone and you'll find yourself behind the 8 ball with your fellow collectors.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: mentalstampede on July 24, 2016, 03:53:36 PM
At least they used a cheesy repro to make this and didn't mess up a nice original phone.


Quote from: zaphod01 on July 24, 2016, 09:50:17 AM
This one made my eyes hurt...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on July 24, 2016, 04:21:25 PM
Some die hard pool player will probably get that one!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on July 24, 2016, 04:42:37 PM
Quote from: andre_janew on July 24, 2016, 04:21:25 PM
Some die hard pool player will probably get that one!

Both figuratively and literally!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on July 24, 2016, 08:53:12 PM
Quote from: Fabius on July 24, 2016, 01:25:52 PM
Buy that phone and you'll find yourself behind the 8 ball with your fellow collectors.


If your message is for me , nope ! , i won't buy that phone at all . sorry and i don't play pool... :P
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on July 24, 2016, 08:59:52 PM
The truth is...my 85 yr old Dad would love that phone...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on August 03, 2016, 08:39:19 PM
As an overall item, I kind of like this piece (nicely done woodsy display piece with pleasing colors I'd pay $20 for) but as a working phone, it's definitely a You Got To Be Kidding Me telephone well suited to this topic, IMHO, of course. And a bit high in price even with free shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-Telephone-Tree-Bark-Garden-Bird-Push-Button-Phone-Cabin-Nursery-Forest-/272330006760
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on August 03, 2016, 09:24:28 PM
At Least it isn't inyo face offensive.   :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on August 03, 2016, 10:13:54 PM
Quote from: 19and41 on August 03, 2016, 09:24:28 PM
At Least it isn't inyo face offensive.   :D

No, it is just offensive.
JMO,
Jim S.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on August 03, 2016, 11:08:23 PM
Oh. how can you deny the little birds?   ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on August 17, 2016, 09:33:53 AM
No birds were harmed in the manufacture of that phone.....were they?

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on August 30, 2016, 07:12:35 PM
Imagine seeing this gem sitting in full sun light.   8) required.  It was a SC 500.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Fabius on August 30, 2016, 10:47:22 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on August 30, 2016, 07:12:35 PM
Imagine seeing this gem sitting in full sun light.   8) required.  It was a SC 500.

Isn't that Liberace's phone?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: compubit on August 31, 2016, 06:34:33 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on August 30, 2016, 07:12:35 PM
Imagine seeing this gem sitting in full sun light.   8) required.  It was a SC 500.

At least it wasn't a Rose Beige, Mahogany, Oxford Grey or Mediterranean Blue 500...
J
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on August 31, 2016, 07:04:41 PM
Quote from: Fabius on August 30, 2016, 10:47:22 PM
Isn't that Liberace's phone?

Ah, yes, Milwaukee's one and only . . .

Here's a close match from his costume closet.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on September 05, 2016, 07:09:57 PM
Another lobster phone...Saw one on a earlier post as well....I thought of this thread when I saw this on EBAY. A BIN of only $382.50!

http://tinyurl.com/zfkpflp

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on September 06, 2016, 06:24:32 PM
I think I've seen that one before.  I think it has been on eBay for quite a long time now.  I could be wrong and may be thinking of one similar to it.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on September 06, 2016, 06:41:04 PM
Leave that phone alone!  You'll put your eye out, kid!   ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on September 13, 2016, 07:48:08 AM
Finally a "hideous" phone I can live with!

http://tinyurl.com/hwonvxc

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on September 13, 2016, 08:51:38 AM
Quote from: Pourme on September 13, 2016, 07:48:08 AM
Finally a "hideous" phone I can live with!

At that price, it should be sterling silver . . .
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on September 15, 2016, 06:41:18 PM
In many homes, it might be hid, but it ain't hideous.  :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Kenton K on September 15, 2016, 09:59:02 PM
Here's another phone that must have come from the zoo! The wild zebra phone!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/272376181159 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/272376181159)

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on September 16, 2016, 01:50:56 PM
Quote from: Kenton K on September 15, 2016, 09:59:02 PM
Here's another phone that must have come from the zoo! The wild zebra phone!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/272376181159 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/272376181159)



Pretty sad...It WAS a nice one with a straight cord and early exchange card! :'(
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on September 16, 2016, 01:55:48 PM
That is a thin form fit plastic cover on that zebra phone. I have a princess with the same type cover.

Jim S.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on September 16, 2016, 02:38:40 PM
Reversible is good.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on September 16, 2016, 07:09:27 PM
Quote from: 19and41 on September 16, 2016, 02:38:40 PM
Reversible is good.
I am not sure how they "affix", but Vern P. didn't have any luck removing the cover from it before he sold it to me.
Jim S.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on September 16, 2016, 07:58:49 PM
Quote from: Jim S. on September 16, 2016, 01:55:48 PM
That is a thin form fit plastic cover on that zebra phone. I have a princess with the same type cover.

Jim, good eye.

I did notice what I thought was just a bezel overlay (the cut out around the finger stop) to add fancy numbers and letters, but after you mentioned that, I can now see the handset also shows a cut out and the caps are not "decorated" as well.

Seems to be damage to the top of the handset on the transmitter end. Also, the front bottom left edge of the housing.

Too bad the seller did not provide a photo of the bottom.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Babybearjs on October 24, 2016, 03:04:01 AM
was browsing Ebay and came across this.... nice job.... for an art project... at least its clean....
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: rdelius on October 24, 2016, 09:54:34 AM
I think this has a cover on it to change colors
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on October 24, 2016, 10:14:45 AM
Usually those are the phones you want to look for if you want one in nice condition. Those covers have usually been attached since the phone was new or only a few years old, leaving the housing in great shape.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Babybearjs on October 25, 2016, 03:38:24 AM
if this phone has the removable plastic cover, then that's the best why to decorate the phone.... I just hate it when a beautiful phone gets ruined....
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on October 25, 2016, 07:14:10 AM
Quote from: rdelius on October 24, 2016, 09:54:34 AM
I think this has a cover on it to change colors

Might be

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Approx-1938-RARE-Art-Deco-302-Western-Electric-Dial-Phone-withdated-F1-Handset-/152291902975

The seller wants $125 starting and has placed a reserve on it. No bids on it, yet . . .   ::)

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on October 25, 2016, 08:16:45 AM
That cover restores some fun to it.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on November 02, 2016, 11:24:56 AM
Talk about a repulsive mismatch...

www.ebay.com/itm/252617268048 ( dead link 05-21-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on November 02, 2016, 09:26:06 PM
Oh look dear....a "Princess Phone"!

Almost everything imaginable is a Princess Phone isn't it?

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on November 02, 2016, 09:39:54 PM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on November 02, 2016, 11:24:56 AM
Talk about a repulsive mismatch...

www.ebay.com/itm/252617268048

Looking at that hurts my face...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: jsowers on November 02, 2016, 10:49:16 PM
Truly hideous. And that Celebrity handset makes this Frankenphone look like it has bolts on the side of its neck.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 03, 2016, 03:58:02 AM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on November 02, 2016, 11:24:56 AM
Talk about a repulsive mismatch...

I'll see your repulsive mismatch and raise you an eyesore . . .    No two parts of this phone have the same color.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/162265813159

You might note that the seller is the same one who shipped the wrong dial to Rick . . .
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on November 03, 2016, 07:33:34 AM
I guess people buy these?...Well
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: compubit on November 03, 2016, 08:06:05 PM
The "brown" handset looks like it's really mocha.

Had I not recently acquired a 2554 with a handset, I would consider it.. (still looking for the mocha coiled cord, though).

I personally would have chosen a different handset color, other than black...

Jim
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 24, 2016, 09:04:13 PM
Makes one wonder why someone would do something like this . . .   and to an early '56 at that.

Was tempted to take this one home but I just don't have room for another project mutt . . .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Desktop-Rotary-Phone-Western-Electric-Tested-Working-/112215568817
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on November 24, 2016, 09:28:56 PM
Yark ! .. so stupid  .. I can't believe that someone do something like this ( glueing gems on a beautiful telephone :(  )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on November 24, 2016, 10:05:07 PM
Quote from: Contempra on November 24, 2016, 09:28:56 PM
Yark ! .. so stupid  .. I can't believe that someone do something like this ( glueing gems on a beautiful telephone :(  )
'Yark'...I like that! It's a great way to replace 'yuck'! ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Dan/Panther on November 25, 2016, 02:26:12 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on November 03, 2016, 03:58:02 AM
I'll see your repulsive mismatch and raise you an eyesore . . .    No two parts of this phone have the same color.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/162265813159

You might note that the seller is the same one who shipped the wrong dial to Rick . . .


Very much a Thanksgiving Phone.
D/P
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on November 25, 2016, 03:24:40 PM
It's amusing to consider this desire to create art by encrusting it with things has a competitor in the animal kingdom that does equally beautiful work.  The Caddis Fly Larvae.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on November 25, 2016, 10:09:16 PM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on November 24, 2016, 10:05:07 PM
'Yark'...I like that! It's a great way to replace 'yuck'! ;)

well,...  ;D ;D ;D  you're right Christian .
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on November 30, 2016, 05:29:18 PM
I think I've seen this one or one very similar to it a few years ago.

It's one for the seasopns, but I hope the fish was saved . . .

Seller said:  "One of the receivers globes has no water it works has a few scratches on handles it's a one-of-a-kind item"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Four-Seasons-Phone-With-4-Seasonal-Receivers-/262742552339
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AL_as_needed on November 30, 2016, 08:16:41 PM
Do you hear the ocean when you pick up the handset?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on November 30, 2016, 09:09:04 PM
Quote from: AL_as_needed on November 30, 2016, 08:16:41 PM
Do you hear the ocean when you pick up the handset?
Maybe, but Brinybay sure does now!! ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on December 11, 2016, 07:36:36 PM
Found this one on Kijiji.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-art-collectibles/kingston-on/an-example-of-hippie-era-telephone/1219803993? (http://www.kijiji.ca/v-art-collectibles/kingston-on/an-example-of-hippie-era-telephone/1219803993?)
( dead link 05-21-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on December 11, 2016, 08:37:33 PM
Oh my....I want one! :(
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on December 12, 2016, 10:40:19 AM
Quote from: Autonut on December 11, 2016, 07:36:36 PM
Found this one on Kijiji.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-art-collectibles/kingston-on/an-example-of-hippie-era-telephone/1219803993? (http://www.kijiji.ca/v-art-collectibles/kingston-on/an-example-of-hippie-era-telephone/1219803993?)

Hideous ! really :( . just removing the stickers and you'll have a nice one ...I hope it's just stickers. Otherwise, if it's craft painting, it's not easy to remove it.

EDIT : After seeing the link, it's hand painted  >:(
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on December 24, 2016, 05:28:07 AM
White And Pink Polka Dot Telephone

https://ca.letgo.com/en/i/white-and-pink-polka-dot-telephone_e59859eb-d009-42ee-8cfe-c0cf982d2493 ( dead link 05-21-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on December 29, 2016, 07:17:35 PM
I finally found one!  Then I couldn't find the thread!  Anyway, here'tis.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on December 31, 2016, 03:32:47 PM
Seller called this TP-6-A a "Vintage Signal Corps US Army Rotary Phone" which it is but I don't think the Army used masking tape to stripe it red. And why the external ringer? Army didn't use frequency or harmonic ringers, did they? Or 20 PPS dials, did they? Doesn't look like a metal housing (embossed lettering) so no chrome for this one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Signal-Corps-US-Army-Rotary-Phone-/272505027158

Anyway, nice price for two items if you have paint stripper and some spare time and some spare cords and . . .
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on December 31, 2016, 03:49:51 PM
It's a Army phone....That's obviously "War Paint"....Duh... ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AL_as_needed on January 01, 2017, 01:24:15 AM
Quote from: 19and41 on December 29, 2016, 07:17:35 PM
I finally found one!  Then I couldn't find the thread!  Anyway, here'tis.

On a clear sunny day I bet you could see that one from space!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on January 01, 2017, 01:28:07 PM
Found another zebra phone eBay much like the one Kenton K found and posted on September 15, 2016

This one is a C/D 500 dated 5/53

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1351.msg173354#msg173354

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/152360244658 ( dead link 05-21-21 )

UPDATE: I contacted the seller as to what make this phone is and they sent me a picture. It is a Western Electric.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Greg G. on January 01, 2017, 07:30:58 PM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on November 30, 2016, 09:09:04 PM
Maybe, but Brinybay sure does now!! ;D

Not anymore!

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on January 01, 2017, 07:35:19 PM
Quote from: Brinybay on January 01, 2017, 07:30:58 PM
Not anymore!


;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on January 02, 2017, 10:08:05 AM
Quote from: Brinybay on January 01, 2017, 07:30:58 PM
Not anymore!



lolllllll !! a really bad dog, suspicious ...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on January 11, 2017, 09:55:46 PM
What were they thinking???

Their description:

1968 Denim Shabby Chic Princess

The ultimate in shabby chic, working telephone in a beautiful blue floral denim.
This telephone is made in Canada by Northern Electric. Stamped NE 702B,1968.
Selling this as a working telephone, this was tested and has a jack plug in.
Very good condition but not perfect, ear and mouth pieces are slightly discolorated.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Vintage-1968-Northern-Electric-Working-Princess-Telephone-in-a-Denim-Shabby-Chic/262765406154
( dead link 05-21-21 )

This seller has more hideous phones on eBay.

A 1963 Floral 500
A 1965 Duck Tape Camo 554
A 1964 Up-cycled Painted Teal & Brown 554
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on January 11, 2017, 09:59:21 PM
"The seller has more hideous phones on ebay."     roflmao!!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AL_as_needed on January 14, 2017, 04:39:23 PM
Camouflage tape!

Insert generic Jeff Foxworthy "you might be a redneck" joke here...

Am I the only one tempted to get an ugly-fied phone just for the heck of it? Certainly would make my others look better by association.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on January 15, 2017, 03:24:25 PM
That would make for a nice thread about the road back from being uglied up.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on January 15, 2017, 05:47:18 PM
If you own a telephone covered with camouflage tape, you might be a redneck!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AL_as_needed on January 15, 2017, 08:30:44 PM
Quote from: 19and41 on January 15, 2017, 03:24:25 PM
That would make for a nice thread about the road back from being uglied up.

this is something i have considered. Not sure about everyone else but I find working on my phones to be as fun as using and enjoying them after the fact.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on January 20, 2017, 10:13:19 PM
I love this one...I'm a fool for pouty lips!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/112276898564 ( dead link 05-21-21 )
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Fabius on January 21, 2017, 09:44:58 PM
Quote from: Pourme on January 20, 2017, 10:13:19 PM
I love this one...I'm a fool for pouty lips!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/112276898564

Pretty lips surrounded by squiggly mealy worms.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on January 21, 2017, 09:56:49 PM
Quote from: Fabius on January 21, 2017, 09:44:58 PM
Pretty lips surrounded by squiggly mealy worms.

Now you've just made it sound nasty.... ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on January 22, 2017, 12:46:12 PM
This one qualifies:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/322399036117
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: unbeldi on January 22, 2017, 01:18:11 PM
That must be a Type 420.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on January 22, 2017, 02:02:19 PM
Nice to see it 'taint real.  It looks good in that light.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on January 22, 2017, 02:57:51 PM
At least no historically significant phone was sacrificed in the creation of this hideous phone.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 22, 2017, 04:13:38 PM
I think that is factory finish. I have seen other factory finishes on this model.
JMO,
Jim S.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on January 22, 2017, 04:16:07 PM
Quote from: Jim S. on January 22, 2017, 04:13:38 PM
I think that is factory finish. I have seen other factory finishes on this model.
JMO,
Jim S.

Factory Hideous...Ha!....
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on January 22, 2017, 04:42:13 PM
As long as it isn't a real AE40, it could be any color they want as long as it doesn't smell bad.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on January 22, 2017, 05:10:58 PM
Have seen those reproduction "AE40's" in more normal colors including black. They are actually quite a realistic looking reproduction if in a normal color. Put a real number card on it and a better looking coiled handset cord and all that would be left that didn't look correct would be the touch button "dial".
At least from the angle shown.

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on January 22, 2017, 07:29:05 PM
As much as we laugh at the Crosley repros, they at least give us the opportunity to tell people that the designs of the 500, 554, Princess, 302, 354, etc are still being produced today. Still, Crosley does overdo it with stupid Psychedelic color schemes like this.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on June 10, 2017, 02:29:54 AM
Got to give who ever built this homebrew credit for something but seems it would have been easier to find a replacement 500 housing than do this. Seller says it's rare but it's actually unique, a one-off.

Just list in a 30 day auction with a BIN but I have a feeling it won't go in the first few days.

     http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Vintage-Michigan-Bell-Rotary-Telephone-in-Wood-Cabinet-Box-/162548313888

My only question is the purpose of the red LED inside the box, left side.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Fabius on June 10, 2017, 08:56:16 PM
Quote from: unbeldi on January 22, 2017, 01:18:11 PM
That must be a Type 420.

I wonder how many got the joke.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Nick in Manitou on June 10, 2017, 09:02:04 PM
I got it.  But I am of a certain age and until recently was a resident of the very high state of Colorado.  ;)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Alex G. Bell on June 10, 2017, 10:01:33 PM
Quote from: unbeldi on January 22, 2017, 01:18:11 PM
    That must be a Type 420.
Quote from: Fabius on June 10, 2017, 08:56:16 PM
I wonder how many got the joke.
420?  Nah, would have to be some "higher" number. 

I don't see any sign the dial is attached to the box but if it is I'd like to see the human factors studies results on dialing errors using it.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on June 10, 2017, 10:11:49 PM
Quote from: Alex G. Bell on June 10, 2017, 10:01:33 PM
I don't see any sign the dial is attached to the box but if it is I'd like to see the human factors studies results on dialing errors using it.

I didn't post all of the eBay pictures but I think this one shows the metal dial mount removed from a 500 base bolted to the bottom of the wood box used most likely as a "holder" for the dial when placed inside the box. The dial would sit on the mount loose until needed, then lifted out, the number dialed and then placed back on the "holder." It would be very difficult to dial a number if it could not be lifted out.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Alex G. Bell on June 10, 2017, 10:41:18 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on June 10, 2017, 10:11:49 PM
I didn't post all of the eBay pictures but I think this one shows the metal dial mount removed from a 500 base bolted to the bottom of the wood box used most likely as a "holder" for the dial when placed inside the box. The dial would sit on the mount loose until needed, then lifted out, the number dialed and then placed back on the "holder." It would be very difficult to dial a number if it could not be lifted out.
Pretty goofy!  First because it requires 2 hands to dial and second because even stranded wire leads will fail in a short time if flexed routinely.  The "reasonable" thing to do would have been to mount the dial bracket on a block of wood so it's not so deep in the box and can be operated while in the bracket.  But for some reason I'm not surprised that they didn't do that.  Why am I not surprised???   ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on June 11, 2017, 11:31:39 AM
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on June 10, 2017, 09:02:04 PM
I got it.  But I am of a certain age and until recently was a resident of the very high state of Colorado.  ;)

Lucky man .. I have never lived in any other Canadian province other than Quebec ...On the other hand, I dreamed of living in the USA when I was younger but I did not know a word of English at the time.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on June 22, 2017, 02:28:01 PM
Now this one may be an attention breaker. How does one keep a thought going having to look at those eyes during a call.

     http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Retro-Desk-Phone-working-condition-touch-tone-hand-painted-art-/201960957818
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Alex G. Bell on June 22, 2017, 02:32:01 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on June 22, 2017, 02:28:01 PM
Now this one may be an attention breaker. How does one keep a thought going having to look at those eyes during a call.

     http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Retro-Desk-Phone-working-condition-touch-tone-hand-painted-art-/201960957818
Frankly, I find the mouth more grotesque, though it didn't go the whole 9 yards with a tongue hanging out like the Rolling Stones album.  Now... if the eyes followed you around the room, that would be distracting!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on June 22, 2017, 03:36:28 PM
Il y en a qui ont pas mal de temps à perdre pour faire ce genre de peinture sur des téléphones .... C'est tellement laid ..

Sorry i write in french ,more easy to me ;)..

================

Google Translate:  "There are some who have a lot of time to lose to do this kind of painting on phones .... It's so ugly .."
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Alex G. Bell on June 22, 2017, 03:58:58 PM
Quote from: Contempra on June 22, 2017, 03:36:28 PM
Il y en a qui ont pas mal de temps à perdre pour faire ce genre de peinture sur des téléphones .... C'est tellement laid ..

Sorry i write in french ,more easy to me ;)..

================

Google Translate:  "There are some who have a lot of time to lose to do this kind of painting on phones .... It's so ugly .."
"waste" instead of "lose" would be the more typical way to say it. 

A related common expression is "too much free time" and another is "too much money and not enough common sense".
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on June 22, 2017, 04:18:09 PM
Yes Alex but in french " perdre du temps " .. mean losing time and " Perdre son temps " mean  wasting time .. What i write in french is correct because it's in my native language ;), you're right in english .. Waste and lose seems to be of the same meaning but not because, it always depends on what you mean according to your thought ... As for me, I had the good meaning of the fact 'Perdre son temps à peinturer' meant ' Wasting time painting " if i'm right in english ..
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Alex G. Bell on June 22, 2017, 04:24:17 PM
Quote from: Contempra on June 22, 2017, 04:18:09 PM
Yes Alex but in french " perdre du temps " .. mean losing time and " Perdre son temps " mean  wasting time .. What i write in french is correct because it's in my native language ;), you're right in english .. Waste and lose seems to be of the same meaning but not because, it always depends on what you mean according to your thought ... As for me, I had the good meaning of the fact 'Perdre son temps à peinturer' meant ' Wasting time painting " if i'm right in english ..
I wasn't questioning your French.  I was questioning Google's translation, which seemed to perform a literal translation, failing to capture an expression which seems to be idiomatic in French since "perdre" literally means "to lose" but used with "son" (a possessive) changes the meaning to "waste", a different verb in English.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AL_as_needed on June 22, 2017, 09:42:51 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on June 22, 2017, 02:28:01 PM
Now this one may be an attention breaker. How does one keep a thought going having to look at those eyes during a call.

Maybe its something mom/dad devised to keep the calls short and the personal pay out to ma bell a bit lower....
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on September 19, 2017, 11:08:39 PM
Hideous could be in the eye of the beholder.

My eyes behold this as hideous!

(I know it's a cover,a hideous one)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on September 19, 2017, 11:31:01 PM
A cover or a grill?   ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: jsowers on September 20, 2017, 09:12:33 AM
What's also funny about this yellow phone is the cover is covering up a really bad paint job done at the factory. My grandmother had a yellow phone like this, from 1977, without the metal cover. Note the difference in color between the unpainted dial and the switchhook. The yellow paint turned greenish yellow. It's pretty ugly even without the cover. I won't tell you what I call that yellow color, but a baby is involved. Under that paint is a pristine yellow WE phone and all you have to do is use denatured alcohol on a paper towel to get the thin paint off. It's not Polane.

Also, look at the number card. The installer, probably because this was early on in the modular years, hand-wrote an "M" on the number card to denote modular, per their rules at the time. Never saw one hand-written like that before.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on September 20, 2017, 06:34:29 PM
Good eye. I see the difference. Are you saying the cover it's self came from the phone company and not a third party?

here is a link to the auction. It's pricey!

http://tinyurl.com/yc2cxtow
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on September 20, 2017, 07:34:10 PM
Yark ! and the price is $125 !!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: jsowers on September 20, 2017, 08:46:52 PM
Quote from: Pourme on September 20, 2017, 06:34:29 PM
Good eye. I see the difference. Are you saying the cover it's self came from the phone company and not a third party?

here is a link to the auction. It's pricey!

http://tinyurl.com/yc2cxtow

Oh no, that cover was nothing WE ever did. It was definitely third party and quite frankly an ugly piece of junk that ruined the nice lines of the phone. It needs to look original if at all possible. Yes it's quite pricey. It's not even worth the shipping price.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Babybearjs on September 22, 2017, 02:53:05 AM
that was one of those "Hollywood" decorations you could "Hide" your phone under.... never did like them they are quite ugly!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on September 26, 2017, 10:43:05 PM
It was resisted with a starting bid of $37.00.....$45 shipping!

It ships from Ft Laderdale Fla, John it may go through your favorite PO!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on September 26, 2017, 11:02:34 PM
Quote from: Pourme on September 26, 2017, 10:43:05 PM
It was relisted with a starting bid of $37.00.....$45 shipping!

It ships from Ft Laderdale Fla, John it may go through your favorite PO!

Hah! TOPPO (the Opa Locka Post Office) has been hit an miss lately. Bought something from Miami last week that went to and through OL in just an hour and I got it two days later. And it wasn't soggy. Could be the USPS got enough bad publicity on Google and elsewhere to clean up that operation. The last three things I got from southern Florida that went through OL did so quickly.

Okay, just jinxed myself.

As to this phone, why $45 in shipping. $45 for the phone including free shipping would be too high to sell, IMHO.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on September 26, 2017, 11:18:49 PM
A yellow phone would look nice.  That crown job looks doodly ca-ca-poo-poo.   ???
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Babybearjs on September 26, 2017, 11:38:13 PM
Just remember.... some people are purposely over charging postage to make up for a low selling price...... or, they are just dumb and greedy!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AL_as_needed on September 27, 2017, 06:51:14 AM
Quote from: Babybearjs on September 26, 2017, 11:38:13 PM
Just remember.... some people are purposely over charging postage to make up for a low selling price...... or, they are just dumb and greedy!

That and then the  "well this is old and therefore must be valuable" mindset to make that junk then and still junk now piece a sudden treasure.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on September 27, 2017, 07:46:30 AM
Quote from: AL_as_needed on September 27, 2017, 06:51:14 AM
That and then the  "well this is old and therefore must be valuable" mindset to make that junk then and still junk now piece a sudden treasure.

True, Ebay is usually the great teacher of lessons....
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on October 13, 2017, 08:53:28 PM
Someone has to much time on their hands.

They must own a K-Tel Bottle Cutter Kit.  ???


Description
Made from old Guinness & Whiskey Bottles
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AL_as_needed on October 13, 2017, 08:57:14 PM
Not going to lie, that's actually pretty clever. Tacky, yes, but clever.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: CanadianGuy on October 13, 2017, 09:18:24 PM
I think this belongs here?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: CanadianGuy on October 13, 2017, 09:22:17 PM
More stuff seen online.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on October 13, 2017, 09:38:21 PM
A Reg'lar harvest of good taste.  :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on October 14, 2017, 09:05:21 AM
Quote from: CanadianGuy on October 13, 2017, 09:18:24 PM
I think this belongs here?

I made the same mistake a long time ago thinking it was a hack home brew project. Yes, may be hideous but it is actually a "Periscope" style phone by TeleConcepts.

paul-f has them posted on his site:

     http://www.paul-f.com/Teleconcepts.html

they are different but it was the 70s and they were different and there must have been a market. They show up on eBay every so often.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: CanadianGuy on October 14, 2017, 09:19:20 AM
Neat! Thanks for the info :) should I leave it or edit my post?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on October 14, 2017, 09:36:24 AM
Quote from: CanadianGuy on October 14, 2017, 09:19:20 AM
Neat! Thanks for the info :) should I leave it or edit my post?

I would leave it. Nothing wrong at looking at a "good" hideous phone. :)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on October 14, 2017, 10:39:10 AM
Quote from: CanadianGuy on October 14, 2017, 09:19:20 AM
Neat! Thanks for the info :) should I leave it or edit my post?

Leave it. I just replied so people can learn, as I did years ago about TeleConcept phones.

I left my post up around page 15 where I made the same call. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and profit is in the pocket of the company who sees a need and produces an item that sells well. And in some cases, really hideous phones are almost collectible since they are rare, as is this one. I haven't seen a Periscope on eBay of years.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: finkmac on October 16, 2017, 03:00:21 PM
Quote from: CanadianGuy on October 13, 2017, 09:22:17 PM
More stuff seen online.

Haha, I've seen these around. Tacky as heck, and they seem to be "marketing" to very specific audiences. A blue jays fan looking for a rotary phone with blue jays colours? I'm not convinced.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AE_Collector on October 17, 2017, 11:00:17 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on October 14, 2017, 09:05:21 AM
I made the same mistake a long time ago thinking it was a hack home brew project. Yes, may be hideous but it is actually a "Periscope" style phone by TeleConcepts.

I always sort of compared the TeleConcept phones with the ATC phones and wondered what the designers at TeleConcepts were smoking.....

Terry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: PINKBOY1006 on January 15, 2018, 02:13:26 PM
As my first post I give you a hideous phone! https://www.ebay.com/itm/142587704670 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/142587704670)
( dead link 05-21-21 )

$75 for this monstrosity.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AL_as_needed on January 15, 2018, 07:17:56 PM
The stars almost distract from the fact its missing its face plate.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: skyrider on January 16, 2018, 02:00:19 PM
Who said faceplates are overrated?






Bill
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Nick in Manitou on January 17, 2018, 03:21:24 PM
Ah, but Beauty is in the Eye of the Beer Holder!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on January 17, 2018, 04:03:36 PM
Quote from: skyrider on January 16, 2018, 02:00:19 PM
Who said faceplates are overrated?


The same person who had the streak of brilliance to bejewel a 2500 to death!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: paul-f on January 18, 2018, 11:45:59 AM
Quote from: PINKBOY1006 on January 15, 2018, 02:13:26 PM
As my first post I give you a hideous phone! https://www.ebay.com/itm/142587704670 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/142587704670) $75 for this monstrosity.

Thanks for the post and welcome to the Forum.

Hopefully, you'll make many more posts and share some photos of phones in your collection.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Pourme on July 26, 2018, 04:53:36 AM
~

A sleepless night resulted in me finding these on ETSY...Oh my!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on July 26, 2018, 05:05:28 AM
Quote from: Pourme on July 26, 2018, 04:53:36 AM
~

A sleepless night resulted in me finding these on ETSY...Oh my!

That first one could give you nightmares!
But at least the Christian Kirks phone still has it's dial underneath that jewellery, there's still hope for someone saving it....
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AL_as_needed on July 27, 2018, 10:04:14 AM
I have seen rotary locks to prevent calls made out from a phone, but a few cacti....now thats a real toll saver!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HarrySmith on September 13, 2018, 06:34:48 PM
It may not be a valuable collectible but this poor phone has suffered a lot. Not only did they make it a lamp they added a wierd disembodied hand to it! Then to add insult to injury they call it a Cell Phone Holder!! OMG! The only way to make it worse would be to bedazzle it!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/163237794479
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on September 13, 2018, 06:36:25 PM
A groove cut into a two by four would do just as well.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Butch Harlow on September 14, 2018, 09:16:14 AM
phone clocks now! (https://www.etsy.com/listing/212282104/vintage-rotary-phone-clock)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AL_as_needed on September 15, 2018, 09:46:36 PM
Quote from: Butch Harlow on September 14, 2018, 09:16:14 AM
phone clocks now!

For those who like to keep their calls short.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: oldguy on September 15, 2018, 11:46:46 PM
Not a phone but discusting just the same.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on September 16, 2018, 08:09:37 PM
They killed it! How horrible. It's been "bookended."  :-\
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Fabius on September 16, 2018, 08:50:13 PM
At least it's not an E1 handset.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on September 16, 2018, 10:11:33 PM
Oh my god, how could someone do that to a classic such as a 202!! That clown should be cut in half and made into door stops. It truly escapes me how people can take these old gems, and make them worthless.
Art, truly is art, but this! Ain't art, it's an atrocity.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on September 17, 2018, 06:10:32 PM
I think they're bookends but may as well be doorstops or paperweights. Yes agree... what, who, why would anyone think of doing this??? 
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on September 18, 2018, 06:52:43 PM
Would you feel any better if they did it with a cheap Asian knock-off of a Trimline phone?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on September 18, 2018, 07:48:50 PM
Quote from: andre_janew on September 18, 2018, 06:52:43 PM
Would you feel any better if they did it with a cheap Asian knock-off of a Trimline phone?

Yes! Or maybe whack one of those Crosley "authentic" pay phones and you can hold larger books!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 28, 2018, 07:53:22 PM
Here is one that only made it halfway thru the lampmaker shop. They sprayed it gold but didn't convert it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Western-Electric-302-Bell-System-Old-Phone-Telephone-Plastic-Painted-Gold/123568502637

I  knew an older lady that liked to buy things at yard sales and spray them gold, Flowers, wreaths, mirrors, throw pillows, furniture  ect. It didn't matter. they all got sprayed gold. In retrospect I should of given her a complete-looking  old parts phone to paint. She would of loved this telephone.

I don't,
Jim S.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on December 28, 2018, 10:30:34 PM
That'd make an entertaining restoration project.  Kind of like breaking open a geode to see what's inside.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Butch Harlow on December 28, 2018, 11:03:42 PM
45.00!! I wouldn't pay 4 or 5 dollars for that mess. Well, maybe 4 but not 5.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: RotarDad on December 29, 2018, 02:48:29 AM
I believe that 302 belonged to Auric Goldfinger.....  Phones in bright colors that supposedly belonged to bad guys can fetch large sums at auction......  $45 may be a steal... ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on December 29, 2018, 11:25:49 AM
Here is a flashy embellished phone for $69.09 plus shipping. Note it is missing some jewels on the touchpad

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Phone-Western-Electric-Pink-Push-Button-Corded-Telephone-At-T-Embellished-Flashy/113501848762
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on December 29, 2018, 12:59:39 PM
Hmmm,  Skittles Pox.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW03n1Osz5I
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on January 03, 2019, 02:36:57 PM
The same length is shown here.  I always think of that commercial when I see those crusty communicators. ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on January 25, 2019, 12:15:22 AM
     Regular Member Post (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=20151.msg206412#msg206412)

Just listed are five 500 style phones, 1 repro stick and one 554 housing, all of which seem to be (looking at the bottoms and the inside of the 554 housing) wrapped well. Phones are priced from $72 to $95 BIN plus shipping, the stick and housing less. All of the 500 phones are fully modular.

The seller has expanded his/her expertise to lamp shades as well, or from lamp shades to phones. The wrap is nice if you like that sort of thing but still falls into the hideous category when it comes to phones.

The composite shows all of the seller's current listings including one lamp shade. The link is to one eBay listing, as is the screen capture.

     https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-ITT-Desktop-BROWN-SUGAR-Fully-Functional-Rotary-Phone/202575547232
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on January 25, 2019, 04:16:33 AM
Brown sugar... Well at least the first work comes close to what it looks like. Sugar doesn't seem to be there, except for maybe the person who did that to all those things had wayy too much in their morning cups of Coffee.
Septic shock would come a little closer.. key word being septic.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on January 25, 2019, 07:46:53 AM
Now the biggest question:  Is it reversible?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on January 25, 2019, 09:26:17 AM
John, those creations give a whole new meaning to the word hideous. I would hope those are just paint spaters and nothing else. But the amount of work needed to bring those back would be tremendous.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HarrySmith on January 25, 2019, 09:32:35 AM
It appears to be a wrapping. Looks like it may be wallpaper? I would imagine it can be undone but who knows what is under it?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 25, 2019, 09:56:21 AM
Those phones were offered on etsy for several months.
I think they are wrapped with  vinyl contact paper aka shelf liner. I think it would come off easy if you tried.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on January 25, 2019, 10:04:03 AM
Oh, now that I zoomed in, it does look like contact paper..
So a heat gun, and some goo gone.... But yea what's the condition under..
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on January 25, 2019, 10:54:54 AM
     Regular Member Post (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=20151.msg206412#msg206412)

Quote from: Key2871 on January 25, 2019, 10:04:03 AM
Oh, now that I zoomed in, it does look like contact paper..
So a heat gun, and some goo gone.... But yea what's the condition under..

The phone covering reminds me of the adhesive advertising shrink wrap they put on my van, covered the complete vehicle making it into a rolling billboard. It would shrink around bends and corners. It was stuck on and then a heat gun and squeegees were used to make it conform to the bends and curves of the vehicle. It was stuck fast and the edges were rolled around the corners (the doors) to keep the edges from showing or peeling. Inside the door frames looked just like the inside of the 554 housing. I found two car wraps attached to show how the stuff conforms to curvatures.

Got hit in the side one time and they had to take the wrap off to fix the panels. They used a heat gun to remove it. Metal takes heat. I'm not sure how much heat would be needed to remove this adhesive from plastic, what the adhesive may have done to the plastic or if the heat would warp the plastic.

Regular contact paper will not conform to the shape of a 500 but a shrink wrap will. It seems this person found large sheets in that I can't find a seam anywhere on the phone housing, sheets large enough to cover the housing in one piece. I can see where it was cut away around the cradle ears but no overlaps as you would see, for example, on installed wallpaper. They sell that shrink wrap stuff plain and ready for printing. This seller may have a pre-printed source.

Finally, looking at these phones closely, I see it might not be worth removing the wrap since they are all newer ITT phones, not collectible WE phones. No Med Blues under the floral prints.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on January 25, 2019, 12:07:54 PM
You bring up a good point, but after several years in the hardware store I learned a few things, one of which is contact paper comes in such wild patterns such as found on that phone. And if the phone was cleaned right, and the contact done correctly, it would hold pretty well for a few year's. It is possible for that stuff to be car wrap, I don't see it being used to cover phones. Seems like that would be kind of pricey for such a job as a phone. I have seen instances where someone using contact paper doing a very nice job.
But such things like the handset can be done just so much before you need to stop and trim. Such looks like the case on that phone. And that pattern is popular in some things even today. I don't see car wrap being that busy on a car or van, I would think the pattern would be much different.
But you are correct body wrap is very sticky and can't be applied in very tight places.
Plus contact is much cheaper, than wrap would be I think.
And after doing a little research, I found several of the patterns still available for sale today.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on February 03, 2019, 06:34:18 AM
Santa's phone. Found this on Facebook's Marketplace.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on February 03, 2019, 08:57:23 AM
I wouldn't be too Jolly about that under the Tree...
Geese give me a break..
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on February 03, 2019, 12:41:12 PM
Ho ho noooooo...  :(
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Butch Harlow on February 03, 2019, 01:49:01 PM
Oh goodness gracious. Someone buy it and put it out of its misery.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on February 03, 2019, 02:16:52 PM
I don't care for that phone, but I do Leich my Santa phone.
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=372.msg25561#msg25561

Jim
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on February 03, 2019, 02:24:05 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on February 03, 2019, 03:17:58 PM
Now that's better, no innocent 2500 had to die a disgraceful death.. oh oh oh...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on February 09, 2019, 08:56:46 PM
Elvis Phone on Etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/469389695 (https://www.etsy.com/listing/469389695)

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on February 10, 2019, 07:34:00 AM
Even though it's Elvis Presley, there's nothing beautiful it's even ugly. I am a fan of Elvis but not to the point of buying this horror.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on February 10, 2019, 11:03:18 AM
Yea, I'm speechless.. I can't think of a word i could post here for fear of getting the boot. Hideous just doesn't come close to describing that piece of....
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on February 14, 2019, 03:54:56 PM
I can't begin to describe this GPO 746. Apt background colour.
Someone spent ages not making those dots into a proper circle around that dial.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on February 14, 2019, 05:27:50 PM
YIKES! That gives me a headache. My eyes actually hurt looking at it.. yea, I'll pass.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Russ Kirk on February 14, 2019, 05:34:22 PM
Quote from: FABphones on February 14, 2019, 03:54:56 PM
I can't begin to describe this GPO 746. Apt background colour.
Someone spent ages not making those dots into a proper circle around that dial.


Yuck!!!

It looks like it has a horrible disease.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on February 14, 2019, 05:47:12 PM
These people have a lot in common with the lowly caddis fly.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Butch Harlow on February 14, 2019, 05:48:15 PM
Quote from: Russ Kirk on February 14, 2019, 05:34:22 PM

Yuck!!!

It looks like it has a horrible disease.


Skittles Pox!!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on February 14, 2019, 05:50:53 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on March 12, 2019, 01:17:50 PM
The author Barbara Cartland may have liked this one.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on March 12, 2019, 01:29:04 PM
She should have it.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on March 12, 2019, 04:26:28 PM
Yea, I'd call that hideous. Why do people do that to phone's..
Pretty bad.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on March 12, 2019, 07:50:13 PM
Looking at some of these phones actually makes me nauseous sometimes! Is it just me?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Stormcrash on March 12, 2019, 07:54:50 PM
Ugh. Upcycling is a horrible joke of a fad failing to pretend it's something positive.  All it does is take an object and inefficiently mutilate it to where it no longer can perform it's original purchase, and will likely wind up in a landfill anyways once someone decides it's no longer fashionable, only now it's covered in rhinestones.

Seriously, if people want to do something useful with old items, stick to restoration and repair and try to keep it genuine.  If an item is distressed and you like it then keep it, but don't permanently destroy or deface it to get some in the moment look.  I've seen similar complaints about antique furniture being destroyed by people who want a chippy worn look to go with "rustic farmhouse" or "shabby" looks
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on March 12, 2019, 08:41:50 PM
I wouldn't call what's done with these phones up cycling.
I can it a sick way to make a buck.

That bumpy polkadoted night mare gave me an immediate head ache and hurt my eyes just looking at it.
But some people, who don't look at phone's like we do just get this bizarre idea on how to "dress up" that old phone and call it fart "f-arr from art." And people suck it up, that just feeds the appetite of these artists to keep coming up with these hideous designs.

If they really want to up cycle fix then up, clean them up admire the history of the telephone, now that's up cycling!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on March 28, 2019, 06:35:15 AM
What a waste of a blue 500 telephone.

On Etsy site for $125.00 CDN.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on March 28, 2019, 08:33:46 AM
I wouldn't even want to touch that nasty thing.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on March 28, 2019, 11:53:53 AM
It looks like someone vomited colored candy "juice" all over a phone.
These things make me cringe.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on March 30, 2019, 10:42:58 AM
Quote from: 19and41 on March 28, 2019, 08:33:46 AM
I wouldn't even want to touch that nasty thing.

You're right, even me i woulnd't touch that nasty thing ful of.. i don't know what.....Anyway ,
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on March 30, 2019, 12:54:09 PM
Oh that poor phone... That takes disgusting to a whole new level.. what is that... Stuff on it?! Did anyone see the wording in the side, Rare phone. It's rare because somebody disfigured it..
Oh the humanity, when will people just leave these poor old phones alone.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: SunriseEarth on June 07, 2019, 04:24:43 AM
On the plus side, I found a very cheap 5302 on Etsy...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/653119431/bell-systems-vintage-rotary-telephone (https://www.etsy.com/listing/653119431/bell-systems-vintage-rotary-telephone)

On the minus side...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on June 07, 2019, 09:41:15 AM
Do that poor phone a favor, save it from a life of destruction..
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on June 07, 2019, 06:28:10 PM
Ouf... poor phone  :(
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: AL_as_needed on June 15, 2019, 04:10:03 PM
Hmm a very rare WE dial assembly, looks like an early Type "AH" for "Ah, that's good enough" when the numbers were doodled on.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on July 28, 2019, 12:28:51 PM
The link is still working and the phone is still for sale.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on October 07, 2019, 07:58:05 AM
Telephone Wall Art

Here is what they said about it.

"There is a therapeutic feel in the Rotary Dial, whether treasured memory or dream
May my TelephoneArt cause actual conversations & joyfulness.
Sincerely,J"
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on October 07, 2019, 08:15:12 AM
A Chameleon telephone.
Well they got the conversation bit accurate.
'Yuk'.


Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on October 07, 2019, 08:17:19 AM
That art truly speaks to me.  It says "please, save me!".
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on October 07, 2019, 01:03:39 PM
Yea, that and the saying on the side.. Should read, I'd like to teach the world how to respect classic telephones...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on October 07, 2019, 02:49:51 PM
OMG! She did another one! LOL
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on October 07, 2019, 03:00:35 PM
Quote from: Duffy on October 07, 2019, 02:49:51 PM
OMG! She did another one! LOL

Oh dear.
Must have a joblot of those stickers to use up (and they're not evenly spaced either - my OCD says nooooo).

:(

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: countryman on October 07, 2019, 03:12:17 PM
That's a loooong coiled handset cord.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on November 16, 2019, 08:41:18 PM
One of a Kind Elf on the Shelf Santa's Hotline phone.

Need I say more!

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-phone-tablet-other/barrie/one-of-a-kind-elf-on-the-shelf-santas-hotline-phone/1471787585 (https://www.kijiji.ca/v-phone-tablet-other/barrie/one-of-a-kind-elf-on-the-shelf-santas-hotline-phone/1471787585)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on November 16, 2019, 11:08:35 PM
Well, at least it doesn't look nasty.  Just arty.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Contempra on November 17, 2019, 07:00:00 AM
Nice one, really ( christmas phone ) but i hate to remove the stickers :(
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on November 17, 2019, 08:46:33 AM
Radio in the form of a antique wall telephone.

Made in Japan.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html;jsessionid=B1BA37A8ADB465A90F99DE792F8357D6?adId=1326072738 (https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html;jsessionid=B1BA37A8ADB465A90F99DE792F8357D6?adId=1326072738)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: rdelius on November 17, 2019, 12:30:00 PM
Santa is in Poland?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on November 17, 2019, 04:48:55 PM
Santa can go anywhere he wants to go. 
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: HarrySmith on November 25, 2019, 06:14:24 PM
Now here is your chance to own that "Rare" beige AE payphone lamp!
Talk about destroying a piece of history! Why remove the fingerstop?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Automatic-Electric-Co-Payphone-3-Coin-Slot-Rotary-Dial-Lamp-RARE-Tan/184053836736
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on November 25, 2019, 06:19:49 PM
Shoot it! Take it out of its misery!  :-X
Or someone buy it and part it out.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on December 17, 2019, 09:08:09 AM
This reaches a new depth of hideousity for me: ebay link (http://www.ebay.com/itm/174128411024).

Larry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on December 17, 2019, 09:30:23 AM
Quote from: LarryInMichigan on December 17, 2019, 09:08:09 AM
This reaches a new depth of hideousity for me: ebay link (http://www.ebay.com/itm/174128411024).

Larry

Oh my. A phoneclockvasecandleshade.
:-\

Jenka!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on December 17, 2019, 11:14:30 AM
This takes the prize: all time ugliest of ugly. We should pool together, buy it, then put it out of its misery.
Maybe hire a monster truck to run it over?   ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: andre_janew on December 21, 2019, 04:31:21 PM
If we did that, then someone would make a video of it and post it on YouTube.  Then it would get even more attention!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on December 21, 2019, 05:32:52 PM
Quote from: andre_janew on December 21, 2019, 04:31:21 PM
If we did that, then someone would make a video of it and post it on YouTube.  Then it would get even more attention!

;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on December 21, 2019, 08:13:40 PM
Agreed, it's ugly. The heck with the monster truck, just run it over put it out of our misery.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: CanadianGuy on January 01, 2020, 06:56:49 PM
I mentioned these in 2017 but I don't think I posted pics. This place must think they're doing a great service by "customizing" these poor phones  ::)

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-art-collectibles/oshawa-durham-region/custom-vintage-coca-cola-leafs-habs-jays-harley-ect-rotary-phone/1262983033?utm_source=com.google.android.apps.messaging&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android (https://www.kijiji.ca/v-art-collectibles/oshawa-durham-region/custom-vintage-coca-cola-leafs-habs-jays-harley-ect-rotary-phone/1262983033?utm_source=com.google.android.apps.messaging&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android)

"PICKERING ANTIQUE MARKET 1400 SQUIRES BEACH RD and 400 ANTIQUE MARKET IN INNISFIL /BARRIE....BOTH OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10AM - 5:30PM.....CUSTOM DESIGNED VINTAGE ROTARY... PUSH BUTTON...AND WALL MOUNT PHONES IN ALL DIFFERENT DESIGNS ...LEAFS ...HABS...JAYS...SHELL..MOBILE GAS...COCA COLA..HARLEY DAVIDSON...INDIAN MOTORCYCLE... AND SO MANY MORE !!! THESE PHONES ARE AT OUR PICKERING ANTIQUE.MARKET LOCATION ....PRICE STARTING AT $130.00 PER PHONE.."

Edit: I found my old Post on page 44 I think. Sorry, feel free to delete these.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: CanadianGuy on January 01, 2020, 07:03:01 PM
Continued...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: CanadianGuy on January 01, 2020, 07:05:14 PM
Last one  ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Babybearjs on January 02, 2020, 05:06:27 AM
Interesting customization's... I've seen some collectible phones, but I wonder if any of these were actually licensed by the advertised company or organization.   too much advertising!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on June 22, 2020, 04:33:09 AM
May I add a Hideous Telephone Accessory.

These genuine articles are regularly seen for sale. A three piece (telephone body, handset, rear listener) ensemble made from fabric to fit a Socotel S63. Four piece if you are 'lucky' enough to find a set with a dial cover.

I see them as ugly dirty unhygienic things which I would happily burn. But only after removing them via the end of a very long stick. Which I would then also burn.

These delights can be yours for just over $44 and $49 respectively.

Yuk.  :-\
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on June 22, 2020, 06:05:58 PM
At least those are washable (sorta).
In the 1970's there was a company that made "flocked" (fuzzy) 500 sets . These weren't fake fur sets. These were low nap fuzz. I want to say the colors were orange, green and maybe a maroon like color.

I think they made 3 colors. I might still have an orange one around.
Paul F. probably has some photos.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on July 01, 2020, 07:23:22 AM
What were they thinking?

Their description:
Nice show piece phone for your home.....in good working condition.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/312475933106198/ (https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/312475933106198/)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on July 01, 2020, 09:39:55 AM
Quote from: Duffy on July 01, 2020, 07:23:22 AM
What were they thinking...

Yuk. I don't know what they were thinking, but they should be thinking of taking art lessons.  ;D
What is it even meant to be, Cactus? Seaweed?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: LarryInMichigan on July 01, 2020, 01:51:32 PM
Make sure to wash your hands well after using that phone.

Larry
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: countryman on July 01, 2020, 03:25:50 PM
I must say I've seen worse painted phones?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on July 01, 2020, 05:08:08 PM
The design kind of reminds me of a Dr. Seuss picture.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: countryman on July 23, 2020, 05:50:01 AM
German phone booth turned into an outhouse (toilet) offered in eBay classifieds:
https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/alte-telefonzelle/1467036159-246-1984 (https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/alte-telefonzelle/1467036159-246-1984)

Nope, I'll not take this one.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on July 23, 2020, 07:28:27 AM
Quote from: countryman on July 23, 2020, 05:50:01 AM
German phone booth turned into an outhouse (toilet) offered in eBay classifieds:


Ew. Maybe they got the idea after a trip to the U.K.  ;D
Don't think I ever went into a public phone box that didn't smell of wee, with a matching puddle floor.  >:(

Here is a UK phone box that was bought after decommission and converted.  Yuk.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on July 23, 2020, 08:52:33 AM
Now isn't that an interesting combination!   :o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on July 23, 2020, 12:46:31 PM
For when "nature calls" ?  :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on October 04, 2020, 10:00:34 AM
 telephone robot
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Telephone-Robot-Sculpture-Made-of-a-Authentic-Antique-Phone-SR/174462889958

Vintage Telephone Robot Sculpture Made of a Authentic Antique Phone
12" length 4 1/2" width 21 1/2" height
starting bid 80
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on October 04, 2020, 10:56:31 AM
If that's a bin on the right they can chuck that slouch shouldered headless thing straight in.   :-\
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on October 04, 2020, 12:04:58 PM
Quote from: FABphones on October 04, 2020, 10:56:31 AM
If that's a bin on the right they can chuck that slouch shouldered headless thing straight in.   :-\

Someone should just pay the $80 bid and put the robot out of its misery.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on October 04, 2020, 12:40:32 PM
Looks like they took a few shots at it already.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on October 04, 2020, 02:05:10 PM
What is with these people? That thing is hideous for sure. I think I would have filled the holes with something and gave it a new paint job and done something better with the handset, then it would have been sellable.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on December 01, 2020, 11:35:22 AM
I think this one qualifies for a mention here.

Looks to have been made from a washing dolly?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on December 01, 2020, 11:41:20 AM
Quote from: FABphones on December 01, 2020, 11:35:22 AM
I think this one qualifies for a mention here.

Looks to have been made from a washing dolly?

I'm confused. What is it supposed to be now? Looks like AC cord attached to both pieces.
Yes this definitely qualifies as hideous!  :-\
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on December 09, 2020, 05:10:56 AM
 :(
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on December 09, 2020, 05:14:57 AM
I notice some thing is missing...
Or broken off.
You know, other than the beauty and allure.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: ..... on January 24, 2021, 06:13:38 AM
The only word I can say is "WHY"

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-art-collectibles/ottawa/one-of-a-kind-pin-up-payphone-art-piece-telephone-art/1547444551 (https://www.kijiji.ca/v-art-collectibles/ottawa/one-of-a-kind-pin-up-payphone-art-piece-telephone-art/1547444551)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on January 24, 2021, 07:27:51 AM
Eww. Kinda reminds me of the 'Tart Cards' which were pushed into the notice frames of UK phone kiosks back in the 80's.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on January 24, 2021, 10:53:20 AM
That's nothing short of awful.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on January 24, 2021, 11:19:49 AM
"One of a kind"
Well, it's definitely one of a kind ugly. You can put pin-up stickers on anything I guess and it will be one of a kind.
Maybe I'll put some on my old toilet and see if it will get $475?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on January 24, 2021, 12:36:04 PM
That actually reduces the value of the set, not vise versa.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on January 24, 2021, 06:47:05 PM
Quote from: Key2871 on January 24, 2021, 12:36:04 PM
That actually reduces the value of the set, not vise versa.

Oh yes... there IS a three-slot phone under that mess of stickers.  :D
I wonder if there's any parts inside it though?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on January 24, 2021, 07:57:20 PM
Of course there's a three slot under all that stuff. But are you going to buy it for $400+ bucks?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on January 25, 2021, 11:27:11 AM
Quote from: Key2871 on January 24, 2021, 07:57:20 PM
Of course there's a three slot under all that stuff. But are you going to buy it for $400+ bucks?

I think I'd only buy it if I knew the cash can was full... of silver quarters and dimes!  :D :D :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on March 03, 2021, 05:23:54 PM
Reminiscent of that green slime kids used to play with.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on March 03, 2021, 06:28:21 PM
Whoa, that is one butt ugly telephone..
Yikes what's the point to that?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on March 03, 2021, 06:57:51 PM
Idle hands are the devil's playthings.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on May 04, 2021, 05:47:02 AM
This Yeoman phone doesn't seem impressed by it's upcycle.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on May 04, 2021, 09:01:57 PM
Quote from: FABphones on May 04, 2021, 05:47:02 AM
This Yeoman phone doesn't seem impressed by it's upcycle.
As a side note: neither am I
Jim
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on May 04, 2021, 09:53:44 PM
Oh that poor phone.. That's hidious no doubt.
What the heck were they thinking?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on May 05, 2021, 12:05:13 PM
Maybe if you bury it - something better will grow, like flowers!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on May 05, 2021, 02:22:10 PM
Lol, I doubt it but nice thought.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on May 06, 2021, 05:44:40 PM
 :(
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on May 06, 2021, 07:15:39 PM
Your kidding... Why would anyone make that?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on May 06, 2021, 07:21:25 PM
It feels much better knowing that is a purpose built monstrosity.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on May 07, 2021, 11:55:54 AM
I wonder if the same company made these nauseating contraptions?
My neighbors down the street have one. To make matters worse, she seriously talked about turning it into a lamp!  :-X
I think I like the "eleph-phone" better. At least it's something (an animal),  and not just a long, meaningless, ugly-as-hell stick.

(This shot is from the oldphoneman.com site)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on May 08, 2021, 10:37:46 AM
Quote from: shortrackskater on May 07, 2021, 11:55:54 AM
I wonder if the same company made these nauseating contraptions?


In the 1970's you could buy the pillar phone, elephant phone, elephant phone as a table and a few other similar sets at JC Penny.
I always assumed they came from the same company.
Jim
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: rdelius on May 08, 2021, 05:55:06 PM
turning it into a lamp might improve it. These were poorly built telephones.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on May 08, 2021, 06:23:04 PM
I had the opportunity to buy one at a yard sale many years ago, but I passed because it was so poorly built.
And because it was so hideous.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on May 09, 2021, 11:35:35 AM
Quote from: rdelius on May 08, 2021, 05:55:06 PM
turning it into a lamp might improve it.

Then it will end up back here again! haha  ;D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on June 29, 2021, 03:03:18 AM
Hideous, and grimy.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on June 29, 2021, 07:21:43 AM
Woe what is that supposed to be? Pulled from a fire in a paint factory? Yeah that's hideous.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on June 29, 2021, 11:04:28 AM
Quote from: FABphones on June 29, 2021, 03:03:18 AM
Hideous, and grimy.

That phone should be taken out to a field and shot!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on June 29, 2021, 11:19:09 AM
Then hurried 6 feet down. With a head stone saying some moron ruined my life.. That's horrible.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: countryman on June 29, 2021, 12:48:42 PM
Check for signs of life and when there are none, as expected, declare it an organ donor.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on June 29, 2021, 01:19:30 PM
That phone reminds me of my Army drill sergeant.  When something would frustrate him, he would say "Well, I'll be dipped in liquid ___t.  That phone looks like it went along for the ride.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on June 29, 2021, 03:46:38 PM
Lol, indeed it does.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on June 29, 2021, 08:01:38 PM
Best use for that phone would be as a subset for a B1, D1, candlestick or other such pre-302 telephones missing but needing a ringer and induction coil talk circuit for proper operation. Toss the housing, dial, handset and find/build a nice wood box to hold/enclose the useful base. Wiring it up would be the interesting part of the project.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: zenithchromacolor on September 01, 2021, 06:02:11 PM
This was in an ad for a local estate sale:

"Memphis style phone by Hollis Fingold 1995 "Radar Phoneys" decorated telephone - $145"

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: zenithchromacolor on September 01, 2021, 06:05:07 PM
Quote from: zenithchromacolor on September 01, 2021, 06:02:11 PM
This was in an ad for a local estate sale:

"Memphis style phone by Hollis Fingold 1995 "Radar Phoneys" decorated telephone - $145"

I see several similar ones have sold recently on ebay.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on September 01, 2021, 06:17:01 PM
Think their yielding to the trash barrel made them that rare?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on September 01, 2021, 07:12:43 PM
Quote from: zenithchromacolor on September 01, 2021, 06:02:11 PM
This was in an ad for a local estate sale:
....$145"

$145?  :o
I guess that's to pay for its hair transplant.  :-\
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on September 01, 2021, 07:18:52 PM
Wow, they just keep getting worse and worse. This on with legs and a mouth? Wth.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: shortrackskater on September 02, 2021, 11:13:19 AM
Wait what? "Memphis style? What does that mean?

It appears to be a lobster, with lips!

I must say, the artwork is great (other than the lips) but, ICK ... not on an innocent touch tone desk phone! I'd rather see all that work, just FLAT on canvas or paper, or metal, or anything but a telephone!  :'(
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: allnumbedup on September 02, 2021, 01:06:49 PM
I was sent this link by a friend who knows I collect phones:

https://www.jeanluc.cornec.de/tribut-telephon-sheep

Notice the feet, and the 'wool' are telephone cords as well.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on September 02, 2021, 01:11:01 PM
I'd feel bad living in a community connoted with such "art".
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: RB on September 02, 2021, 01:38:07 PM
Juuust a little creepy ??? lol
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on September 02, 2021, 03:45:40 PM
Yea, just a bit... Now that's odd,
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on September 02, 2021, 05:55:12 PM
I have seen that photo before. It still makes me chuckle.
I think they did a really good job on creating the sheep, and then they made a flock.
Jim
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: TelePlay on September 02, 2021, 05:59:56 PM
Quote from: Jim Stettler on September 02, 2021, 05:55:12 PM
I have seen that photo before.

First reported on this forum on 8/5/2009 by Brinybay

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1351.msg17262#msg17262

(http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1351.0;attach=6282;image)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on September 02, 2021, 06:06:15 PM
Those sheep are from a different flock.
They might be considered Black sheep by some.

I wonder how many phone sheep  were created  'total'.
They are fun and entertaining , but take up to much space for me.
Jim
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: zenithchromacolor on September 02, 2021, 07:43:53 PM
These "license plate" and "clock" phones are in a local estate auction.

Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on September 02, 2021, 08:00:29 PM
Quote from: zenithchromacolor on September 02, 2021, 07:43:53 PM
These "license plate" and "clock" phones are in a local estate auction.


The 'why created' question fills my mind. They are weird enough to be worth 5-10 (total) to me at a local auction. Only because they are weird, I collect oddball stuff, these would be 'conversation items' at a show.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on September 02, 2021, 08:39:39 PM
Yes exactly. Why. So what's the deal with a "wall art" ?
Phone.,   and a clock phone?
Are people that desperate for a different phone?
Something done with taste would be far more sellable than any of the above. I guess hideous is the new vouge?
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Jim Stettler on September 02, 2021, 11:33:39 PM
Quote from: Key2871 on September 02, 2021, 08:39:39 PM

Are people that desperate for a different phone?
Something done with taste would be far more sellable than any of the above. I guess hideous is the new vouge?
Keep in mind the buyers will never use the phone as a phone.
They have no idea that they could use it to talk to others . It is just fun, weird 'art" to the younger folk.
I don't mind artistic variation, but, please keep it workable as a device.
JMO,
Jim
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on September 03, 2021, 11:02:26 AM
Yes I'm aware, but I guess my point is why.
Why destroy old phones to make this 'art' stuff.  And I use the term Art loosely.
Is this an expression of the artist, or are they desperate to make money anyway they can.
Given the fact that these are basicly a phone from the past, who's going to pay money for this.. For lack of a better word, crap?

I mean let's be honest who here would buy this now junk for more money then it would cost at a yard sale even for parts?

Yes I know the old saying a fool and his money are soon parted, I'd say this is indeed another way for such to part with his money.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on September 03, 2021, 01:02:26 PM
Idle hands are the devil's playthings.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on November 27, 2021, 04:07:03 AM
Awww.  ;D
A Tribble Phone!

(cue Tribble cellphone ringtone)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: 19and41 on November 27, 2021, 07:04:15 AM
Ewww... :D
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Key2871 on November 27, 2021, 09:06:17 AM
That has got to be THE most hardest phone to clean women's make up off of.
And I've seen quite a few that had to be thrown out, because the phone was gross.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Etienne on December 27, 2021, 03:08:44 PM
What about some glamour?

https://www.ebay.fr/itm/224364314850

https://www.ebay.fr/itm/224422151914

Artist had to hide the "Chanel" logo on the ads... in case the company would sue them I guess...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on January 21, 2022, 06:09:20 PM
So many categories this could go under but Hideous describes it best.
And only $2845.00 if you want to 'snap' it up (#125112032508).

Another Lobster creation. It's been a while.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Etienne on January 23, 2022, 04:56:30 AM
BTMC 2652 or something like that. Covered with self-adhesive vinyl velvet...
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: countryman on January 23, 2022, 07:05:45 AM
That won't come off easily :-(
The gold tone where nickel should be is also suspicious. Decorator sets had it that were often mixed out of old, new and newly plated parts.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: countryman on April 02, 2022, 03:35:59 PM
Not a lamp... worse!
The shell of a metal "Fuld Frankfurt" was brassed out (normally it is painted black) and had a clock and a musical box fitted, playing "Lili Marleen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lili_Marleen)". And then the price idea!!!

Auction link: https://www.ebay.de/itm/313724959278 (https://www.ebay.de/itm/313724959278)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on April 02, 2022, 03:53:55 PM
Quote from: countryman on April 02, 2022, 03:35:59 PM
...The shell of a metal "Fuld Frankfurt"...

:o

—-

Fuld Frankfurt telephones discussed on this thread:
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=11821
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on June 21, 2022, 01:10:44 PM
Ear tickling phones.  ;D

Three colours, three rooms.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on July 28, 2022, 04:03:38 PM
Well, it's colourful...  8)

Is that a black phone under there. Looks like it might be. A super hard find.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: RDPipes on July 28, 2022, 05:29:42 PM
Well, I reckon its better then black when the lights go out, you outta be able to see this one in the dark, LOL!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Etienne on August 03, 2022, 09:24:38 AM
I'd rather think this S63 was originally brown/green- the cords and dial bezel are... One of the most common colours. A bit of a shame but there is much worse in this topic.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: countryman on September 03, 2022, 11:12:02 AM
German W48, painted, extended cradle. Rare! ;D
German classified ad site (https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/altes-telefon-9fg-tist-5b-fg-sk-54s5002b-iii-fg-54-5002-iii/2200372975-173-19654)
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on September 03, 2022, 11:22:04 AM

Quote from: countryman on September 03, 2022, 11:12:02 AM...Rare!
:o
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: Kellogg Kitt on March 10, 2024, 09:54:56 PM
Stromberg Carlson Black Rotary Desktop Telephone 500 Brass Cover!!!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/204685866790

The good thing is that the decorative cover is removable, not permanently stuck on.
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: RDPipes on March 11, 2024, 05:29:11 AM
Oh wait! This ensemble is not complete, it's missing it's matching handset cover
that would make this the trophy of any fine vintage phone collector around. LOL!
Title: Re: Hideous Telephones
Post by: FABphones on March 11, 2024, 09:35:53 AM
Surprised it doesn't say steampunk in the description too.  ;D

Quote from: RDPipes on March 11, 2024, 05:29:11 AMOh wait! This ensemble is not complete, it's missing it's matching handset cover...

That must be why it is bids from a mere 100$. Be worth three times that if complete.

(Not).