Why don't they use these kind of phones for lamps?

[Greg G.]

Why always the good ones?
http://tinyurl.com/3t3k7pg

[GG]

In fact there is an antiques/collectors market and hobbyist subculture for character merchandise like that.  So if someone decided to crucify Gumby on a lamp post, chances are his fans would howl just as much as we do about tortured WE desk stands (and lately, Stromberg-Carlsons).

As a generalization, I think people object when any artifact is damaged in the process of being modified in a manner that does not respect its original identity and purpose.  For example think of old oak furniture that could be refinished but ends up getting painted.  And I can only imagine what goes on in the automotive hobbies, between restorers and hot-rodders. 

[Bill]

As a generalization, I think people object when any artifact is damaged in the process of being modified in a manner that does not respect its original identity and purpose.  For example think of old oak furniture that could be refinished but ends up getting painted.

I know what you mean. In the old radio community, one of the biggest gripes is people who convert 1930's-era console radios, like the big Zeniths, into liquor cabinets. It happens fairly often, and the guts of the set - the valuable electronics - always end up in the trash bin.

Bill

[LM Ericsson]

People these days appreciate new telephones more than old telephones

[Greg G.]

In the old radio community, one of the biggest gripes is people who convert 1930's-era console radios, like the big Zeniths, into liquor cabinets. It happens fairly often, and the guts of the set - the valuable electronics - always end up in the trash bin.

Bill

That often happens with acoustic phonographs (Victrolas, et al) too.  As for radios, one of my pride and joys is my non-working 29 Majestic.  All the parts are there, including tubes, and they will stay there.