Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => Auction Talk => Topic started by: Wanda on November 27, 2015, 01:32:06 PM

Title: Auction in Ottawa November 29
Post by: Wanda on November 27, 2015, 01:32:06 PM
There's an auction coming up this weekend here in Ottawa, and this old telephone is listed: 
http://macleanandassociates.hibid.com/lot/22557949/antique-northern-electric-wall-phone-with-2/?sort=2&ref=catalog

I don't have anything this old; is it worth going for?  And what would be the likely fair price for it?  I don't know anything about the 2 batteries, or how they'd be used.  Maybe they're just additional parts included with the phone.

Title: Re: Auction in Ottawa November 29
Post by: unbeldi on November 27, 2015, 01:58:30 PM
I am not sure, but I think this could be an N717 telephone.
It is a local battery magneto-signaling set for rural service with an anti-sidetone circuit.
The battery box and batteries could certainly have been installed with that set.  The set requires at least two batteries, and could have had three in that box for longer distances to the central office.
You might be surprised that these were still available new and used extensively in the 1950s in Canada.

As to value, ... it all depends, I wouldn't spend more than $50.  Having the battery box with the set and even two batteries, I think, is very nice and desirable.  These batteries make nice display items, and could be used as a weapon if in danger, lol.
Title: Re: Auction in Ottawa November 29
Post by: Wanda on November 27, 2015, 02:34:00 PM
Thanks!  There's something else at that auction I'm interested in, but when I saw this listed, I figured I'd ask here and get some guidance on whether I should go for it.  Funny, that they were still being used NEW  in the 1950s!  But Canada is about 1 generation behind the U.S. in lots of ways.  I remember visiting my uncle's farm in northern Alberta, where they never got running water installed, even by the time my uncle retired and sold it some time in the 80s.  That was just normal, but it would be considered outrageous poverty in the U.S. 
Title: Re: Auction in Ottawa November 29
Post by: AE_Collector on November 27, 2015, 03:14:47 PM
Lots of those used in Canada. I have at least half a dozen (too many) of them around here and they are all from the 1950's. They were usually finished Maple but frequently were repainted black by the Telco's when they were refurbished as a quick and easy way to get them back into service.

Buy one to clean up and display but not too use. Too much fooling around to convert one of these for modern use I would think.

Terry