I am sure that I have looked on Craig's List more recently than a couple months ago, but this listing says that it was posted 2 months ago and updated 24 days ago.
I see that there is a lot of stuff...a number of AE40s, 302s, some 202s and what looks like a whole lot of other old phones in this lot. The photos are not great.
I have to admit that I would love to come across a great haul that would make me some money and be an enjoyable process, but I worry that my lack of knowledge and experience might cause me to either overlook a good deal or to get excited over a pile of stuff that would take years to go through and only return a small percentage of my investment.
So, I am throwing this out to the forum - hoping that if it is a great opportunity I am not tipping my hand to someone who will go get it before I do...
https://tucson.craigslist.org/atq/d/antique-telephone-collection/6486648216.html ( dead link 04-02-21 )
I can better afford to pass up an OK deal rather than purchase something that will cost me too much money and suck up too much time in the process.
If some folks with more experience and knowledge could look at the photos in this Craig's List ad and let me know what they think I would appreciate it.
If the add has really been up for 2 months, I assume that they may be ready to deal...but then again, others have probably already offered them some amount for the whole lot and been turned down.
I have sent a message to see if the lot is still available and if they would be willing to sell a number of individual items, but less than the whole lot.
It looks like fun...and/but... a lot of time/work just to get it all sorted out.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Nick
It's a part hoarders dream come true. If you have 4k, and the space to put all that in, it's a good deal. No idea what's really in those boxes, but what's not adds up in my head to make it an excellent deal. You'd be polishing and fixing for the rest of your life, if that's what you want, go for it. Too bad no payphones.
That would be a really tough decision. I didn't notice any particularly valuable items in the pictures, the the lot may be worth more than $4K altogether. Do you have space for all that stuff and people to help move it all? How much interest do you have in going through the lot and selling the items for the next few years? Are you close enough to go to take a look? If so, try to get a feel for how much the seller is willing to bargain.
Larry
Look it over and offer $1,500 if it is worth it to you. They will probably sell for 2K or less.
The Questions are :
Do you have the spare cash?
Do you have the space to store them?
Do you have the market to get rid of them?
Do you want to restore them?
,,,,,,
Maybe you should offer $750.00?
JMO,
Jim S.
My 2 cents: $4K is a lot of money, and that is a HUGE amount of work to sort through and sell or dispose of. I have never bought a lot like this before, but I would be thinking:
1) Is there a small subset of the items that would reasonably allow you to get your money back so you could always dump (gift?) the rest and be whole.
2) If the answer to 1) above is "probably not", then offer a lower price where you are pretty confident the answer to 1) above is "yes".
I would have to look at is this way because there is probably a lot more stuff there than I'd have the enthusiasm to deal with..... ;)
I agree with Jim S and Rotardad. There is a lot of average phones. I do not see any rare or big money phones, so getting your money back will take a long time and great deal of efforts. Even if you go to a phone show, most of the attendees will already have these set in thier collections. $4k is too much money for the work, high risk and little return.
Wow, Nick!
It's a bit overwhelming isn't it? Someone's lifetime collection offered for one sum. I don't know what your personal situation is, that, to me is the key. I personally would approach the seller in person. Build a repore with them, so they know this would take a special individual to seriously consider such a purchase, and I AM that person. I'm sure they would want someone that will share the passion as the loved one that collected this massive collection. Make a offer.
I personally would love to own and go through that horde. I've yet to sell any of my phones, but that would soon change if I owned that! I have no doubt you could earn your investment back over time. I'm at retirement age, that would beat the heck out of working at Wal Mart part time!
Your decision....Good Luck & let us know how it turns out!
Benny
Hey Nick;
I can't even remember when I first started in my "hobby" of treasure hunting for phones, but it is just another way to enjoy seeing and working on vintage phones! AND, you can make some cash on the side when you need/want to!
Yes, most all of what you see in the photos here are common, often seen phones, but all you have to do is to take a short look at eBay to see just how many "common" phones are sold ever-single-day. And, there are WAY more than enough phones & parts there to easily make your money back, even on the asking price. I'm sure the seller would haggle a bit, but don't insult him by offering him 50% of his asking price. Remember, this could very well be a family member of a deceased phone collector, and often, they can get rather perturbed if you try to low-ball them.
You just have to determine if you have the space for it all, and IF you will be able to justify the enormous pile-o-phones to your spouse/parents, etc (if you need to). That really isn't that much $$$, and as you go through it, you can easily sell your unwanted items as you restore them or part them out.
Looks a lot like my phone collecting style! Hoard them away and do very little work on them along the way. I dust mine just a little more often though I think.
As mentioned by everyone so far, no real treasures visible there but lots of stuff that could take a long time to accumulate elsewhere. Lots of every day wood as well which are very slowly dropping close to $0 each in value. Numerous items do appear to have been pulled apart or scavenged for Parts which always makes reassembly much more difficult. "As was" rather than "as is" would certainly be better.
It could be a lot of fun for a relatively low investment. First item of importance for me would be is it close enough to easily make many trips back and forth to get it all home. I suspect it is but having to rent a truck to be able to move it all at once including a night or two on the road would change things dramatically.
No doubt you are going to want to sort out some keepers and then quickly move most of the duplicates and items that you aren't interested in on to new owners. If you have the time to work at it and this all sounds like fun I would say go for it?! But if you will be burdened with it for decades hearing "I told you so" then I t likely isn't worth it.
Terry
It looks like an old collection that has been cherry picked of all the valuable stuff. I expect the items that would make quick, easy money have already been sold. All that stuff may retail for $4000 eventually but there is a lot of risk and work involved.
I agree. Most of what I see are the leftovers that don't have much value. The wood phones are very common, probably only worth about $75 each and then you have to deal with the shipping. The desk phones aren't worth much either. I wouldn't give more than $2k, maybe less. You will spend a lot of time sorting the good from the bad, not to mention the space needed to store this collection.
Lots of activity went on at some point in time. Maybe building phones to supply antique stores or malls. I hadn't looked at all the pictures to see the quantity of bits and pieces. To save much of this does need someone who lives close by to scoop it up and get it back into the phone collector chain.
Terry
I would want to see what is in the various boxes. One of them has "WE #2 dials" written on it, so there may be something of value in that box. I would be a bit nervous about seeing what is in the pants leg on top of the box though.
Larry
Wow, Thanks everyone for speaking up! I think that a lot of wisdom and experience has been voiced here.
Thanks John (Teleplay) for adding the photos. We were just getting ready to go out to meet friends for dinner when I spotted the ad for this lot and was pushing the limits of the clock when I posted this question...so I knew I didn't have time to post the photos as I would have liked to. Teleplay stepped in and did that and I appreciate it!
I have not heard back from the seller in response to my emailed general inquiry yesterday, so I sent another one just now.
The seller is not at all far from me from the general location indicated in the ad and I am itching to go take a look as soon (if) I hear back from them.
About 10 years ago we had 40 acres and 5 buildings on a ranch in Colorado...picking up whole vehicles to tinker with did not cause space problems...now we are in a typical modest size suburban type home with no basement...hardly enough room for tools, let alone finding room for projects!
Just yesterday we were discussing the possibility/need for building a shed to house the stuff emptied out of a storage unit. (We would have to start construction right away if we were to purchase this lot.)
I am not working (my wife is the breadwinner) so I officially should have time to devote...but do I have the stick-to-it-ness to go through the whole lot over a course of years? Also, like most of the folks my age (67), I may not have a job but I have plenty on my list of to-dos.
So where I stand now (with the input given from the forum so far) is that I hope to go see what is there. I hope to get a chance to look into those boxes and try to do a quick, loose inventory of what is available, and figure out what the sensible course of action would be. If I could bring in some income, that would be very helpful...but I need to ensure that the whole load doesn't become a burden.
Additional input is appreciated as I await a response from the seller.
A sincere thanks to all those who have spoken up with advice. Most of the time a decision to purchase a phone or two can be treated lightly and really have little impact on one's life overall...but this lot would be like someone moving is with us!
Nick
Yes, Larry, we were wondering if there was a whole person attached to that leg!
I noticed that box marked with #2 dials, also #4, AE & Leich. Could be some gold in there. A lot of 302's also. I agree with all that has been said, if you have the time & the desire you can definetly make some money. I also would agree on talking up the fact you are a collector and they won't end up in a landfill. After that make an offer.
Well, I went to see the collection this afternoon...now I am even confuzeder than I was before.
The seller is selling his own collection. (We had to walk between his Model Ts to get into the garage.) We had a good talk and shared a lot of similar interests. He used to have a space at a local antique mall where he sold phones and said that he enjoyed it for many years, but having to actually produce enough phones to keep the shop supplied eventually took the fun out of it. He is aware that the selling price for many of the phones he is selling has dropped over the course of time and that an unrestored 302 is not going to bring high dollars. He said that, unrestored, the price used to be around $35 and is now around $25. With statements like that it seems that he has a pretty realistic view of the market. Then he pointed out several sticks with subsets that he said, even if you only get $100 each for them and for the old wood wall phones, you have made back a significant portion of your investment.
He said that the labels on the boxes should be pretty accurate and that most of the phones are as complete as he bought them, in that he rarely would take one apart and put it back on the shelf half constructed. The reason I think these statements are important is that we couldn't get to most of the boxes due to the amount of "stuff" in the way. I did see a number of #2 dials on sticks and B1s.
Everything he has related to telephones is part of the sale. The telephone and dial testing sets, the spools of cable, the cabinets...
So where am I?
I would have to build a storage shed in the yard even if I end up working in the garage, I would have to put all this stuff someplace. I would need to inventory what I unpack so that I would know what was excess and what was required to assemble working units...also know what parts would be available to sell.
Perhaps I would need to put together a website to sell the stuff. I realize that even if I were to get the price down by 25% I would still have to invest a bit of money to get things started. It really would be like buying a business.
My head hurts (figuratively)!
I took some photos, but unfortunately I didn't get into opening boxes and didn't bring my better camera, so the cell phone photos are all I have. Some of the photos are similar to the ones from the ad, but they are subtly different.
Input is still actively solicited!
Nick
In photo number 0376 (above) is a tan 2-line wall phone he pointed out - said it was all there.
I asked him since I saw a lot of AE handsets if he had any chrome rings for them...he said, sure quite a few, I give you a couple...but couldn't find them.
More photos from this afternoon...
I see a number of radios in the pictures. Are they included in the deal? None of them are especially rare or valuable, but they could be worth $20-$60 each.
This would be a tough decision. Someone with the energy and motivation to keep working on and selling this stuff could make quite a hobby/business out of the opportunity.
If you don't have the space for the stuff now, you could rent a storage unit in the interim. I expect that they are ubiquitous in Tucson as they are here in metro Detroit.
Good Luck!
Larry
Larry,
He used to do basic repairs to radios as well as doing phones. He said that he would pick up radios that just hummed and that for the most part there were a couple paper capacitors that were usually the failure point. He would then just replace the caps, clean the units up and sell them.
I could probably throw the radios into my offer as something he could easily accept or counter. There didn't seem to be very many of them around but there were a couple that looked pretty cool.
He drives one of his Model Ts on almost a daily basis doing errands!
Nick
Most old radios have dried out electrolytic filter capacitors, so they hum. The paper capacitors can be a safety hazard because moisture can seep into the paper dialectic and cause a short. More than a few phone collectors also restore radios. Radio collecting can be as addictive as phone collecting.
Larry
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on March 27, 2018, 10:36:31 PM
Larry,
He used to do basic repairs to radios as well as doing phones. He said that he would pick up radios that just hummed and that for the most part there were a couple paper capacitors that were usually the failure point. He would then just replace the caps, clean the units up and sell them.
I could probably throw the radios into my offer as something he could easily accept or counter. There didn't seem to be very many of them around but there were a couple that looked pretty cool.
He drives one of his Model Ts on almost a daily basis doing errands!
Nick
Nick;
what was his name?
Is/was he a member of the clubs? Listserves? Interesting! Heavens, I saw $1,000 worth of B1's sitting on the bench in one of the photos!
His first name is Scott, I don't know his last name or whether or not he belongs to any of the groups.
There has to be a minimum of double your investment with that lot, probably way more.
JMHO
D/P
Well...it might be a test of my focus, patience and wisdom...but we made a deal.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My wife and I had plans to be out of town for the weekend and there is a lot of boxing-up to be done in order to move the phones, so I will start the moving process next Monday, April 2. The seller is going to start gathering and filling some boxes in the mean time. (I am glad that I feel good about his being a straight-up, honest sort.)
Excited...overwhelmed...kind of wishing I could start moving stuff right now to get on with it...
Nick
Happy for you Nick......keep the best for yourself and sell the rest. You will be busy!....Doug
Thanks Doug!
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on March 28, 2018, 01:13:03 AM
His first name is Scott, I don't know his last name or whether or not he belongs to any of the groups.
Scott Parsons Maybe?
Good deal! Please tell us what you 2 decided on for a price if you don't mind!! I am very excited for you too!
~
Wow!....I have a big smile on my face for you.....I feel excited for you!
Good to have the wife on board as well!
We all look forward to sharing this adventure with you!
Benny
Yup, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the awesome!
Bring it on 8)
I have done what you are about to do many times part out and price it to sell it's not about passion, it's about money once you committ. Keep the few pieces you want and move the rest. Use the money to buy higher end stuff. Being in love with it will cause you to always end low end stuff.
Quote from: Payphone installer on March 29, 2018, 06:50:30 PM
I have done what you are about to do many times part out and price it to sell it's not about passion, it's about money once you committ. Keep the few pieces you want and move the rest. Use the money to buy higher end stuff. Being in love with it will cause you to always end low end stuff.
Well Said.
Jim S.
Congratulations Nick, have fun with your new toys.
Crikey, those phones may be common over there but here in the UK (and France) we just never/seldom come across the majority of the phones pictured in that room. I would just LOVE to add some of them to my collection.
Well found. It will be a lot of work going through the finds, but enjoyable work. :)
Thanks for all the responses!
Now going a little nuts trying to figure out where to put them when I pick them up on Monday. (We are going away for the weekend and there is too much stuff to fit in our garage!) I am checking with neighbors about trying to borrow/rent some garage space.
I appreciate the reminders about not falling in love with the stuff and pricing it to sell.
Hey, FabPhones, my wife is now working for a British company...perhaps if she has to go to the home office I could fill her suitcase with a few old phones!
Nick
Can you share what the final deal was?
Well... Did you pick up the lot? We are dying to know.
Larry
Sorry for the long silence...still busy almost every day going over to the seller's place, packing up some things and bringing them back to my place to stuff into the garage.
I have not had any luck finding a space to rent nearby, so I am trying to see if I can turn our garage into an effective storage/work space until I build in our small back yard.
There is a lot of stuff! The seller was working for a small, independent telephone store at one point so there are a number of new parts for regular, modern phones. He also assembled new candlestick style phones for selling to people who wanted those. I will be trying to inventory, photograph and sell those items pretty quickly as they take up room and I don't have much interest in them.
With regard to the price I paid for the lot, I hesitate to get specific as there were at least a couple other folks in the collecting community (at least one on this forum) who had seen the lot and negotiated a bit with the seller. I will say that I was able to get the price down some, but not a whole lot.
The seller has been very generous with his time assisting in the packing and a couple times when I have asked whether a specific type of item was in the lot, he has taken items he had inside the house that he had intended to keep and added them to what he was passing on to me.
Once the whole lot is here and I start to go through it in an attempt to organize it, should I post some photos of interesting items or parts that I need assistance in identifying in this thread, or elsewhere?
Nick
Don't know, but would suspect a new post with particular questions, or for sale adds would be easiest for folks to assist???
I think a post or two or fourteen here about the entire haul (with lots of pictures!) would be good to finalize this topic. Any questions on individual items should probably haver their own topics in the appropriate boards. Items for sale or trade should go in the classifieds.
JMO - your mileage may vary.
Yes in the past I think we've found that keeping a topic together in one place works out better than bits and pieces scattered around in an attempt to have them on the most appropriate board each time. No problem posting pictures for "show and tell" or "what is this?" here in this topic.
Similar to the topic started by wds here:
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=18947.0
Terry
Re price paid, I think shhhhhhh! - keep us guessing ;)
You could store that lot in one of our barns 5 times over, offer would be there if we were in the same country.
And yes, if your wife ever visits the UK re her job, please bring phones - and Twinkies!
I would love to be your first customer, but you are across the pond. :(
Maybe a large postal box... :)
Quote from: FabPhones on April 10, 2018, 05:58:58 PM
Maybe a large postal box... :)
Maybe try the new Extra Large Flat Rate Box?
Quote from: AE_Collector on April 11, 2018, 02:15:19 AM
Maybe try the new Extra Large Flat Rate Box?
:D :D :D
- - - - - -
They convert those in the UK for people to live in. They stack them up and have exterior stairs leading up to the various levels. One room bedsits. Not even sure they are as large as the one in your pic.
Apol o.p. I'm off topic.
Quote from: AE_Collector on April 11, 2018, 02:15:19 AM
Maybe try the new Extra Large Flat Rate Box?
Ironic! Just yesterday, my friend who lives about 1 hour north of me deals in antiques and stuff, JUST bought one of these 40' containers to use as a storage shed next to his garage! Water-tight, VERY secure, and it cost him exactly $2,000 DELIVERED! If you haven't seen the insides of one of these shipping containers, they are WAY cool! They have a 2" thick hardwood floor (like bowling alley), and they are watertight with double-gaskets around the doors.
A friend of mine bought a couple of the 20' containers for his mountain property. He calls his a "Man Can". His wife uses her's as a library. They needed the 20' ones due to the winding roads to the property. You can also buy 40' Containers. These are single use containers that came out of Denver. Very cool containers.
My wife says I don't need one.
JMO,
JimS.
Still up to my ears packing and moving phones and "stuff".
I have used up most of the room in the garage and there is quite a bit more to come.
I will post a few general shots and a few of more interesting things I have come across so far.
Nick
Some more...
Any ideas on the portable unit in the black case?
The "Telephone Planned Home" sign is painted Masonite or something similar.
Gotta go unpack and try to organize in order to make room for the next load.
Nick
AE 40 with the extra buttons in first group of pictures is an AE47 three line phone. Second group of pictures the black wall box has an AE 43 wall phone though the bell (?) stuck to it isn't factory.
Terry
Like some of the earlier interesting pics on this thread these photos (for me inparticular, photos 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the first group) are great to see. I see phones as works of art and I so want some of those in my collection.
I'll have to book into phone re-hab if I keep reading this thread (too late, I'm addicted I will keep reading this thread....).
;) :D
~
Nick,
I suggest, when you get to the point to where you are ready to sell parts of your find, you should create a page in the forum's classifieds to offer pieces for sale. You can set your asking price and you don't have to pay the EBAY fees. Perhaps both parties can save a bit this way.
Plus you have a prime group of phoneitis afflicted collectors yearning to fill spaces in their collections. I know I have certian phones I'm always on the look out for!
Just a suggestion, you may have already thought of this any way.
Keep the pictures coming....we LOVE pictures!
Benny
I have one of those pink and black masonite "Telephone Planned Homes" signs too. They're quite rare. Most were tossed or forgotten. I've seen one or two others. They were put up to advertise an entire neighborhood of homes wired by the phone company for free, with inside wiring run to most important places in the house via conduit (sometime) and terminating with a box in the wall. It was left unterminated except where phones were installed or where jacks were needed.
If I were you, I'd sell that sign on eBay and let it go to the highest bidder. There's no telling how much it's worth because they don't come along very often. If you search on "telephone planned home" on eBay you will find a different, larger and more detailed sign that the seller wants $795 for and that's a pie in the sky price. It's been up for about 2-3 years.
Below is a scan from a bill insert from Southern Bell in 1959 about Telephone Planned Homes and it has a picture of the sign you and I have, on a post in front of a house. They used it in conjunction with a Parade of Homes in the spring.
I probably still have a flyer for a "telephone planned home". I will keep an eye out for it and post it eventually.
Jim S.
Well, time and space are still in short supply, but I took a few more photos.
Since space is a real issue for me at this point, I am looking at some of the boxes of newer and in some cases, new, parts and will be posting just a few photos of these in case someone is interested in them. There are a number of packages of cords, a couple boxes of new handsets from Western Electric, some boxes of unmarked new handsets and a bunch of new plastic parts for candlestick style telephones. These are some of the items I would like to find a home for so that I have room to organize the older items.
Boxes of handsets in white, black, painted red, yellow, pink, blue...
Again, some of the more modern stuff...and a couple photos of typical boxes of the older stuff...
I will eventually put some of this stuff into the classified section of the forum, but in the mean time if there is something you see that you need, please let me know. As I said, space is at a premium and if I can free some up, then I can more effectively unpack and organize what is still arriving in my garage.
How do you sleep at night with all that phoneage out there, wanting to be looked at and touched?
Quote from: Pourme on April 14, 2018, 04:38:02 PM
How do you sleep at night with all that phoneage out there, wanting to be looked at and touched?
You know, I have honestly been in that situation! One time, after a particularly "fantastic find", I had to literally get out of bed, put my slippers on, walk out in the garage and look at my "booty" again! :-) Nick will NEVER regret what he has gotten himself into!
Quote from: kleenax on April 14, 2018, 07:58:40 PM
You know, I have honestly been in that situation! One time, after a particularly "fantastic find", I had to literally get out of bed, put my slippers on, walk out in the garage and look at my "booty" again! :-) Nick will NEVER regret what he has gotten himself into!
I can relate, Ray......I see the "booty" in his garage and think back how excited I get when UPS delivers ONE phone....I would probably sleep with Nicks huge purchase.....for a while.....
So that's were all the stuff went when Ma Bell broke up!!! I think you should open an eBay store for all that NOS modern stuff. Maybe you could make deal with OldPhoneWorks or The Olde Telphone Co. etc.
That is a good idea, Sargeguy! I have been trying to figure out where there might be a market for those parts!
Just a quick post to say that after 2 weeks of trips across town, all of the "stuff" is now in my garage. There is not much room in there to even stand, let alone try to open, sort and organize the lot...but I will dive into it tomorrow. A lot of the boxes have some of this and some of that, plus a phone or some other bits in them, so it is going to be an adventure!
Nick
I'm so pleased for you. Every box will be like a treasure hunt.
You probably need to clear some space (!) next for everything that gets sorted out. If it was me I'd mark every new box up as I went through it and work out a plan to sell off as much of the 'space fillers' as possible to make some room and get the initial outlay back. Then you can really start to work with the treasure.
Contact dealers, ask what they are on the lookout for re parts, sell in bulk: on auction sites, ads, and phone shows or the ilk.
I'm probably telling you how to suck eggs, but I share your excitment. Have fun! ;D
Trying to excavate some pathways through the pile of boxes that is my garage now.
Going to post a few photos, but want to say that due to the lack of space to unpack and organize, I am tackling the large items and those that ended up on the top first.
I did receive a TTS-26B that the seller said works. I have no idea of how to use it, but I was told that it will allow me to check the specs on dials. I did a search on the forum and did not find any info on how to use it to test dials, so if anyone can point me to a source of info that a layman can understand, I would appreciate it.
I also got a BK 1045A and a Conway Phone-A-Lyzer. The BK unit seems to work fine (although I am probably not aware of all it can do) and I am not sure if I am using the Phone-A-Lyzer correctly or not. The seller said it worked and he did a quick demo for me...but when I tried it, I could not get the phone to ring and could not see the transmitter output.
There is a strange pay phone in the lot which seems to be new.
There is also a metal payphone backboard that is stamped with '1A' and '233G'.
One of the largest items (therefore taking up too much space!) is a Mitel SX-50 switch. The seller was going to install it in his house but never got to it. I have taken several photos but may have missed something important. There are 2 or 3 large PC boards in their green static-proof bags that I have not taken photos of. Any comments on this unit? (And I thought the Panasonic 616 was large and complex looking!) I have attached a couple photos of telephone units that I believe are associated with the Mitel switch.
Went to the building supply store this evening to pick up some materials to add shelves to the several sets I have picked up from Craig's List and other sources over the last couple weeks - will be able to unpack more stuff tomorrow.
A couple more photos that relate to the Mitel SX-50...
I also have the plastic cover that fits over the unit when it is mounted on the wall. Could post a photo later if someone wanted to see it.
More photos of old telephones coming soon...
Nick
Hey Nick;
the TTS-26B will allow you to check PPS (pulses per second) & Make/Break % of your dials. I have some directions on how to use it from an old friend if you need them. I seem to remember seeing a copy of the manual for it from someone on the TCI list.
And the BK Precision 1045 tests all the other functions of phones (except make/break and speed) so don't lose track of it. Many other topics about the 1045 & 1050 on the forum under test equipment.
The Tts-26B is in the first picture of reply #62 and the 1045 is in the second picture of the same reply.
The Mitel PBX would be able to run more analog phones than even the larger Panasonic 6-16 PBX. Mitel "lost me" after their original SX100 and SX200 PBX's, there seemed to be a new model every month. But that one has two 16 port analog station cards and I don't know if the 8 Port COV card is for digital sets or more analog stations. A Panasonic is likely easier to deal with though. But, I have no idea if there is any demand for a SX50 or not.
Terry
Ray, if you can find the directions on the use of the TTS-26B that would be great. I assume that the manual would overwhelm me. I would need bite-sized pieces!
Terry, I don't have the knowledge/experience with which to test the SX50, but some folks must want them judging by the prices for the refurbished components on the web! Do you have any knowledge of the Conway Phone-A-Lyzer?
Thanks,
Nick
No, nothing on the Conway Phone-A-Lyzer ... a more basic version of the BK Precision 1045 would be my guess.
Terry
Spent most of the available time today putting together more shelf space, but finally did get to opening a few boxes.
A couple toys, more modern phones and then as I opened a box with some old stuff...I ran out of time.
So the attached photos are of what I processed today.
The fellow who sold me the lot said that the first item was a salesman sample type of thing. It is pretty convincing as the proportions all look right, but it makes my brain itch as it is just too small!
Bell System flash light.
WE Space Saver type phone with navy data plate.
Surprised to find an AE34. There are several AE40s in the lot but (so far) only one of these. I have spent no time yet trying to clean up the phones I have received, just removing some of the dust in some cases.
A few more of the items uncovered today...
A couple of Northern Telecom 2554 wall phones. One is labeled as property of NB Tel - a fairly long way from Arizona! The finish on one seems to be factory paint while the other (on the right) does not seem to be painted.
A Bell System truck bank and a Simpson ohm meter.
Nick
I believe that 2554's are actually 3554's when they are 554's (large) wall phones with adapter plates to convert them to TT phones. Was it only NE who did this?
Terry
ITT did also
Quote from: AE_Collector on April 22, 2018, 10:25:40 AM
I believe that 2554's are actually 3554's when they are 554's (large) wall phones with adapter plates to convert them to TT phones. Was it only NE who did this?
Terry
Stromberg-Carlson did it too.
Having just yesterday seen the post discussing the existence of AE40s without the indentations for carrying ( http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=20264.msg207628#msg207628 ), I was alert to that when unpacking some more of the phones in the pile in my garage.
I came across two AE40s that do not have the indentations. I am still very new to a lot of the details of all these phones, so I may be misinterpreting what was said in the thread about Robs Collection, but are these really unusual?
Nick
Today reveled a few Stromberg Carlson phones, some Northern Electrics, and a navy phone base that I am guessing is for a sound powered phone. I have not done any research on it yet, and I wonder if the handset that was in the same box is correct for that base.
I did receive a box of receivers that the seller said were sound powered phones, but I have not dug into that box yet.
This is the first time I've seen an AE 40 without the indentations. I notice they are set up for the butler handle.
A Kellogg Grab-A-Phone (I believe). Unfortunately, the bakelite is cracked where it sits in the cradle on the left side in the photo. It still feels solid, but will probably need attention.
A Dean Electric candlestick phone. I don't know what receiver should go with this phone. If someone knows what I should look out for, please let me know. I might have one somewhere else in this lot.
A Federal Telephone and Radio unit (weighs a ton!) and a U.S. Army Signal Corps marked Connecticut Telephone TA-166U.
Uncovered a West Test Set by Automatic Electric.
I located a manual online at: http://www.telephonecollectors.info/index.php/browse/document-repository/catalogs-manuals/automatic-electric/1786-west-test-set-tl/file
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on April 22, 2018, 07:39:26 PM
Having just yesterday seen the post discussing the existence of AE40s without the indentations for carrying ( http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=20264.msg207628#msg207628 ), I was alert to that when unpacking some more of the phones in the pile in my garage.
I came across two AE40s that do not have the indentations. I am still very new to a lot of the details of all these phones, so I may be misinterpreting what was said in the thread about Robs Collection, but are these really unusual?
Nick
Nick;
these AE40's with no indentations are VERY scarce; (dare I say rare?).
As I said in Roberts Monophone topic...I've seen none in person and pictures of just two of them....which I will now increment the counter to 4....there, done.
Don't lose track of them...I'm gonna need details from inside and any and all codes found on them. I can see that they are old 40's because one at least has the metal dial mounting ring. And the stamp on the base shows "Chicago" not "Chicago 7" which means they can be no more recent than 1943. AE40's generally were made from about 1939 to 1957 give or take.
I am not certain that I have seen a 40 with the final digit being a 1 after the date letters indicating assembly line or crew 1. This too may be indicative of a very early model. I must have 50 of them around here and all have the indents.
Terry
Terry, with regard to the AE40s without indentations, I have taken a number of photos of them and can post them here, elsewhere or email them to you...whichever you think is best.
I have also been unpacking more stuff and will post some more photos...
An AE40 I unpacked has a little push button on top. It shows up on the schematic, but I am just not familiar enough with electrons to know what its function is. Is it a mute button?
======
A telephone number stamping device
Another AE40, made in Canada has a Siemens Bros, London, (Canadian Patent Date 1923) dial. Was this standard for the Canadian models or probably an aftermarket swap out? (What is the little button near the zero for?)
============================
TA-312/PT military field telephone
============================
A pair of European phones. (No markings on the outside and I have not opened them up yet.) I think they are good looking phones.
Next question:
This phone is labeled with what I believe is probably GA-51859, which I believe indicates it is a phone made for the military. But when I look out on the web to see other phones of that description, I don't see any with the switch that this one has.
The case is marked Kellogg/ITT. The dates all seem to match on the base, but I can't find any date markings on the case.
I would guess that the case and the handset had been replaced, but to my untrained eye, that switch looks as original as the rest of the equipment mounted on that base.
Thanks for your input!
Nick
It was not unusual for phones in some parts of Canada to have British GPO dials for compatibility with British phone switches. I bought a junk Canadian AE40 once which had a GPO dial in it.
The European phones are probably Belgian. I don't recall ever seeing those things, whatever they are, on the fronts on phones like those before.
Larry
Larry,
Those are push buttons of some sort. I have so much unpacking to do I am not taking the time to open each phone up, but perhaps I will have to do it on these so that I can figure out what model they are.
The prairie provinces in particular used a lot of AE phones and they installed a lot of British CO equipment. AE would install British dials for these customers in new AE40's and 50's.
Is it a switch/button by the 0 on that dial or a keying slot or maybe even a chip in the porcelain?
There is a variety of AE 40 with a little button up by the cradle. It likely had several possible functions including ground start, button/buzzer circuit and maybe exclusion as well.
Terry
The pair of European phones are Belgian (Bell phones. Have also heard them called kettle phones).
I have a similar one with the front button, and a carry handle.
...you can also see a photo of a similar one that I posted on this site on the 'lamp phone atrocities' :( thread.
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on April 24, 2018, 08:43:04 PM
Next question:
This phone is labeled with what I believe is probably GA-51859, which I believe indicates it is a phone made for the military. But when I look out on the web to see other phones of that description, I don't see any with the switch that this one has.
The case is marked Kellogg/ITT. The dates all seem to match on the base, but I can't find any date markings on the case.
I would guess that the case and the handset had been replaced, but to my untrained eye, that switch looks as original as the rest of the equipment mounted on that base.
Thanks for your input!
Nick
Looks like a Western Electric 510: 2-line without hold. Western Electric handset, dial, ringer, network, base pan. Kellogg housing.
However, I can't tell whether the key (turn-button) and terminal strip are WE or ITT. Perhaps these were added, along with the housing, to a single line WE set.
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on April 14, 2018, 01:19:17 PM
Well, time and space are still in short supply, but I took a few more photos.
Since space is a real issue for me at this point, I am looking at some of the boxes of newer and in some cases, new, parts and will be posting just a few photos of these in case someone is interested in them. There are a number of packages of cords, a couple boxes of new handsets from Western Electric, some boxes of unmarked new handsets and a bunch of new plastic parts for candlestick style telephones. These are some of the items I would like to find a home for so that I have room to organize the older items.
Boxes of handsets in white, black, painted red, yellow, pink, blue...
Hey Nick,
I would love to talk to you about all the stuff you have for sale.
Please call me at 800-843-1320 (Oldphoneworks)
Thanks,
Matt
One box contained a 551A KSU with the base of a dirty 564HD still wired to it.
This next item looks partly as though it was factory made and other aspects make it look like a home made device...
Quote from: AE_Collector on April 24, 2018, 10:35:36 PM
Is it a switch/button by the 0 on that dial or a keying slot or maybe even a chip in the porcelain
I took that AE40 with the Siemens dial apart a bit to ensure that I was seeing things clearly and it turns out that what looks like a little button near the '0' on the dial is one of two locating nubs (keying slots) as you suggested they might be.
Nick
Okay, good to know. I don't think I have an AE phones with these dials on them. No shortage of AE 40's and 50's around here with AE dials!
Terry
Nick;
Here are some pics concerning the TTS-26B instructions. I have included an actual photo of the front of MY 26B so you can physically SEE how it's configured, because, heavens, I can't quite make heads or tails of Paul's handwritten note to me from about 15 yrs ago!
All I know is that it works for me; every time just like it is. Oh, and you will need a 48V power supply. And the Green cord that you see plugged in simply terminates at 2 small alligator clips for the pulse-contact screws on the back of the dial.
(http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20051.0;attach=185431;image)
(http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20051.0;attach=185429;image)
(http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20051.0;attach=185433;image)
Ray....what is the clear phone on top? How about a close up of it. ....Doug
Quote from: Doug Rose on May 02, 2018, 07:19:44 AM
Ray....what is the clear phone on top? How about a close up of it. ....Doug
Eh, good eye Doug!
That is another "experiment" that I am/was working on. It is actually 2 different phones; it's the 1st casting of a bottom housing-extension for an AE 1A (making a 31B), AND my secret project, an-all clear Western Electric D1 / 202 mount. I'm working on the E1 handset for it now; should have it for display at Lancaster (that's my plan anyway:).
I thought 205, then I saw switches....very nice Ray. I am a proud owner of a clear Kotke 302. Is nine still the number of clear 302s that you made?....Doug
Quote from: Doug Rose on May 02, 2018, 10:35:29 AM
I thought 205, then I saw switches....very nice Ray. I am a proud owner of a clear Kotke 302. Is nine still the number of clear 302s that you made?....Doug
Wow! Looks like your's was #8 - of (now) 11 total. I have a birthdate of 2/28/2005; does that sound about right? You have a teenager Clear 302 now! ;-)
12 18 53 is me. My kids are all married with kids. Every time someone sees the Phone Room...they go right to your creation...Doug
Quote from: Doug Rose on May 02, 2018, 04:46:02 PM
12 18 53 is me. My kids are all married with kids. Every time someone sees the Phone Room...they go right to your creation...Doug
heh; didn't mean YOUR birthday sir; I meant your Clear 302 ;-)
Thank you for the compliments! Hope to see you in Lancaster (I KNOW you can make it!), and just "maybe" you will see something new!
Ray, Thanks for the info on the using the TTS-26B I will need it! (And that clear phone combination does look really cool!)
I have shifted my focus a little to take a look at some of the wooden phones that are in the pile of stuff I acquired.
One is a phone that is stamped with PRR on the front and on the lower front edge of the box (visible only when the cover is open). Whether that stands for Pennsylvania Rail Road, or perhaps Pete's Rat Ranch I can't say...
The back of the box is stamped with 300N.
The top front edge of the box is stamped with a code that is hard to read...U79892? U7989Z? U29892?
I am just getting started learning about these older phones, so any input I can get is appreciated...make, model, use...?
Thanks,
Nick
DUH! What a dope I am....a senior moment....Yes that sounds right Ray. Light dawns on Marblehead! (for MA collectors ONLY).
Still looks perfect....no yellowing. Anyone hedging, they are a work of art...Doug
The next off the shelf was a Leich (an assumption I am making by looking at the name on the transmitter).
I have tried to find a Leich catalog in the TCI Library or some other method of being able to determine what model a mystery phone is, but so far have not succeeded. So, if you can tell me what model this phone is, or tell me where to go to figure it out, I would appreciate it! (Edit...I found a Leich catalog that shows this phone in the TCI Library after all. As mentioned in post #105 of this thread.)
There are a few phone memorabilia-type items that I want to mention in case anyone needs to fill in their collection of phone-related stuff...The boxes in the last photo are for phones that were sold by the guy I got this lot from, where the purchasers didn't take the boxes. So, if you have a Star Trek phone or a P-51B telephone and need a box, let me know.
The vinyl briefcase has a Bell logo on the lower left corner.
The little hardhat is actually a bottle opener. (I took more photos of each of these, but didn't want to bore folks with too many non-phone photos.
Nick
A Craycraft-Leich? Again I don't know the model number and am making an assumption based on the transmitter.
The receiver shell says Leich Electric Company on it and feels very hard and heavy - as though it is made of plaster. What is it made of?
Thanks,
Nick
They are usually made of hard rubber although some earlier receivers were made of composite.
Just found an old Leich catalog in the members only section of the TCI website, so that should help me identify some of the phones I am researching.
But any input is still appreciated!
Nick
Can't remember who owns this one, but it is the ONLY Ivory "no grip / indentations" that I have ever seen. Anyone else know where this one resides?
(http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20051.0;attach=185679)
I associate that picture with Gary Goff but it is possible that he had something to do with the picture while not actually owning the phone. But, I suspect that it is his. Remind me to visit a Gary and his phones one day!!!
Terry
Gary's Fabulous Collection with the Manual Ivory AE....Doug
http://www.telephonecollector.info/collectionsite/
Gary's collection is certainly impressive and well displayed!
I doubt I have any of the white AE40s with no indentations...but there are a lot of boxes I have not opened yet...
I am trying to strike a balance between putting way too many photos of misc phones and related parts up on this thread and not posting things that might be of interest to folks out there. Also, I am trying to do some of my own research, but it is a bit overwhelming with so many things being unfamiliar and unmarked.
So, please bear with me and if something should be moved to another thread, such as attempts at identifying specific receivers, please let me know.
======================
One of the wooden phones appears to be a Stromberg Carlson 896, to which someone has added a dial. The dial is not connected at the moment. I have not been able to locate a schematic that covers adding a dial to a 896 - does anyone know of a source for one?
Also, there are no markings on the dial and it is a smaller diameter than what seems standard. Any ideas on whose dial it might be? The mounting it is in looks very well designed, not like a one-off. Were there retrofit kits made to do this? I can post photos of the dial if folks are interested.
=======================
The next item has a stamp that appears to be, "E.C. Sep 1953" on the bottom of the unit. It appears to be a wiring box, but done up to be decorative so it must have been expected to be on a desk or table top. The terminals are marked with L1,L2,A,B,C and J. Any guesses?
Nick
With this lot came a number of receivers - some attached to phones and some loose. Some are marked and many are not. I have tried to do some research to figure out which is who, but there are a number of questions I have not found answers to yet.
One of the receivers has patent dates on the top of the receiver and the edge of the cap is marked with 143 AW. It has a 75Z element in it. The shape of the top of the receiver looks different than what I see in the old W.E. catalog, but I have the impression from some of what I have read on the forum that some variations might have looked different but had the same model number. Is that correct? Does this receiver have a mismatched shell and cap?
Nick
Next receiver question...
One of the receivers has a brass shell with a brown cap. The diaphragm is stamped with what looks like, "Baldwins No. 12". I have seen that Nathaniel Baldwin did patent a telephone receiver and that he went on to create radiotelephone receiver sets, but have have not found any photos or other references to telephone receivers with the Baldwin name associated. Does anyone recognize this unit?
It arrived with the cap cracked and a wavy ring between the cap and the diaphragm. I am not sure that the wavy ring belongs there, as it seems to limit the ability of the threads of the cap and the shell to overlap very much.
I can't find any identifying markings other than the stamp on the diaphragm anywhere on the assembly.
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on May 06, 2018, 06:51:40 PM
Next receiver question...
One of the receivers has a brass shell with a brown cap. The diaphragm is stamped with what looks like, "Baldwins No. 12". I have seen that Nathaniel Baldwin did patent a telephone receiver and that he went on to create radiotelephone receiver sets, but have have not found any photos or other references to telephone receivers with the Baldwin name associated. Does anyone recognize this unit?
It arrived with the cap cracked and a wavy ring between the cap and the diaphragm. I am not sure that the wavy ring belongs there, as it seems to limit the ability of the threads of the cap and the shell to overlap very much.
I can't find any identifying markings other than the stamp on the diaphragm anywhere on the assembly.
Yep; British receiver; GPO. Used on their wall phones and candlesticks.
I associate the Brass shells with British phones as well.
Don't worry too much about posting too many pictures or asking too many questions even though you may have been able to search and get the answer yourself. Many here enjoy the experience through pictures along with you (and we don't have to find room for them all!) and you've got a load of work to do identifying things that we're hapoy to help you with.
Terry
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on May 06, 2018, 06:00:09 PM
======================
One of the wooden phones appears to be a Stromberg Carlson 896, to which someone has added a dial. The dial is not connected at the moment. I have not been able to locate a schematic that covers adding a dial to a 896 - does anyone know of a source for one?
Also, there are no markings on the dial and it is a smaller diameter than what seems standard. Any ideas on whose dial it might be? The mounting it is in looks very well designed, not like a one-off. Were there retrofit kits made to do this? I can post photos of the dial if folks are interested.
=======================
Dial is North Electric.
That is a North dial
Quote from: AE_Collector on May 06, 2018, 08:56:45 PM
I associate the Brass shells with British phones as well.
...
Terry
The shell is brass but it would originally have had a black ebonite covering on it.
Black ones are very hard to find as most have either faded to brown or been lost altogether as in this case.
Also note the dent in the edge of the cap - this was to allow the exchange howler to be heard if the receiver was left standing on a desk rather than being put back on-hook following a call.
:)
I have one of these on my candlestick, complete with ebonite. I can add a pic if that helps.
:)
Thanks everyone for the input...it really helps!
With regard to the brass GPO receiver, is the wavy ring that I found between the cap and the diaphragm correct? It does seem to make it a challenge to thread the cap on.
Thanks,
Nick
The couple that I have do not have the wavy bit. The diaphragm sits straight on top of the coils and the cap holds the whole lot together.
I have seen other diaphragm type receivers that do have, and need, a spacer but not the GPO type.
:)
Thanks for that, Tubaman. That explains why it seemed to be a problem in that assembly.
Nick
That may be a thrust washer???
there to force the diaphragm against its base???
RB,
I had assumed that it was there to hold the diaphragm without dampening its movement too much, but what I think I will do is (eventually) test the receiver both with and without the washer and see which way it works better. The cap is cracked and if the receiver functions well without the washer, I will leave it out.
=======================
Responding to my own post (Reply #109, above) I saw a photo this morning on eBay that contains what looks like the same item I was trying to identify. It is in a photo of what they are describing as a, "Danish Skeleton Telephone Phone c1900 Kjobenhavns Aktieselskab". (That is a cool looking phone! - It looks as though that phone is described elsewhere on the 'net as an Eiffel Tower phone.)
Anyway, I found another photo of this type of telephone also with the line cord connected to a circular container painted and looking exactly like the one I have. Might the initials E.C. on the underside might stand for Ericsson - something?
So, with photos from two separate listings of these old Ericsson phones, I think we can safely assume that we know what it is used for. Is it likely that this design was used from around 1900 until the '50s?
Nick
I beleive that "circular container" is where the connections to the line are made. IIRC they were used for a long time. Maybe one of our european members can give a specific date range on that part.
Called a Rosette ? (sp)
Spent some time with a few of the wooden phone components...please let me know if you have any observations to pass on about these items - it is all new to me!
=======
315H, (first 3 pics) seems pretty complete, a couple drops of oil and the magneto rings the bells
=======
N300C, (second 3 pics) this Northern box has a push button on the side and the schematic is stamped with the date of Oct 5, 1914, seems complete
This next box (first 3 pics) is labeled, "Special Type 300H". (I thought it was stamped 800H, but upon close examination it does look as though it is probably a 3 and not an 8.) The ringer is stamped, "2B". Is also has a stamp impressed onto the right side of the exterior that says, "Patented See Dates Inside".
==========
Next up was a box labeled as a C315E (with a square around the 'C')(second 3 pics). Somebody really didn't want folks to use the schematic that was attached to the inside of the door!
I made good use of D/P's wiring diagram for ringers on 302s the last couple days and was able to get a couple 5302s back up on their feet and ringing. One of the 5302s I came across has an aluminum base plate. I searched around and see that they have been discussed a bit on the forum, but I didn't find a definitive statement as to why they were made with the aluminum base plate...?
Also, this unit is not coming "off hook". I got the ringer working with the diagram I found on the forum (I have lost it again!) but only just now as I go to post this, I see that D/P also posted a diagram of how to wire the dial to function on a two wire system...so putting that diagram to work to see if that solves my problem with this phone is my next task.
===========
I believe this next phone is what some folks lovingly call the Soviet Princess Phone. A Crouse-Hinds hazardous environment (explosion proof) phone. It is labeled as an ETDA-20 but more properly might be an ETWA-20 as it is configured as a wall phone. It may be considered explosion proof, but I don't think it is drop-proof...it seems to have been dropped and the result is a crack in the case above the dial and a chunk that has been partly repaired on the back flange of the case. It weighs a lot!
Would like some input on this, as I have a ways to go before I understand the electrical magic of a telephone.
One of the boxes in the lot came with a WE 1002 attached to it with 2 'D' cell batteries wired into the system. Would the intent of this set up be to use it connected to the modern phone system? There is a two conductor line cord exiting the box...would it/should it work?
ALSO!! A couple of the ringer boxes I received have the bells cut as they are on this box. Why? It certainly does not look like a factory modification. It looks as though it was done with a hack saw while not paying attention!
Nick
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on May 13, 2018, 01:21:36 AM
Would like some input on this, as I have a ways to go before I understand the electrical magic of a telephone.
One of the boxes in the lot came with a WE 1002 attached to it with 2 'D' cell batteries wired into the system. Would the intent of this set up be to use it connected to the modern phone system? There is a two conductor line cord exiting the box...would it/should it work?
ALSO!! A couple of the ringer boxes I received have the bells cut as they are on this box. Why? It certainly does not look like a factory modification. It looks as though it was done with a hack saw while not paying attention!
Nick
Batteries were usually mounted separately (except in the large wall phones) but this is a clever adaptation. This is for "local battery" (L.B.) use with any other L. B. telephones.
The hacksaw was used to create distinctive sound so that you could tell which line was ringing.
So, the modifier of this phone might have set up a local "network" of local battery phones so that they could talk to each other? I guess that would be a great way to demonstrate one's collection of LB phones and to see what the fidelity of these old instruments was like. Am I on the right track?
Thanks,
Nick
(Too bad about the bells...)
Most of those 315 boxes are not worth much on their own unfortunately and are worth the sum of their parts. For magnetos the more bronze parts=more $$$. Most of the magnetos are worth about $20, the red magneto is is worth approximately $65. It was also used in 301As and is often damaged. It is always a good idea to remove the magneto crank and store it inside a phone or box if the box is not secured to a wall. Hitting the crank handle can bend the magneto shaft and mke it difficult to turn, making the mag useless.
Thanks for that input, Greg. It seems a pity that things that are that cool and that old are not more highly valued.
Any idea as to why the square around the 'C' on that 315E box? Also, any idea what might have been special about the "Special Type 300H"?
Is there a listing somewhere of what subscriber sets were manufactured to support which phones? I tried searching the TCI site and did not have any luck, but I may be searching incorrectly.
Thanks,
Nick
C = Chicago (WE repair shop)
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=10974.msg208620#msg208620
Slots were cut into gongs to modify the ringing sound.. You would recognize which line was ringing.That handset would have been a proper use in ir's day
315 and similar top boxes aren't much use if you want a working phone, so supply out-strips demand. Most collectors look for common battery subsets. These were used with 20-AL and other 20-XX series phones for the most part. I use a 315 with the 1002 handset I have.
Poplar1,
Thanks for the link about the repair shops! I had not seen that before. There is so much information on this forum...it is not always easy to figure out the right search criteria, but it is amazing how much is here.
Rdelius,
It is a pity that the gongs were so roughly modified. Thanks for confirming that the 1002 would have been appropriate.
Sargeguy,
Do you have the 315 modified to allow the 1002 to be used with the modern phone line? Or is it just for display?
Nick
The subset that has the 1002 is a nicer, older one. The block decal, the brass armature on the ringer and the bronze wheel on the magneto make it more collectible.
Only one of the receivers that I have uncovered so far is an OST type. The only markings I see are some markings inside the receiver cap, "1370" an "H" and a backward, "MM7". Can anyone tell me who the manufacturer was for this receiver? Perhaps a model number? Approx date?
=======================
Also, another question...I read somewhere on the internet that to lube the generators (magnetos) in these old phones, one should use a dielectric oil. Is this the case? I have some light clock oil I picked up some years ago...would that be a bad idea to use?
Thanks,
Nick
"1370" indicates a Western Electric cap for 143 (or 144?) receiver. Also backward compatible with the WE #122 receiver.
This cap has the same thread pattern, but more threads than the original 122 cap. So you should not use a 122 cap on a 143 or 144, but the cap marked 1370 can be used on either the 122 (exposed binding post rec.) or on the 143/144.
Poplar1,
Thanks for identifying that receiver for me.
I had noticed when removing and replacing the cap that the threads seemed to go on for quite a while. The fact that the cap was not designed for that shell explains why.
Nick
Shipboard Galion?
Discovered a Galion with some of the components of a handset latch. The condenser is marked, "Navy Department - Bureau of Ships".
The network is dated IV-43, the inside of the case is stamped, "N1178" and "844" which I would guess is August of '44. The handset also has the "844" stamp, the receiver cap is 8-43, the receiver is 7(?)-27-44, the transmitter cap is 8-44, and the transmitter is 6-44.
I have looked around a bit on the TCI site and on the internet in general and can not find any photos of a Galion with a handset latch. PaulF does mention a desk set with latch as a 7H64 but if this is the type of latch he is referring to, I don't know.
I believe the latch is missing a spring or two and probably a button or a lever for activation. The rounded lump on the left side of the cradle as seen from the front of the phone is stationary. The part on the right side seems to be set up so that when it is slid forward it lifts up to about 90 degrees toward the right side of the phone and prevents the handset from being lifted. If one pushes rearward on the round projection sticking out from the front of the latch, a curved groove causes the device to twist downward and allows the handset to be lifted. (Not easy to describe and probably not easy to follow!)
If anyone has any photos of other phones with this type of latch, please post them or a link to them.
Also, what are the holes to either side of the dial for?
Thanks,
Nick
Nick....really different North. No idea what the screw holes are for but they look like the are indented into the dial for something? Is there a screw in the holes? I know North did phones for the Navy as I have a Wood Wall North for the Navy. Put it on eBay and I bet there will be some interest. thanks.....Doug
Judging by the residue which runs in a circle around the dial, I would guess that there was some sort of surround or cover mounted around the dial and held by screws or pins which went though those holes.
Larry
Good call Larry, I was thinking maybe an earlier dial blank before I noticed the dial has a slight indent for the holes...Doug
I have seen photos of ships phones with a cover over the dial. It does look like something of that ilk was fitted.
I'd be very interested to follow it's auction on eBay. A nice unusual piece.
Another nice find.
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on May 20, 2018, 09:40:15 PM
Only one of the receivers that I have uncovered so far is an OST type. The only markings I see are some markings inside the receiver cap, "1370" an "H" and a backward, "MM7". Can anyone tell me who the manufacturer was for this receiver? Perhaps a model number? Approx date?
Hello,
The OSTs were available in the 1900s and were phased out, nut still available at a discout throughout the 1910s, as far as I can tell. You should try to clean the top with some soap and a toothbrush. You may find it stamped "z" or "WESTERN ELECTRIC" or a serial number. The presence of markings increases the value, as it is now would say it is worth about $100
Thanks for the suggestion, Greg.
I will see what a bit of cleaning might turn up!
Nick
Doug,
There are no screws or pins in the holes on either side of the dial on the Navy Galion.
Last evening as I was sorting through some misc more modern cabling infrastructure parts, I uncovered a notebook with Station Operations Manual and Bell Systems Practices from N.J. Bell Tel. CO. July 1957.
Other than some damage to the center of the first page, it seems to be in amazingly good shape.
I tried to get a shot of the Topic Tabs to give an idea of what this manual contains.
(I don't have any idea of how common these are in their original hard-copy form.)
Nick
I wanted to let folks know that the Navy version of the Galion that was discussed previously in this thread has been posted on eBay.
The title for the auction is, "1944 North Electric Galion Navy Telephone w/Latch for Handset".
It will be interesting for me to see how the auction goes as it is the first auction I have set up on eBay.
Nick
Good luck!
Terry
Well, sometimes life hands one a surprise....
There are changes in the air for my wife and me. As the result of a massive layoff (13,000 people!), my wife, the breadwinner, is suddenly without a job. This might mean a change of location as the result of her finding a job that requires a move to another city, or a change in houses due to an unexpected early retirement.
Either way, there is the very real probability that there will not be space for the "Large Hoard of Phones" I am still in the process of trying to unpack in my garage.
I have only sold a couple of 'sticks, a 302 and a couple of 202s to a forum member who is from our region. The Navy Galion is on eBay at the moment, and otherwise the collection is still all here.
There is a lot of stuff! If anyone might be interested in purchasing the whole thing please let me know. We will be putting the house on the market in the very near future and this material would be a lot more easily inspected where it is than stuffed into a storage unit.
Life can throw some surprises at us!
Nick
See my previous post.
Terry
Thanks for the good wishes.
I have a continuing problem...I open a box and want to learn about whatever is inside.
Today I opened a box with what is probably a 20" stack of paper inside. Some manuals from small phone companies, some old advertisements and a number of letters addressed to Mr. Jackson G. Sauers, Mill Valley, CA.
I have not been involved with the history of telephony and have read only a small amount on the topic, but I am hoping that perhaps someone on this forum will know the name, Jackson G Sauers.
There seem to be a lot of articles and letters about the history of telephony in various states (and I believe other countries).
I have attached copies of two pages of a letter from 1964 to Mr. Sauers from the Juneau & Douglas Telephone Company that apparently resulted from an inquiry to the governor of Alaska about the history of the telephone there. (A copy of the letter appears to have been sent to the governor.) (As I am of a certain age, 1964 does not seem that long ago to me...but although it is shocking to realize...it is 54 years ago!)
If anyone recognizes the person to whom this letter is addressed, please let us know what you can about him.
Thanks,
Nick
Well, a Google search returns one small thing about Jackson G. Sauers, that he was a Ham radio operator in Mill Valley, CA. If anyone is a Ham, maybe they can communicate with other Hams in the area to find out about the man? Here is a list of Hams in Mill Valley.
http://www.city-data.com/aradio/lic-Mill-Valley-California.html
His listing says his Ham registration was cancelled in 9-2000, so something must've happened around that time.
One thing that made me curious is the man's name is very similar to mine. Sowers is an Anglicized version of Sauers, which is closer to the German derivation. But I've never heard of him before. Sounds like he was a phone collector and trying to find old telephones by writing old phone companies way out in the boondocks. The CC: to the Governor of Alaska was an odd addition on that letter. Why would the Governor care a hoot about that?
Jonathan,
My impression is that Mr Sauers was writing to a lot of people trying to get documentation of the history of telephony in their areas. If I get a chance, I will try to find some more letters that were responding to him. In the first paragraph of the letter above, it says that Mr Sauers' letter to the governor was forwarded (presumably by the governor's office) to the telephone company for a response.
When I Googled Mr Sauers, I saw that there had been a newspaper articles written about him in a San Rafael, CA, newspaper in 1964 and in 1972, both seem to refer to his being involved with old telephones. (I didn't subscribe to the newspaper search site in order to read the articles because I am supposed to be focused on other things!) There was also an item about him opening a new "Beauty Shop" in a 1946 edition of the Mill Valley Record.
I just went out to the stack and took several pages off the top:
>A two page history of the telephone company in Florida, with a copy of a newspaper article pasted to an additional page,
>A few pages stapled together titled, "*Maryland Telephone Chronology (Partial)",
>A copy of several pages titled, "Southern Bell Telephone Company Observes 75th Anniversary Today",
>A copy (that appears to have come from a "Clipping Service") of an article from the News & Observer (North Carolina), titled,
"First Phone in Carolina Rang in Raleigh in 1879",
>A very yellowed copy of an article from Australia, titled "Whatever's Happened to The Public Telephone?",
>Several more type written pages (originals?) about the history of telephony in various locations,
This fellow was a serious gatherer of telephone history!
Nick
I knew Jackson Sauers well. I live just a few miles from his old place in Mill Valley.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s he used to set up a stand at a local flea market every Sunday. I bought my first phone from him there in 1979. I went on to buy a few more at his stand, and got to know him a bit. I really wanted to see his collection but he was very private and was not willing to let me in. It took about a year of talking at the flea market, and sometimes by phone, before he let me into his sanctum sanctorum. It was mindblowing...
In 1981 he started quietly selling a few treasures from his personal collection -- not his run-of-the-mill flea market pieces. I bought quite a few things from him, including a Strowger 11-digit candlestick with original Red Cross glass mouthpiece, a Gray 'Wanamaker' pay station, a Stromberg Carlson ball-top, and many more that are now slipping my mind. I still have the Wanamaker, the others are long gone at this point.
The one I wanted most at the time -- but simply couldn't afford -- was his early desk vanity phone. Stunning. If I remember correctly it was $3500, in 1981 or 1982.
He died many years ago but I can't remember exactly when, nor do I know what happened to the rest of his extensive collection.
He was definitely an interesting guy, and an extremely knowledgeable one. But he also had a strong arrogant streak and was pretty dismissive about many people. There was a definite art to dealing with him -- being diplomatic helped!
Quote from: ReneRondeau on July 12, 2018, 12:54:59 PM
......nor do I know what happened to the rest of his extensive collection.
It looks like some of it has turned up and is with Nick in Manitou.
Amazing story, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the input about Mr Sauers, Rene. If I can get a chance, I will try to see if there are more letters to him in response to his queries that might be of interest to this group.
Now, I have a request for you all...perhaps it should be obvious to me, but I have not figured out what phone this shell belongs to. So far, I have not unpacked any others like it. Please let me know what it is if you know.
Thanks,
Nick
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on July 16, 2018, 01:04:26 AM
Now, I have a request for you all...perhaps it should be obvious to me, but I have not figured out what phone this shell belongs to. So far, I have not unpacked any others like it. Please let me know what it is if you know.
That is from an S. H. Couch intercom.
Larry
Thanks Larry! That might have taken me forever to figure out!
SH Couch was made in North Quincy just outside of Boston. Bakelite case makes a very sharp looking telephone. ...Doug
Did Couch make their own handset, or use someone else's? If they made their own, would it be marked with SH Couch?
It is difficult to see what the markings on the handset are in the photo above.
Thanks,
Nick
The Couch handset looks similar to the AE type 38 but cruder. They might be made by Murdock.
Nick...Robbie is correct, it is a SHCouch handset. The mouthpiece looks looks ke an SC and not an AE, but the design resembles an AE...Doug
Thanks Robbie and Doug. I will keep an eye open for the correct handset as I dig further into the boxes!
Nick
I opened another box today! Actually, I have been trying to organize things a little bit and have sold some of the more modern stuff and freed up a few cubic feet.
We are putting the house on the market next week...it sure would be great if one of you came out for a visit and brought a trailer to empty the garage with!
The box contained what look like a whole bunch of 'stick (or perhaps some wooden phone) parts. The photos below should give those of you with more knowledge an idea of what is there. I know that a couple of the contact piles in the lower left of the first photo are repros...the "Made in Taiwan" and "Made in Korea" are dead giveaways, even to me!
Any input I can get about these parts would be welcomed! I don't know if everyone has a bunch of these or if there are parts there that folks have been trying really hard to find.
Nick
...a couple more photos...
Mostly wall but some WE candlestick hooks. I see AE type 21 hooks including a railroad hook -cup holds watchcase rec on type 21 candlesticks.Also see Kellogg wall hooks including a grabaphpne wall hook and handset hooks .the switch pile ups are WE
Goldmine of parts .Too bad wooden sets are not as popular as in the past .
Thanks for the feedback!
Next question...
What 'stick is this?
Thanks,
Nick
Possibly a Devau
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on August 05, 2018, 09:25:37 PM
Thanks for the feedback!
Next question...
What 'stick is this?
Thanks,
Nick
Looks like Swedish American
Here is another request for identification...
This has a wooden mouthpiece (?) and a label stamped into the wood that I was not able to get a satisfactory photo of...it looks to say, "Tourville & C, Universelle, Paris", but it is hard to read due to the grain of the wood making the letters difficult to determine.
I assume that it is a repro of some sort, but before I assume that for sure, I figured that I would ask those who might know...
Nick
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on August 09, 2018, 11:30:48 PM
Here is another request for identification...
This has a wooden mouthpiece (?) and a label stamped into the wood that I was not able to get a satisfactory photo of...it looks to say, "Tourville & C, Universelle, Paris", but it is hard to read due to the grain of the wood making the letters difficult to determine.
I assume that it is a repro of some sort, but before I assume that for sure, I figured that I would ask those who might know...
Nick
I like it.
Jim S.
looks like the end of a clarinet
Robbie...I agree...Doug
Robbie! Doug! Right again!
I had no idea what I was looking at, but your suggestion that it might be the end of a clarinet made me search for "Tourville clarinet" on the internet and - there it is! Tourville made clarinets and some other instruments.
I could see that it had been glued where it meets the transmitter at some point and assumed that it was a repair...
A real Frankenphone component!
Thanks for your sharp observation. A little embarrassing and very funny!
Nick
Nick...truly a "Frankenphone"....Doug
That is probably a good example of what people used to be like. Someone must have broken the mouthpiece on thier phone and repaired it themselves with what they had! Instead of throwing it away or calling the phone company to come out & fix it. Creative & resourceful.
Cliff Sullivan, of the Phoenix area has just purchased the whole lot. (Cliff sells on eBay under "Celnout".) I asked if he minded my letting the folks on the forum know that he was the purchaser and he said that would be fine.
I sold only a very small percentage of the old stuff during my brief ownership. I had a great time digging through the stuff and learning. I sold enough of the newer items that, combined with final sale price, I about broke even. I even kept a few phones!
Thanks to everyone for their support and good wishes - and a lot of good information!
Breadwinner-wife has a good offer in the works and is doing some consulting in the interim! The house looks good and officially goes on the open market next week. We are looking forward to the next adventure!
It sure is going to weird, going into the garage in a few days after Cliff gets all that stuff trucked away, and not seeing all those great phones - and those boxes containing mysteries! (Just a couple days ago I opened a box wondering what it contained, and found still more AE40s and a nice WE 'stick with a #2 dial! Attaching a photo just for fun.)
Nick
Good news Nick....I am very happy for you....Doug
Thanks, Doug.
As my wife said, it is bitter sweet. It sure was fun, and I learned a lot...but the timing was not great.
Would I do it again...you bet!
Nick
Glad to hear you broke even & got some phones out of the deal to boot. Hope your next adventure works out well.
Cliff Sullivan is the fellow who purchased the lot from me. He is in the phones and parts business and it seems that he knows a number of the folks here. I asked if he would want me to post his email address on the forum and he requested that I do.
So if you want to contact Cliff his email is:
suclif@cox.net
I did hold on to the AE40s without the indentations and a few other phones - and the Navy Galion was sold - but most of what was discussed in this thread now resides with Cliff.
Nick