Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => Auction Talk => Topic started by: Doug Rose on October 18, 2021, 11:20:33 AM

Title: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: Doug Rose on October 18, 2021, 11:20:33 AM
This sure is Different, Bakelite RCA Multi Button Bakelite Phone made in England with USA Patent.

These are the initial cleanup pics. No chips in wonderful condition. Many cracks and crevices to clean out the dirt.

Anyone have an idea of what handset would go on this?

Standard multi button has a small crack in the front, but otherwise in nice shape.

This was such a deal!!...Doug
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: tubaman on October 18, 2021, 12:08:08 PM
The most likely candidate would be a 164 style handset - https://www.britishtelephones.com/t164.htm - but that is just my best guess.
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: Doug Rose on October 18, 2021, 02:07:00 PM
Not exactly the same handset, but it seems it is too thin for the cradle.

Pics it looks Black, but with the handset in the cradle it looks a Reddish Brown
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: Doug Rose on October 18, 2021, 02:21:54 PM
An Ericsson, like the WE F1 seems to be the best fit. This has a huge plunger.

Second picture shows the RCA is more of a Reddish Brown than a Black...Doug
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: Doug Rose on October 19, 2021, 07:51:36 AM
I found a picture of the correct handset. I do have one, just have to find it....Doug
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: Doug Rose on October 19, 2021, 09:35:40 AM
I found the correct handset, it is empty, but cosmetically is perfect. This will make a wonderful display Intercom/Telephone.

I am very happy the way it turned out.

I am in need of some desi strips that will fit this beauty.....Doug
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: HowardPgh on October 19, 2021, 10:40:00 AM
I had one of those phones. The handset was like the ones on big black British dial phones that had the drawer on the base. I don't know the model of the phone.(maybe 300 series?)
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: Doug Rose on October 19, 2021, 02:03:18 PM
thanks Howard...Doug
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: rdelius on October 19, 2021, 08:41:31 PM
Looks like a BTMC handset. Phoneco had capsules. Old phone works? in Canada should also have them since they bought out COT and we had them.
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: tubaman on October 20, 2021, 02:56:56 AM
Quote from: HowardPgh on October 19, 2021, 10:40:00 AM
I had one of those phones. The handset was like the ones on big black British dial phones that had the drawer on the base. I don't know the model of the phone.(maybe 300 series?)

Howard, thanks for confirming that it should indeed be a 164 type handset.
:)
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: FABphones on October 20, 2021, 05:54:41 PM
Like waiting for a bus....  None for ages then three turn up at once.   ;)
eBay item number 274990564634

Decals to front:
Modern Telephone
(Great Britain) Ltd
Tottenham Court Road, W1


Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: FABphones on October 20, 2021, 05:55:50 PM
Additional screenshots.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274990564634

Image 4 credit - Graces Guide:
https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Modern_Telephones
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: tubaman on October 21, 2021, 07:09:03 AM
Well found @FABphones, so not a 164 type at all then.
Looks more like a variation on the earlier STC 2724 'Antwerp' handset (https://www.britishtelephones.com/stc2724.htm)
Here's my one for reference - similar but not exactly the same.

Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: Doug Rose on October 21, 2021, 08:52:30 AM
Quote from: FABphones on October 20, 2021, 05:54:41 PM
Like waiting for a bus....  None for ages then three turn up at once.   ;)
eBay item number 274990564634

Decals to front:
Modern Telephone
(Great Britain) Ltd
Tottenham Court Road, W1



thanks CJ.......Doug
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: 5415551212 on October 22, 2021, 10:30:26 PM
Very cool phone and you got it for under $13?
Nice find.
What kind of system would it have connected to?
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: Doug Rose on October 23, 2021, 08:30:15 AM
Quote from: 5415551212 on October 22, 2021, 10:30:26 PM
Very cool phone and you got it for under $13?
Nice find.
What kind of system would it have connected to?
No idea what it would be hooked up to. I also received this Standard PTT Mulit line as well. It was a nice haul for  $13....Doug
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: countryman on October 23, 2021, 12:34:10 PM
Quote from: Doug Rose on October 23, 2021, 08:30:15 AM
No idea what it would be hooked up to.

The first one looks like a "line selector" type of intercom (not sure of correct terminolgy?). Each extension would be permanently wired to any other. There is no central office or exchange. The connection is made by pushing the respective button. Fully pushed= calling (with a DC buzzer), when released the button would lock in half-way and seize the line. Hanging up will fully release the button.
Simple operation, but a lot of wiring to be done. Hence limited to 10 or maybe 20 extensions.
Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: 5415551212 on October 23, 2021, 11:33:24 PM
Interesting thanks fellas.

I would love to see one tied it into a interphone or key system.

Title: Re: Always Looking For Something Different
Post by: FABphones on October 29, 2021, 07:53:48 AM
Additional 'Modern Telephone (Great Britain) Ltd' handset images: