Early?? Trimline for $9.99

[JubileeCompact]

Hey guys
Just picked this up as a BIN with reasonable transatlantic shipping. it appears to be dated December 1965- when was the Trimline introduced?
Thanks
Seamus
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301061203096 ( dead link 06-03-21 )

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EDIT: Pictures added

[paul-f]

Announced in April, 1964.

Here are the design steps leading to the announcement.
  http://www.paul-f.com/weproto.html#TrimlineProto

[Contempra]

its a nice light blue one for the price given its age

[WesternElectricBen]

I'd say you got a good deal, 9.99 for an aqua blue phone is pretty rare, even if it is remotely discolored.

Paul, did the touch tone models come out at the same time as the rotary's? Why I ask is, even though they had TT models at the time, it is possible they started out with just rotary for some reason?

Ben

[ESalter]

The first TT Trimlines were 10 button.  That field trial was in 1965, wasn't it?  Or was the trial in 1964 and the 1220 was actually released in 1965?

---Eric

[paul-f]

Paul, did the touch tone models come out at the same time as the rotary's? Why I ask is, even though they had TT models at the time, it is possible they started out with just rotary for some reason?

Since I don't trust my memory on all the details, I check my extended memory here:

   http://www.paul-f.com/weprotot.html#Trimline

   Touch Tone Trimline dates:

   
• Trials were held in 1964 in Chicago, IL. 200 sets.
• Production began in Indianapolis in 1966.
• General availability in 1967.
  

For additional background, check out "The Evolution of a Telephone" in the January 1966 Bell Labs Record -- available in the TCI Library.

[WesternElectricBen]

Interesting, I always thought they were generally available earlier.

Do you think Seamus got something considered rare or uncommon?

Ben

[WEBellSystemChristian]

Lucky, especially at that price. One of my Trimlines has a 1966 base and a 1968 or so TT handset with round buttons.