I wasn't real sure where to post this one. I have been helping a guy out with some mechanic work over the past couple of month's. I wouldn't take any cash from him for the help. He just dropped by and asked if I would take a phone for payment. I said sure without even knowing what it was. I just figured it would be a 70's 500 or something like that. Here are two pics of what he gave me. I would appreciate any input on this one.
Bushman
OH OH :o
Kenny has a contender for Find of the month.
How much do you think your labor was worth?
I am not real up on these phones. As a value Guess $900 give or take $300.
The mounting block is worth good $ by itself.
I would probably remove the teardrop for now. You may be able to get a nother tear drop from phoneco.
Great find.
Jim
Quote from: Jim S. on October 10, 2010, 03:09:20 PM
OH OH :o
Kenny has a contender for Find of the month.
How much do you think your labor was worth?
I am not real up on these phones. As a value Guess $900 give or take $300.
The mounting block is worth good $ by itself.
I would probably remove the teardrop for now. You may be able to get a nother tear drop from phoneco.
Great find.
Jim
So Jim, tell us what it is! What's a "teardrop" in relation to this phone? I've only seen the 70s repro versions of these things.
That is the little "Droplet" hanging on 1 side of the cradel.
The earlier phones can be really ornate.
Most of them are plain because they were "posta" (phone company)l sets.
This is a skelatal and maybe an eiffel. I am not really sure of the differences, But I have been told there are some.
" "All Eiffels are skelatals, but not all skelatals are Eiffels"
I once bought 2 of these for $1,000. I sold the "spare" for $1,000. This was probably around 15 years ago. My Earlier value comments might be lowball.
Remco will probably tell us a lot about the subject.
Jim
The value of what I did for him wasn't much. I just diagnosed a plugged cat and installed it for him. And then replace the drive belt on his riding lawnmower. Nothing major at all. That's why I wouldn't take any cash from him.
Bushman
Quote from: bushman on October 10, 2010, 03:29:26 PM
The value of what I did for him wasn't much. I just diagnosed a plugged cat and installed it for him. And then replace the drive belt on his riding lawnmower. Nothing major at all. That's why I wouldn't take any cash from him.
Bushman
Maybe not to you, but to "mechanically-challenged" folk, you performed a valuable service. It's hard to find mechanics you can trust. Kinda like trying to find help moving, even friends do a disappearing act.
Quote from: bushman on October 10, 2010, 03:29:26 PM
The value of what I did for him wasn't much. I just diagnosed a plugged cat and installed it for him. And then replace the drive belt on his riding lawnmower. Nothing major at all. That's why I wouldn't take any cash from him.
Bushman
That is worth a six pack of your favorite beer. My Favorite beer is $9.12 (inc tax) for a 6 pack.
I toss that amount in as a "fair value"
JMO,
Jim
Quote from: Brinybay on October 10, 2010, 04:45:51 PM
It's hard to find mechanics you can trust.
Quoted for truth.I've found two good mechanics in the last twenty years, thank goodness.
I have a mechanic that will check out a car for me for a 6 pack of Pepsi in 20 oz. bottles. He is fair and honest when it comes time to fix the problem he warned you about.
I usually tip him a 6-pack of Pepsi he fixes the wifes Van.
I drive a 1986 Toyta pick-up. I repair it myself.
Jim
<LM Ericsson Eiffel Tower Desk Telephone> (http://www.angus1.com/ericsson/eiffel.htm)
It appears to be from the earliest years of the 20th century... Quite beautiful when polished.
(EDIT: I took down the photograph from his website, as he requires prior permission for use.)
There were lots and lots of variations of these. The basic style was used for years. It is one of those phones that a serious collector likes owning. Even if you end up selling it.
I would keep it. The price was right and It is tough to find an affordable one.
JMO,
Jim
The pages in that LM Ericsson link above are from another "Paul" who performs some unbelievable restorations on these Ericsson phones. His wood-finishing skills with oak and walnut are amazing, IMHO. Especially his faux-finishing of tin battery covers.
Don't let Dennis Markham see his work. ;D (We wouldn't want Dennis to get side-tracked.)
I wonder if I contacted him direct, he could give some insight on this and how to properly restore it without damaging the value. And no I wasn't thinking of selling it, Just want to do the right thing with it. Display it!! Very carefully, of course.
Bushman
Quote from: bushman on October 10, 2010, 07:25:01 PM
I wonder if I contacted him direct, he could give some insight on this and how to properly restore it without damaging the value. And no I wasn't thinking of selling it, Just want to do the right thing with it. Display it!! Very carefully, of course.
Bushman
It doesn't hurt to talk to strangers. I would try, worse he could do is ignore you or not help.
Jim
He's member #3923 of the ATCA and posts a <link on his pages> (http://sidangus@bright.net) to contact him via e-mail. I don't think he'd mind hearing from a fellow telephone collector and enthusiast with such a prized item.
Ok I sent him an email . Now just have to wait and see.
Bushman
Quote from: bushman on October 11, 2010, 12:16:51 AM
Ok I sent him an email . Now just have to wait and see.
Bushman
See, It is easy to contact strangers. I have been doing it for years. I know many telephone collectors due to side conversations that I started when I ask their opinions.
Folks are generally willing to help you with a subject they are familiar with.
As I say, Don't be scared to talk to strangers. I have gotten many phones because I took the time to talk to strangers.
JMO,
Jim
Quote from: Jim S. on October 11, 2010, 12:31:47 AM
As I say, Don't be scared to talk to strangers.
Jim
HA! You've never driven a bus before, either! :D
This is hands down the Find of the Year!!! This is one outstanding phone, these easily sell of 1K everytime. I'd clean it up and put it on a shelf. If you are looking to trade it, I'm sure members of the Forum will line up with multiple phone offers. I would be first in line with offers! Great find!!....Doug
such a great find, i like it ;D
What an awesome and rare find. I collect these and have many of the old early Ericsson phones also. It does need some repair that I can see. The wood platform has a crack, but looks like it's all there and can simply be glued back. The handset originally would have had the funnel shape mouthpiece. The original cords were all braided when these came out, so they have been replaced at some point, but not an issue at all. I do notice that one of the ornate pendants are missing under the cradle, and the cradle is bent on one side, but that can be fixed if you are careful going about it so as not to crack the brass. Without seeing all of the magneto parts, I assume they are all there. It's hard for those to get damaged anyway. Ericsson was also very good with their records so if you can find the serial number that's usually stamped on the base, you can pin down the exact year it was made. If you find it, I have a serial number list. Here is a nice site of the Ericsson production lines and models that will help you determine the exact model also.
http://www.stsf.org/Tele_1911/1911_LME_secA.htm#ac300
Hope this helps, and like one member said, many would get in line to acquire one of these. Way to go!
Bushman,
You're one LUCKY dude.
Awesome phone
Debbie
Debbie:
Is that your Hallowe'en Avatar??
Terry