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WE Trimline presentation phone

Started by JimNY, September 28, 2022, 08:49:15 PM

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JimNY

Hi All,
I bought this 1973 WE trimline at an online auction recently for $16.  I don't normally go for stuff like this but I was so curious that I could not resist. This is a WE presentation piece that commemorates 25 years of operations at the Indianapolis works, and the 141 millionth WE phone.

Aside from the obvious that is on the attached medal, does anyone know more about this? One surprise is that it appears to be plated over plastic. At least it seems that way. The phone has some extra heft and the surface responded well to silver cleaner, leaving my rag with a black tarnish mark.

Regardless, it is one of the most unique items I have come across and will find a spot in my growing collection.

TelePlay

Very nice! I've seen gold commemorative phones but never silver.

It is possible to metal plate plastic (all those chrome parts in automotive trim) so it could very well be a top plating of silver. IIRC, they use electroplating which requires a base (like using a primer for paint) coating that allows the metal to be electroplated onto the item.

Anyway, after polishing the metal finish, I would give it a coat or two of Renaissance Wax (a micro-crystaline non-organic wax which does not contain acidic ingredients found in carnauba, bees or other organic based waxes which are not good as a preservative over time) was created by the British Museum to protect a lot of different stuff for a long time. This is one description from a RenWax seller:

"Renaissance Wax Polish. 65ml. Refined waxes blended to a formula used by the British Museum and restoration specialists internationally to revive and protect valuable furniture, leather, paintings, metals, marble, imitation and many other surfaces both housed and exposed to weather. Freshens colors and imparts a soft sheen. Professional conservators throughout the world depend on Renaissance Wax to protect their collections. Properly applied, a little goes a long way."

And from another eBay seller's listing"

"RENAISSANCE MICRO-CRYSTALLINE WAX/ POLISH from England has been the #1 choice of major museums, art galleries and institutions for the preservation of their precious pieces.  Professional conservators, retailers, amateur restorers and private individuals throughout the world depend on Renaissance Wax to protect their collections and for home use."

It doesn't increase or decrease shine, just puts on a long term protective coating. Here's one eBay seller, you can search eBay for many sellers of "Renaissance Wax"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/175152506597


tubaman

That's a super thing, and a bargain for $16. I would happily have it in my collection.

paul-f

Great job cleaning, Jim.

For reference, I saved some of the auction photos, along with images of other commemorative and presentation items.

http://www.paul-f.com/Commemorative.html#73_TL
Visit: paul-f.com         WE  500  Design_Line

.

JimNY

I was curious about the name J.E. Olson found on the handset number card. A few google searches found James Elias (J.E.) Olson, president of Indiana Bell between 1972 - 1974. Mr. Olson went on to become Chairman of AT&T before his death in 1988. I'm not sure if the name commerates him as the leader of Indiana Bell or if this phone was actually presented to him.  I would imagine if it is the latter it would make this find somewhat rare and certainly more interesting.

TelePlay

Quote from: JimNY on September 29, 2022, 01:57:10 PM. . . it would make this find somewhat rare and certainly more interesting.

Actually it would be more than rare, it would be unique - no other exists with that name on it. A one of a kind. If you can find provenance as to when, where and by whom this was presented to him, you would have something special.

Kellogg Kitt

Wow!  That is a treasure!  You were very lucky to have found it at any price.
Wade