Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => General Discussion => Topic started by: MagicMo on November 18, 2012, 02:35:03 AM

Title: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on November 18, 2012, 02:35:03 AM
I recently began going through my fathers collection. He was a bell worker for over 40 years. This is what I found today in his attic. Let me know what you think!

Thanks,
Maureen
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Greg G. on November 18, 2012, 12:22:02 PM
What is this thing?

Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 18, 2012, 12:30:18 PM
Quote from: Brinybay on November 18, 2012, 12:22:02 PM
What is this thing?



Could it be???

Looks like the top of a Picturephone!

The photos look a bit "stretched".  A picturephone would be quite a catch, if that's what it is.
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Dave F on November 18, 2012, 01:43:02 PM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on November 18, 2012, 12:30:18 PM
Quote from: Brinybay on November 18, 2012, 12:22:02 PM
What is this thing?



Could it be???

Looks like the top of a Picturephone!

The photos look a bit "stretched".  A picturephone would be quite a catch, if that's what it is.

Maureen,

Yes, it looks like an original Type 1 Picturephone display unit from 1964.  These are exceedingly rare: Only a few were made, and even fewer have survived.   A couple of years ago, one of these in terrible condition sold on eBay for $1400.00.  The one in your picture, Maureen, looks like it might be brand new.  If so, this one item in your collection could easily be worth $3000 to $5000 dollars (or more, on a good day)!

Do not let yourself get snookered by any selfish people who might want to rip you off.  DO NOT SELL EVERYTHING AT ONCE!  TAKE YOUR TIME!  EBay (or a similar public forum) is the best place to get fair and realistic prices for the wonderful things you have found.

Regards,

Dave F.

Addendum:  This unit, by itself, is not a complete Picturephone system.  There are other associated components, including a desktop keyboard unit, which are needed to make it work.  If you are lucky, maybe you also have some of the other components.

Later (Type 2) Picturephones were rectangular in shape and saw limited service in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  A working Type 2 system, with two complete sets of components, is worth about $10,000.  I don't know of a single complete and working Type 1 Picturephone system anywhere.  If you were to uncover all the parts for that, you would be able to eat at high-class restaurants every night for the rest of your life, and never need to cook another dinner!  So, keep searching!

DF
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 18, 2012, 02:14:15 PM
If that is the original packing crate/box, it would also add value to the item inside.  Judging from the photo, it looks like the styrofoam inserts are made just for the item in the box.  Any markings on the outside of the box?  Any signs of it being "NIB", "New In Box"?
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 18, 2012, 06:42:07 PM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on November 18, 2012, 02:14:15 PM
If that is the original packing crate/box, it would also add value to the item inside.  Judging from the photo, it looks like the styrofoam inserts are made just for the item in the box.  Any markings on the outside of the box?  Any signs of it being "NIB", "New In Box"?
Hi,
This is a Picturephone, no doubt. My Father spoke about it before he passed away. It is in Mint condition. It is a display unit I believe. I have all the paperwork too for setting up the display (as big as a bible!) along with the phone part. Because of the angle of my dad's attic I was unable to take a good pic, but it is like new.
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Greg G. on November 18, 2012, 07:06:20 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 18, 2012, 06:42:07 PM
Hi,
This is a Picturephone, no doubt. My Father spoke about it before he passed away. It is in Mint condition. It is a display unit I believe. I have all the paperwork too for setting up the display (as big as a bible!) along with the phone part. Because of the angle of my dad's attic I was unable to take a good pic, but it is like new.

Holy Carp!  :o
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 18, 2012, 08:42:28 PM
I have pictures of the boxes. One for the big unit and one for the desk unit. Please take a look.
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: DavePEI on November 18, 2012, 08:44:21 PM
Ok, so it is part of the Picture phone... That is a real gem.

Wonderful.

Dave
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 18, 2012, 08:52:59 PM
I have no idea what this is. Any clue?? It is very heavy!!
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 18, 2012, 09:49:46 PM
Quote from: Dave F on November 18, 2012, 01:43:02 PM
Maureen,

Yes, it looks like an original Type 1 Picturephone display unit from 1964.  These are exceedingly rare: Only a few were made, and even fewer have survived.   A couple of years ago, one of these in terrible condition sold on eBay for $1400.00.  The one in your picture, Maureen, looks like it might be brand new.  If so, this one item in your collection could easily be worth $3000 to $5000 dollars (or more, on a good day)!

Do not let yourself get snookered by any selfish people who might want to rip you off.  DO NOT SELL EVERYTHING AT ONCE!  TAKE YOUR TIME!  EBay (or a similar public forum) is the best place to get fair and realistic prices for the wonderful things you have found.

Regards,

Dave F.

Addendum:  This unit, by itself, is not a complete Picturephone system.  There are other associated components, including a desktop keyboard unit, which are needed to make it work.  If you are lucky, maybe you also have some of the other components.

Later (Type 2) Picturephones were rectangular in shape and saw limited service in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  A working Type 2 system, with two complete sets of components, is worth about $10,000.  I don't know of a single complete and working Type 1 Picturephone system anywhere.  If you were to uncover all the parts for that, you would be able to eat at high-class restaurants every night for the rest of your life, and never need to cook another dinner!  So, keep searching!

DF

Dave,  Is my picturephone type 1? I have the complete set. Did you see the pics? Just curious.
Thanks,
Maureen
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 19, 2012, 12:24:27 AM
Quote from: AE_collector on November 18, 2012, 08:59:00 PM
Maureen: From the picture and your "it's heavy" comment my guess would be a power supply. Does it have an AC cord coming out of it?


Yes, I think I remember a cord. Sorry I missed this post.
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Dave F on November 19, 2012, 12:55:26 PM
Can you imagine being the lucky person who winds up with that amazing Picturephone in his/her collection?  Boy, oh boy (just thinking out loud)!
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: HarrySmith on November 19, 2012, 01:06:25 PM
WOW! This collection gets more and more amazing! This is what every one of us collectors (read addicts) dreams of finding!
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Dave F on November 19, 2012, 01:07:57 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 18, 2012, 09:49:46 PM


Dave,  Is my picturephone type 1? I have the complete set. Did you see the pics? Just curious.
Thanks,
Maureen

Hi Maureen,

I did indeed see the pictures.

Yes, it's a Type 1, super-duper rare.  In fact, there just might not be another one in that immaculate condition anywhere!  Certainly one of the best phone-finds I have ever seen.

Not likely, but maybe the gods will smile on me and I will end up with it in my collection.

Also, let me add my condolences on the loss of your father.  He's probably looking down and smiling with satisfaction at the good fortune he has left you!

Dave F.
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 19, 2012, 01:29:33 PM
I'm drooling too.  Wow.
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Doug Rose on November 19, 2012, 01:45:16 PM
Maureen...why don't you take the picturephone out of the box and take twelve pictures and post it on eBay? You might be really surprised and its value.

eBay is not hard, it's so easy even I can do it. The hard part is taking pictures and you have mastered that. Don't worry about describing it, your pictures will do that....good luck....Doug
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: LarryInMichigan on November 19, 2012, 05:59:47 PM
QuoteI second Doug's suggestion, start with the Picture Phone.

I hate to disagree, but I would suggest starting with something more modest like some of the 302s and build up a bit of experience first.  Its best to make any learning mistakes on less valuable items.  you wouldn't want a blue plastic 302 to be your very first phone restoration project.

Maureen, when you do list it or other rare items, it would be a good idea to post about it to the TCI yahoo group "singingwires".  The big-time phone collectors read the messages on that group.


Larry
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 19, 2012, 06:22:57 PM
Quote from: Doug Rose on November 19, 2012, 01:45:16 PM
Maureen...why don't you take the picturephone out of the box and take twelve pictures and post it on eBay? You might be really surprised and its value.

eBay is not hard, it's so easy even I can do it. The hard part is taking pictures and you have mastered that. Don't worry about describing it, your pictures will do that....good luck....Doug

Thanks for the advice. Every time I go through another box the more overwhelming it becomes. As far as the picturephone goes, I'm not going to part with it just yet. I don't want to kick myself for not being patient about it, I owe it to my Dad. It's hard to find anything about it's value. If you had to Ballpark it, what value would you give it? Is this something I should save for my children? Ugh!! I'm very confused.
Thanks,
Maureen
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 19, 2012, 06:41:21 PM
Quote from: Dave F on November 19, 2012, 01:07:57 PM
Hi Maureen,

I did indeed see the pictures.

Yes, it's a Type 1, super-duper rare.  In fact, there just might not be another one in that immaculate condition anywhere!  Certainly one of the best phone-finds I have ever seen.

Not likely, but maybe the gods will smile on me and I will end up with it in my collection.

Also, let me add my condolences on the loss of your father.  He's probably looking down and smiling with satisfaction at the good fortune he has left you!

Dave F.

Thanks Dave.
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Doug Rose on November 19, 2012, 07:23:24 PM
Maureen...do what feels right to you. There is no ball park figure. This could be a very "rare" item! I could offer your $1000 and you might be thrilled. It might be worth $25,000. No one knows! Guesses! No more. There are collectors who have very deep pockets, maybe even the the company who made it might want it back for display.  I would never ever trust one person's opinion, including mine. eBay is a finite answer. Put a reserve if you are worried. Your children's future is now on an item  that "could" be this rare. Strike while the iron is hot. This is by far the best of the lot that I have seen that you have posted. I am no expert. Take the advice you are given by this group. If it was mine, I would list it on eBay tonight! Believe that. ...good luck....Doug
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: DavePEI on November 19, 2012, 08:04:05 PM
Quote from: Doug Rose on November 19, 2012, 07:23:24 PM
Maureen...do what feels right to you. There is no ball park figure. This could be a very "rare" item! I could offer your $1000 and you might be thrilled. It might be worth $25,000. No one knows! Guesses! No more. There are collectors who have very deep pockets, maybe even the the company who made it might want it back for display.  I would never ever trust one person's opinion, including mine. eBay is a finite answer. Put a reserve if you are worried. Your children's future is now on an item  that "could" be this rare. Strike while the iron is hot. This is by far the best of the lot that I have seen that you have posted. I am no expert. Take the advice you are given by this group. If it was mine, I would list it on eBay tonight! Believe that. ...good luck....Doug

Doug is so right. While most, if not all of us would love to have that picturephone, I am sure your father wanted it to help out his family as much as it should. While it is a nuisance, eBay is the best way to go.  When you do list it there, tell its story, and how you came across it. Post as many photos as you can, both photos of it in its case, and those outside of the case, and of the included documentation. That way people will realize its condition and how it has been kept.  Place a high reserve on it - it will likely in the end bring many thousands of dollars.

It is by far, the most valuable of the items you have shown. Most of the other items will do very well, too on eBay.

It is going to take a while to liquidate what you have, but in the end, all the trouble will be worth it. Bless you, and bless your father for leaving this wonderful collection to you.!

P.S. You would be surprised at how much that ephemera (nicknacks) will bring...

Dave
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 20, 2012, 10:55:50 PM
Pics of the PicturePhone. When I took it out of the box I noticed black dots on the screen. What's that all about? The marks on the back were made from my dirty fingerprints, it is in great condition.
Thanks,
Maureen
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 20, 2012, 11:02:24 PM
Quote from: AE_collector on November 19, 2012, 01:07:34 AM
So it could be a power supply for any of a lot of different telephone related devices. Not a huge value but someone will want it.

Quite the interest in this topic! 24 hours after your first post here ad we have almost 6 full pages of posts. Probably close to some sort of record here on the CRPF! Brinybay's been arrested for trying to steal a Seattle Bus and drive it across State lines....

Terry

It ended up being the power supply unit for the PicturePhone. Duh! It was sitting right on top of the thing but I had no idea it went with it. LOL
Maureen
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Dave F on November 20, 2012, 11:07:37 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 20, 2012, 10:55:50 PM
Pics of the PicturePhone. When I took it out of the box I noticed black dots on the screen. What's that all about? The marks on the back were made from my dirty fingerprints, it is in great condition.
Thanks,
Maureen
Black dots on the screen are not good.  Usually, this is an indication that the light-emitting phosphors of the picture tube have degraded with the passage of time.  This appears to be a common problem with the picture tubes used in these Type 1 Picturephones, as I have seen others with this condition.  It could very well be that the picture tube would have to be replaced in order for the unit to work.  If so, hopefully there is enough info in all your documentation to make that effort possible (assuming that this particular kind of picture tube is still commercially available).

Maureen, I see that you have located that elusive extra control unit.  Looks like you have all three major parts!  That's great!

Dave
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: DavePEI on November 20, 2012, 11:10:55 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 20, 2012, 11:02:24 PM
Quote from: AE_collector on November 19, 2012, 01:07:34 AM
So it could be a power supply for any of a lot of different telephone related devices. Not a huge value but someone will want it.

Quite the interest in this topic! 24 hours after your first post here ad we have almost 6 full pages of posts. Probably close to some sort of record here on the CRPF! Brinybay's been arrested for trying to steal a Seattle Bus and drive it across State lines....

Terry

It ended up being the power supply unit for the PicturePhone. Duh! It was sitting right on top of the thing but I had no idea it went with it. LOL
Maureen

That is cool. It is the first time I have seen an early picture phone even in photos..... Beautiful! Now, at least we know what the power supply is for!

As whoever is buying this will be very unlikely to have a second complete unit to use it with, the peeled phosphor shouldn't matter, as the unit will be purchased for its historical value, and not to use. What 60-70 year old item even NOS doesn't have some degredation of components. It is still beautiful, and will bring a very high price.

Dave
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 20, 2012, 11:35:05 PM
Quote from: DavePEI on November 20, 2012, 11:10:55 PM
That is cool. It is the first time I have seen an early picture phone even in photos..... Beautiful! Now, at least we know what the power supply is for!

As whoever is buying this will be very unlikely to have a second complete unit to use it with, the peeled phosphor shouldn't matter, as the unit will be purchased for its historical value, and not to use. What 60-70 year old item even NOS doesn't have some degredation of components. It is still beautiful, and will bring a very high price.

Dave

Believe it or not I swear I saw an extra Picture tube in a box up in the attic. Never knew what it was or even thought twice about it until now! LOL
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: DavePEI on November 20, 2012, 11:39:37 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 20, 2012, 11:35:05 PM
Believe it or not I swear I saw an extra Picture tube in a box up in the attic. Never knew what it was or even thought twice about it until now! LOL

Wouldn't that be great if it is the tube for it. Get the number off the box and compare that number with the number for replacement tubes shown in the manuals - there is a very good chance your father knew about the problem, and picked up a spare to replace it.

Hope for you it is the right one. Even if it isn't, I doubt it will make a huge difference in what it will sell for, as it is most likely it will go to someone wanting it for its historical significance.... It is in beautiful shape!

Dave
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: AE_Collector on November 20, 2012, 11:54:00 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 20, 2012, 11:02:24 PM
It ended up being the power supply unit for the PicturePhone. Duh! It was sitting right on top of the thing but I had no idea it went with it. LOL
Maureen

Good thing you didn't toss the power supply onto ebaY to get it the heack out of there since it is a big heavy pain in the butt to move around!

A spare picture tube might have the same problem though.

Terry
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 20, 2012, 11:57:43 PM
Quote from: AE_collector on November 20, 2012, 11:54:00 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 20, 2012, 11:02:24 PM
It ended up being the power supply unit for the PicturePhone. Duh! It was sitting right on top of the thing but I had no idea it went with it. LOL
Maureen

Good thing you didn't toss the power supply onto ebaY to get it the heack out of there since it is a big heavy pain in the butt to move around!
Terry
I was thinking that should be the first to go! Glad I didn't think too hard.  :o

Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: DavePEI on November 21, 2012, 12:03:46 AM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 20, 2012, 11:57:43 PM

I was thinking that should be the first to go! Glad I didn't think too hard.  :o

Maureen:

I fixed up your last posting - your text wound up being in the quoted portion.

I think you will be pleased in what the picture phone will bring. It is way out of my league, but there are lots of collectors with deep pockets who will want it.

Dave
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 21, 2012, 12:07:57 AM
I have been reading through the instructions. Three big manuals came with it and one is very interesting with different dates and engineers signatures. The third one is Def an IL Bell book. It looks like they were updating or fixing things, testing it out? Because some things are written over or crossed out. Not sure, very interesting.
Maureen
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 21, 2012, 12:13:05 AM
Check this out
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 21, 2012, 12:18:50 AM
I think it was a manual for the booth service at the Prudential building from the dates that are on the info. The manual was from the month before booths were servicing Chicago. I found this article:

Booth Service
Advertisement for picturephone booth service.
In June of 1964 "exploratory commercial service" began in three US cities. Booths with Picturephones were put in at the Prudential Building in Chicago, the National Geographic Society Building in Washington, as well as Grand Central Station in New York. These booths were accessible to the major public by appointment with telephone attendants who would put through all the necessary arrangements. Interestingly, Bell Labs itself admitted just a few years later in its report that "The attractiveness of this service is limited since both parties must go to a public booth to converse. It is apparent that this type of offering does not meet the needs of our customers" (Carson 286). Additionally, the exorbitant price of $21 between Washington and Chicago, $27 between Chicago and New York, and $16 between Washington and New York, couldn't have helped (each price was for the first three minutes with additional fees per minute afterwards, "Picture Phones Go Into Service").
Either way, the booths were reported on, even if not used, extensively. Their installation was inaugurated with Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson making the first call to a Bell employee. The service was available from 9 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week. At this time, a spokesman reported that eventually Picturephones would "link most major cities here and abroad." Although he gave no forecast as to when they would be available in people's homes. The screens used on this model of the Picturephones were the size of 4 3/8 inches by 5 3/4 inches ("Picture Phones Go Into Service").
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: twocvbloke on November 21, 2012, 02:43:08 AM
Just a note, I think there is a place in France who still repairs and reconditions CRT tubes for various purposes, so even the one fitted in the picturephone could be revived, though it wouldn't be cheap, and generally the place (I think it's Racal, not 100% sure) tends to only take in consignments of CRTs rather than just the one-off job... ???

Anyway, it's interesting to read about the system they tried out, as over the years, various forms of videophones have come and gone, yet the traditional telephone always seemed to be the preferred option... :D

These days you have things like Skype, GooglePlus, Apple Facetime, and other similar "videophone" softwares, yet picking up a handset and putting it to one's ear is still preferable than sitting infront of a camera... :D
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: baldopeacock on November 21, 2012, 11:03:30 AM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 21, 2012, 12:18:50 AM
I think it was a manual for the booth service at the Prudential building from the dates that are on the info. The manual was from the month before booths were servicing Chicago. I found this article:

So maybe this was the Picturephone that was installed at the Prudential building?   Or a spare intended as backup for the Prudential unit?

That would be some cool history to know and it could only enhance the value.
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 21, 2012, 11:19:11 AM
Quote from: baldopeacock on November 21, 2012, 11:03:30 AM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 21, 2012, 12:18:50 AM
I think it was a manual for the booth service at the Prudential building from the dates that are on the info. The manual was from the month before booths were servicing Chicago. I found this article:

So maybe this was the Picturephone that was installed at the Prudential building?   Or a spare intended as backup for the Prudential unit?

That would be some cool history to know and it could only enhance the value.
Hi, From futher reading of the IL Bell manual it does look like it was one of the systems from the Prudential building. I spoke with his cousin and he told me that he was part of the team that worked on the prudential building for the PicturePhone displays. It was def lightly used and the drawings from the manual coincide with the numbers on my units as one of the ones that was installed. This just keeps getting cooler and cooler!!
Maureen
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Dave F on November 21, 2012, 11:50:05 AM
I remember seeing the Picturephone at the Bell System exhibit in Tomorrowland at Disneyland, back in 1964.  They would select visitors at random and let them talk to whoever was at the unit on the far end of the line (The World's Fair in New York).   This, they declared, was the future of telephony.  It was very cool, especially to a budding phone collector.  There were only a couple hundred of these Type 1 Picturephones made.  They were not mass-produced, but were painstakingly individually constructed by hand.  A friend of mine, who has more than one of these sets, says that they are internally quite primitive.  For a variety of reasons, economic and otherwise, Picturephone service was never a success.  Bell System poured tens of millions of dollars into this loser of a project, both with the Type 1 and the more advanced Type 2 a few years later.  I remember being in an electronic surplus store here in L.A. in the early 80s.  They had a pile (at least a couple dozen) Type 2 Picturephones which they couldn't even sell for parts.  Looking back, it appears I made a mistake by not picking up a few.  Maybe I'll get lucky and wind up with this one!
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Dave F on November 21, 2012, 12:39:14 PM
Quote from: DavePEI on November 20, 2012, 11:10:55 PM
<snip> As whoever is buying this will be very unlikely to have a second complete unit to use it with, the peeled phosphor shouldn't matter, as the unit will be purchased for its historical value, and not to use. What 60-70 year old item even NOS doesn't have some degredation of components. It is still beautiful, and will bring a very high price.

Dave
The Type 1 Picturephone has a self-view mode, allowing the user to see him/herself, even when not connected to another unit.  So, getting this unit into working condition would be most desirable, if it can be done.  Hmmm, if Maureen will just let me borrow it for about 20 years, I'll see what I can do about getting it back up to snuff!

DF
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: LarryInMichigan on November 21, 2012, 01:41:43 PM
I was born in 1964 in Chicago, so the Picturephone rightfully belongs to ME :)!

Larry
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: gpo706 on November 21, 2012, 03:20:57 PM
Swap you for one of these:

http://www.britishtelephones.com/rel2000.htm
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 22, 2012, 10:54:23 AM
Quote from: Dave F on November 21, 2012, 12:39:14 PM
The Type 1 Picturephone has a self-view mode, allowing the user to see him/herself, even when not connected to another unit.  So, getting this unit into working condition would be most desirable, if it can be done.  Hmmm, if Maureen will just let me borrow it for about 20 years, I'll see what I can do about getting it back up to snuff!

DF

Hi Dave, It seems you are correct. I took a close up picture of the buttons from the desk top unit. Not a great picture but you can see the "view self" button. It has a Vidicon picture tube in it. Over the weekend I am going to look through the picture tubes my dad had to see if there is in fact a "good" spare one. I spent most of my evening yesterday reading through the manuals and I was amazed by all the testing equipment needed to set this thing up to make it work! In fact, it looks like I may have all of that "stuff" too!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Maureen
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Bill on November 22, 2012, 11:38:45 AM
I think the vidicon is the camera tube, not the display tube. The vidicon is probably a cylinder about an inch in diameter, maybe 6 inches long - my memory is a bit thin. The display tube (picture tube) is bigger, of course.

Bill
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Dave F on November 22, 2012, 02:56:36 PM
More Picturephone musings:

I have read in multiple places that the bigwigs at AT&T conceded the Picturephone project to have been the biggest money-losing, time-consuming boondoggle in their entire corporate history.  They started experimenting with video-over-phone-lines technology in 1956, and the last Type 2 Picturephone wasn't sent to the junk pile until the late 1970s.

In the 40 odd years since then, there have been numerous further attempts to capitalize on the concept of a video telephone.  Sony, Mitsubishi and many others (including, amazingly, AT&T itself!) all have marketed consumer video phones of one kind or another.  Black and white or color, still-image or full-motion: All have been commercial failures.  Their assorted remains pop up with regularity on eBay.  

Today, with the advent of high-speed internet and the availability of powerful inexpensive computers, anybody can have unlimited free video phone service.  However, Skype and others of that ilk remain niche entities, relegated mostly to overseas newsfeeds from remote locations, or forums for computer geeks to strut their stuff.  The glaring fact, as true today as it was back in the Picturephone days, is that most people, most of the time, simply do not want to be seen while talking on the phone.  The comforting anonymity provided by voice-only communication is a plus, not a minus.  As it is likely that this will not change any time soon, widespread use of video phone technology will remain over the horizon for the foreseeable future.

A sad story, to be sure.  But there is definitely a bright side: The fact that the Picturephone was not successful makes the few surviving specimens even more rare and desirable.  We, as collectors of phones and their history, see this as a golden opportunity.  When, in all our combined recollections, has a complete Type 1 Picturephone ever been made available to covet?  Never, in my memory.  The only sad thing here is that, if Maureen does decide to part with it, only one of us can win.  While I dream that the winner will be me, I realize that it will most likely go to the one with the biggest wallet, and not necessarily to the person who would be most appreciative of this amazing artifact and its history.  In any case, in addition to the money she receives, Maureen will certainly be pleased that this great find and, by association, her father's legacy, will be well preserved.

DF

PS:
Maureen, when you have time, would you please post a picture of the F-55423 Power and Control Unit with the cover removed? Thanks.
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 22, 2012, 03:22:22 PM
More on the more picturephone musings:

I sense we are taking this thread off topic, but here goes.  If our trusty moderators know how to split this off the main topic, then that would be ok by me.

I think there were a lot of things that killed the picturephone, which at first thought seems like it should have been a real popular thing.


I believe the public viewed this as nothing more than a novelty.  Why pay so much to see someone while you are on the phone, when you can have a regular phone conversation for next to nothing (even in the 1970's when long distance was much more expensive than today)

I would bet that there were some who would give a million bucks to actually see the person they were talking to.  The family of a soldier.  Someone who you had not seen in many years, or someone you had never met.  However, in order to develop a technology and make it work on a cost basis takes millions of people, not just a handful.

In fact, Dave, what you say is absolutely true about the "Picturephones" we have today.  I have an iPad with Facetime on it.  It is cool sometimes, but I could certainly live without it.  Cool from the standpoint that I can show someone my phone collection while I am talking to them, or show them something else.  Not cool when my son calls to introduce his new girlfriend to Mom and Dad, and my wife refuses to be shown because she is not willing to be seen at that moment in time.  Actually, I can even relate to that.  I have been known to run and put a shirt on before answering an incoming Facetime call.

All that being said, the Picturephone is really a neat part of technology, and highly collectible.  No picturephone is ever going to be hooked up to the PSTN and used as it was originally designed.  I would not rule out a point-to-point connection of two locally connected picturephones, but even that would be a long shot.

I am also sure that while developing the Picturephone, the Bell Labs pioneered some good fertile territory along the way.

Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: rdelius on November 22, 2012, 06:52:58 PM
Black spots on a CRT face are sometimes underneath the safety faceplate and are not damaged phosphors
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 22, 2012, 07:05:39 PM
Quote from: Bill on November 22, 2012, 11:38:45 AM
I think the vidicon is the camera tube, not the display tube. The vidicon is probably a cylinder about an inch in diameter, maybe 6 inches long - my memory is a bit thin. The display tube (picture tube) is bigger, of course.

Bill
Hi Bill,
Forgive my ignorance as you can see the technical stuff is not my forte. I will look for a bigger display tube looking thingy! LOL
I appreciate you letting me know.
Maureen
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 22, 2012, 07:34:18 PM
Hi DF, I will take a pic with the cover off sometime this weekend and post them here. If I do end up auctioning the PicturePhone, you are correct in saying it would go to the highest bidder. For me, the value is not even that of the item, while I think the Picturephone is cool, it would sit in my basement or attic and never be looked at again until my children come across it going through my things someday. I understand the "excitement" of the item for someone else, it's just not for me.
If I was financially able I would certainly donate it to the right person but that is not an option and as far as the value for something like this I cannot find anything to help me, I guess it is just that rare. So I am going to wait it out until I feel confident in what I would take for it.
Thanks, Maureen
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 22, 2012, 07:37:29 PM
Quote from: rdelius on November 22, 2012, 06:52:58 PM
Black spots on a CRT face are sometimes underneath the safety faceplate and are not damaged phosphors

Thanks for the info! How do I check that? I meant, how should I have my husband check that! LOL
Thanks,
Maureen
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: AE_Collector on November 22, 2012, 07:43:00 PM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on November 22, 2012, 03:22:22 PM
I sense we are taking this thread off topic, but here goes.  If our trusty moderators know how to split this off the main topic, then that would be ok by me.

Do-able for sure. I have been wondering for the last couple of days now if maybe we should have kept the Picturephone a seperate topic on it's own. I will talk with Dennis about it.

Terry

<edit>
Talked it over with Dennis and we agreed that a Bell picturephone thread would be a good idea due to the rarity of it AND the interest in it here. So here it is....done.

Terry
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: DavePEI on November 23, 2012, 12:11:44 AM
Quote from: AE_collector on November 22, 2012, 07:43:00 PM

Talked it over with Dennis and we agreed that a Bell picturephone thread would be a good idea due to the rarity of it AND the interest in it. So here it is....done.

Terry

I must admit that I have seldom seen a topic catch on like this one. It is an amazing find, and I hope that its sale will help Maureen and her family a lot. Too bad no-one can tell her exactly what it will bring, but especially if sold with the documentation about where it was used, that it will bring a really high price.

Now, there will be an interesting auction contest! I can already imagine the guesses at what it will go for. Good luck, Maureen!

Dave
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: George Knighton on November 23, 2012, 08:57:16 AM
Surprised to see and hear about this.  I can just *barely* remember when it was a talking point for marketing purposes.
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: LarryInMichigan on November 23, 2012, 09:05:51 AM
My guess for the complete system is $40,000.

Larry
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Doug Rose on November 23, 2012, 10:21:42 AM
Quote from: LarryInMichigan on November 23, 2012, 09:05:51 AM
My guess for the complete system is $40,000.

Larry
WOW!! I hope this "guess" is not getting the seller's hopes up. I see a lot of conjecture in these posts. Myself, I have no idea, not a clue on its value.  It is not what I collect, but I do appreciate that it might be a one of a kind. That is why I think eBay is the finite answer. That is the only way to get fair market value, in my humble opinion.

I might have to change the direction of my collection....Doug
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Dan/Panther on November 23, 2012, 01:10:21 PM
Maureen;
My advice would be to completely catalog everything you have. Nothing worse then to have high hopes for an item, then find out you sold off a key piece for pennies.
Find out what you have, how it works, if it works, and try your best to get a ballpark figure of value. A good place would be to check prices on eBay, of course the picture phone, you would have to start high, and see how it goes. But anyhow, I wouldn't sell a thing until I knew all about, what I have.
JMHO
I have the early W.E. 500, and estimates hovered around $2000.00 in value, but personally, I wouldn't part with for 5 times that. I would definitely like to see it publicly displayed, but my fear is that a small museum may fold, and it would simply disappear. If Lucent Technologies ever opened a museum, I would gladly let them take it.

D/P
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: George Knighton on November 23, 2012, 01:11:12 PM
Quote from: LarryInMichigan on November 23, 2012, 09:05:51 AM
My guess for the complete system is $40,000.

Larry

0_o

You think?  If that's a good value, I am not sure it'll be easy to sell.  I'd be tempted to talk to the Smithsonian about a hefty tax break!
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 23, 2012, 01:42:28 PM
One of the things I was wondering about is whether the thing, if connected up to the power supply would actually fire up.

It was made in the 1960's (nearly 50 years ago), and presumably has several electrolytic capacitors in both the power supply and the main unit.

By the 1960's the materials for elecrolytics had vastly improved since earlier years, and most of the circuitry should be of a relatively low voltage, except, of course, the HV to the picture tube, so it may very well be OK.  Add to that the fact that Ma Bell used top notch components, and designed their stuff to last a lifetime.... at least for the life of the item, what ever that is.

So the question..... drum roll...... Should Maureen plug it in and see what happens?

I would.

It's fused.

If it powers up, and if she can get the self picture, oh what a selling feature that would be.

The worse that could happen is she would hear a snap, crackle, and maybe a pop, see and smell a little whif of smoke, and blow the fuse.

What does everyone else think?

Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Dan/Panther on November 23, 2012, 01:56:09 PM
I had a Philco Safari transistor television, First portable TV 1959 or so, that I paid $80.00 on eBay. I fired it up and got raster, and sound. I put it away for later clean up etc. Last year I got it out, and fired it up again. Smoke, pop. Ruined the high voltage section, rare high voltage vacuum tube and other components. made the television not worth restoring. A few caps would have prevented that, at about $10.00 in parts.

D/P
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: LarryInMichigan on November 23, 2012, 01:57:42 PM
I think that Maureen should find all of the parts and offer the system as-is, untested.  The high-end old radio/electronics collectors always warn people against powering up anything which has high voltage and old capacitors without special precautions, and I do not think that this is any different.  Also, no serious collector who would be willing to pay a high price for this picturephone will be put off by the statement that it has not been tested.  They might be concerned though, if an attempt at powering it might have damaged something.

Larry
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Doug Rose on November 23, 2012, 02:08:46 PM
Larry...I agree 100%. I would never power this on. Let the professional who purchases do that. It would be a shame to permanently destroy somehing that lasted all these years. Good call....Doug
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 02:28:36 PM
Quote from: Doug Rose on November 23, 2012, 02:08:46 PM
Larry...I agree 100%. I would never power this on. Let the professional who purchases do that. It would be a shame to permanently destroy somehing that lasted all these years. Good call....Doug
I would have to agree with Doug and the others who recommend AGAINST plugging it in.  As much as I (we) would like to see it work, the risk of causing damage to something this rare and fragile that has sat untouched for decades is too great.  That little "puff of smoke" could turn it into a very expensive boat anchor.

I believe that, having all the components and that solid-gold documentation, a reasonably-qualified person would have a fair chance of making it operational.  A voltmeter, an oscilloscope, and the ability to read schematics (all of which I possess, hint, hint!) might just be all it takes.

I also STRONGLY AGREE with D/P --

Don't get rid of anything until you thoroughly inventory and catalog everything.  Nobody knows what this find is worth, and any wild guessing is just that.  But, for sure, the more complete it is, the more it will be worth.

If you want to sell some items from your collection soon to get experience with eBay, first show us pictures of what you are planning to sell.  Most items will not be related to the Picturephone, and we will let you know.  If, by chance, you show us something that nobody can identify, hang onto it for additional future evaluation.  We all will help you, and that way you won't be in jeopardy of accidentally disposing of any Picturephone parts.

DF
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 23, 2012, 02:51:32 PM
I should note that like Dave F, I would be able to deal with a smokin' power supply.  Also, for me at least, the urge to plug it in would be so great that I hardly think I could contain myself.   :o 

Perhaps it is best, then for it to be left to the buyer to power it up.

This is not a consideration we normally have to deal with when it comes to phones.
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 04:21:18 PM
Here on the Forum, we always strive to provide accurate information.  So, it should be noted that a Picturephone like Maureen's is correctly termed "Mod 1", as opposed to "Type 1" (my bad!).  For additional interest, here are two pictures pulled from the internet.  One is a Mod 1 with the cover removed.  This is probably as close as most of us will ever get to seeing the insides.  The other picture is of a later Mod 2 unit, in case you are not familiar with the difference.
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 05:03:11 PM
Update: I found pictures from the actual booth that my father took. I also have pics from it being used in our home!  still looking.....I will post pics later!
Maureen
Title: Pictures of the Picturephone booth
Post by: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 06:57:11 PM
Take a look. The picture in the kitchen is our house! My Aunt and Uncle are looking at my parents on the screen, they were in the basement. I could possibly have another display unit somewhere, wouldn't that be amazing? From the picture it looks like it could be 1973-74, not exactly sure. The other pics show the booths and control room from the Prudential Building. If you look close enough, I think I see what looks like the power unit in the control room (lower middle). Sorry about the picture quality, it is a picture taken of an old picture. I haven't looked through all the pics, I might have more!
Maureen
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 07:07:58 PM
Pictures of the power/control unit with the cover off. If you want to see a certain angle that I did not post here, just ask, I have many more in my phone. Thanks, Maureen
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: AE_Collector on November 23, 2012, 08:58:40 PM
Quote from: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 04:21:18 PM
a Picturephone like Maureen's is correctly termed "Mod 1", as opposed to "Type 1"

There, how's that (Thread Title) Dave? Wondered if I should actually make it Bell/WECo "Mod 1 Picturephone". Presumably this was built by WECo for Bell?

Terry
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 09:28:53 PM
Also, you can barely see it in the pic but the control/power unit logged 817 minutes or 817 hours? At $27 per a 3 minute call!! That alone leads me to believe this unit was from the Prudential Building. Your thoughts?
Thanks,
Maureen
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 09:51:26 PM
Quote from: AE_collector on November 23, 2012, 08:58:40 PM
Quote from: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 04:21:18 PM
a Picturephone like Maureen's is correctly termed "Mod 1", as opposed to "Type 1"

There, how's that (Thread Title) Dave? Wondered if I should actually make it Bell/WECo "Mod 1 Picturephone". Presumably this was built by WECo for Bell?

Terry
Excellent service.  Thanks!  Yes, to be completely correct, it is a "Western Electric Mod 1 Picturephone"

Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 23, 2012, 09:55:30 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 09:28:53 PM
Also, you can barley see it in the pic but the control/power unit logged 817 minutes or 817 hours? At $27 per a 3 minute call!! That alone leads me to believe this unit was from the Prudential Building. Your thoughts?
Thanks,
Maureen

The power unit would probably not be logging the elapsed times for phone calls.  It would not be uncommon to have a power supply that has a meter that looks like a car's odometer that measures the hours of service for the time the power supply is turned on.  The function of logging the elapsed time for each call would be a function of the equipment in the central office.
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 10:16:49 PM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on November 23, 2012, 09:55:30 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 09:28:53 PM
Also, you can barley see it in the pic but the control/power unit logged 817 minutes or 817 hours? At $27 per a 3 minute call!! That alone leads me to believe this unit was from the Prudential Building. Your thoughts?
Thanks,
Maureen

The power unit would probably not be logging the elapsed times for phone calls.  It would not be uncommon to have a power supply that has a meter that looks like a car's odometer that measures the hours of service for the time the power supply is turned on.  The function of logging the elapsed time for each call would be a function of the equipment in the central office.
The "timer" in the picture looks like an event counter, not an actual timer.  I recognize it as being similar to some that I have packed away.  It advances one digit per "event".  Without digging through the specs, we can only guess what it was counting.  Maybe it logged the number of times the system was used.

Maureen, your pictures are super.  It's hard to imagine having one of these sets casually operating in the kitchen!  Looking at the innards of the control unit, at appears from the multiple Amphenol connectors (excuse the tech lingo) that one control unit was capable of running more than one display.  It does seem that, at least for some period of time, you had at least two display units in your house.  This keeps getting better and better.  After I win your auction, I'll examine the control unit more completely and give you a report!

DF
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 23, 2012, 10:25:21 PM
Now that I look at it more closely, it does look like it may be an event counter.  If it has a button that you can push to reset to all zeroes, it would be a counter for sure.  I cannot see the photo clearly enough to tell on my laptop.
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 23, 2012, 10:28:59 PM
Even though the Picturephone project was a collossal dud for the Bell System, the project was nonetheless historic.  All this information is in its own right historic, and Maureen should be very proud that her dad had a hand in this historic project.

I am blown away.
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 10:30:16 PM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on November 23, 2012, 10:25:21 PM
Now that I look at it more closely, it does look like it may be an event counter.  If it has a button that you can push to reset to all zeroes, it would be a counter for sure.  I cannot see the photo clearly enough to tell on my laptop.
It's almost certainly an event counter.  I'll try to dig one out from storage and post a clear picture tomorrow.

DF
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Greg G. on November 23, 2012, 10:33:11 PM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on November 23, 2012, 10:28:59 PM
... the Picturephone project was a collossal dud for the Bell System...

I wonder why, with all that supporting equipment it took just to run two ends of it.
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 10:38:14 PM
Quote from: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 10:16:49 PM
The "timer" in the picture looks like an event counter, not an actual timer.  I recognize it as being similar to some that I have packed away.  It advances one digit per "event".  Without digging through the specs, we can only guess what it was counting.  Maybe it logged the number of times the system was used.

Maureen, your pictures are super.  It's hard to imagine having one of these sets casually operating in the kitchen!  Looking at the innards of the control unit, at appears from the multiple Amphenol connectors (excuse the tech lingo) that one control unit was capable of running more than one display.  It does seem that, at least for some period of time, you had at least two display units in your house.  This keeps getting better and better.  After I win your auction, I'll examine the control unit more completely and give you a report!

DF

Thanks DF!
I found this pic in the manual. It shows that it is a message register.
Thanks,
Maureen
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 10:52:44 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 10:38:14 PM
Thanks DF!
I found this pic in the manual. It shows that it is a message register.
Thanks,
Maureen
Yup, a message register is an event counter.  Somewhere in your documentation it must say what it is counting.  Could be it is registering the number of times I have imagined possessing it!
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 10:55:28 PM
Quote from: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 10:52:44 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 10:38:14 PM
Thanks DF!
I found this pic in the manual. It shows that it is a message register.
Thanks,
Maureen
Yup, a message register is an event counter.  Somewhere in your documentation it must say what it is counting.  Could be it is registering the number of times I have imagined possessing it!
I think it is registering how many times you made me laugh!  ;D
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 11:02:18 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 10:55:28 PM
I think it is registering how many times you made me laugh!  ;D
Gosh, I hope you're laughing with me and not at me.

DF
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 11:05:59 PM
Quote from: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 11:02:18 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 10:55:28 PM
I think it is registering how many times you made me laugh!  ;D
Gosh, I hope you're laughing with me and not at me.

DF

With you, of course! 818 and counting......
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 11:11:47 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 11:05:59 PM
Quote from: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 11:02:18 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 23, 2012, 10:55:28 PM
I think it is registering how many times you made me laugh!  ;D
Gosh, I hope you're laughing with me and not at me.

DF

With you, of course! 818 and counting......
Whew, thank you.  Crying over the probability that I won't win your Picturephone is bad enough in itself.  Thinking that you were also laughing at me would be infinitely worse.

DF
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: AE_Collector on November 23, 2012, 11:24:58 PM
I hadn't noticed the meter but now that I took a look at it, it looks like a typical telco "Peg Count Meter" that is used to count number of times something happens. Not sure why it would be in the power/control unit, especially if that unit can connect several picturephone units.

"Messages" also frequently refers to individual calls or call attemps so most likely it simply recorded the total number of calls connected between two units I would think.

Terry
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 11:32:13 PM
Quote from: AE_collector on November 23, 2012, 11:24:58 PM
I hadn't noticed the meter but now that I took a look at it, it looks like a typical telco "Peg Count Meter" tha tis used to count number of times something happens. Not sure why it would be in the power/control unit, especially if that unit can connect several picturephone units.

Terry
Remember that the Mod 1 Picturephone was always a research/demonstration effort.  These were never intended to be put into general use.  As such, they probably included the counter for engineering/reliability purposes, although we still don't know just what they were counting.
Title: Re: Bell "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dave F on November 24, 2012, 12:04:47 PM
Quote from: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 10:30:16 PM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on November 23, 2012, 10:25:21 PM
Now that I look at it more closely, it does look like it may be an event counter.  If it has a button that you can push to reset to all zeroes, it would be a counter for sure.  I cannot see the photo clearly enough to tell on my laptop.
It's almost certainly an event counter.  I'll try to dig one out from storage and post a clear picture tomorrow.

DF
Good morning all,

Well, I spent some time this morning looking through boxes for that message register and, as any experienced collector would expect, it wasn't anywhere I thought it might be.  You would think that after so many years of involvement with this stuff, that should not come as a big surprise to me.  But, while moving boxes around, I did manage to break a nice glass aquarium tank lid, so I guess the morning wasn't a complete waste of time after all.  There are still other places to search, but they are tougher to get to and will take extra time and motivation.  They are also near where my glass x-ray tube collection is stored, and I would really prefer not to break any of those.  Really.  So, my apologies, but there will be a delay in showing you the message register.  However, I can tell you in advance that it looks quite similar to the one in Maureen's Picturephone control unit.

DF
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 24, 2012, 12:12:47 PM
I'd say stop before the fish die.   :o

Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dave F on November 24, 2012, 12:18:54 PM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on November 24, 2012, 12:12:47 PM
I'd say stop before the fish die.   :o
I could stop looking, but what good is having these things if we can't show them to anybody?!
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dan/Panther on November 24, 2012, 03:18:34 PM
If I recall correctly, wasn't the Picturephone introduced to the public, at the 1964 New York Worlds Fair ?
Maybe you have the actual phone set up used there ?
That could make the unit, astronomically valuable.
I would be curious if the Smithsonian has one on display ?
D/P
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Dan/Panther on November 24, 2012, 03:31:27 PM
Quote from: Dave F on November 21, 2012, 11:50:05 AM
I remember seeing the Picturephone at the Bell System exhibit in Tomorrowland at Disneyland, back in 1964.  They would select visitors at random and let them talk to whoever was at the unit on the far end of the line (The World's Fair in New York).   This, they declared, was the future of telephony.  It was very cool, especially to a budding phone collector.  There were only a couple hundred of these Type 1 Picturephones made.  They were not mass-produced, but were painstakingly individually constructed by hand.  A friend of mine, who has more than one of these sets, says that they are internally quite primitive.  For a variety of reasons, economic and otherwise, Picturephone service was never a success.  Bell System poured tens of millions of dollars into this loser of a project, both with the Type 1 and the more advanced Type 2 a few years later.  I remember being in an electronic surplus store here in L.A. in the early 80s.  They had a pile (at least a couple dozen) Type 2 Picturephones which they couldn't even sell for parts.  Looking back, it appears I made a mistake by not picking up a few.  Maybe I'll get lucky and wind up with this one!

Dave;
I recall that very well at the Bell Exhibit in Tomorrowland. Being the spoiled rotten son of a Disneyland employee, I was one of the lucky ones, that got the privilege to talk to some tourists at the Worlds Fair.
I also recall a display, that challenged you to try to out dial the pushbutton phone. The lady would give you a head start, and beat you every time.

D/P
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dave F on November 24, 2012, 04:24:11 PM
Quote from: Dan/Panther on November 24, 2012, 03:18:34 PM
If I recall correctly, wasn't the Picturephone introduced to the public, at the 1964 New York Worlds Fair ?
Maybe you have the actual phone set up used there ?
That could make the unit, astronomically valuable.
I would be curious if the Smithsonian has one on display ?
D/P
Yes, Picturephone was officially introduced at the 1964 NY World's Fair, although sets had been in use in Bell Labs offices for at least two prior years.  I don't know how many nodes existed, but one was definitely at Disneyland.

If you are referring here to Maureen's set, it was installed in a major office building in Chicago, not in NY.  But that does not detract a single bit from its rarity or value.  In fact, the provenance provided by Maureen's memories and photos surely increases its desirability.

As far as the Smithsonian is concerned, either they already have one, or they don't particularly want one.  The big problem there is that if they were to receive one at this late date, it would certainly end up in a crate in some dusty warehouse, maybe never to be seen again.  Makes me think of the scene at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Dave F on November 24, 2012, 04:31:51 PM
Quote from: Dan/Panther on November 24, 2012, 03:31:27 PM
Dave;
I recall that very well at the Bell Exhibit in Tomorrowland. Being the spoiled rotten son of a Disneyland employee, I was one of the lucky ones, that got the privilege to talk to some tourists at the Worlds Fair.
I also recall a display, that challenged you to try to out dial the pushbutton phone. The lady would give you a head start, and beat you every time.

D/P
Then you probably also remember the Bell System tic-tac-toe computer in Tomorrowland.  This was pre-semiconductor logic, and the entire thing was made from WECo relays.  You could play against the computer and watch the relays click behind the clear panel.  You couldn't win, but you could draw if you didn't make any mistakes.

DF
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: twocvbloke on November 24, 2012, 04:35:27 PM
Quote from: Dave F on November 24, 2012, 04:24:11 PMMakes me think of the scene at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark.

To be dealt with by "top men" eh?  :D
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dan/Panther on November 24, 2012, 07:58:14 PM
Dave;
I tried to make one of those using switches, the difference it was for 2 people.
D/P
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on November 24, 2012, 08:25:22 PM
From reading the manual it looks like the message register is per is per video call. In the picture labeled under I.
Thanks!
Maureen
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: MagicMo on November 24, 2012, 08:47:31 PM
Quote from: Dave F on November 20, 2012, 11:07:37 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 20, 2012, 10:55:50 PM
Pics of the PicturePhone. When I took it out of the box I noticed black dots on the screen. What's that all about? The marks on the back were made from my dirty fingerprints, it is in great condition.
Thanks,
Maureen
Black dots on the screen are not good.  Usually, this is an indication that the light-emitting phosphors of the picture tube have degraded with the passage of time.  This appears to be a common problem with the picture tubes used in these Type 1 Picturephones, as I have seen others with this condition.  It could very well be that the picture tube would have to be replaced in order for the unit to work.  If so, hopefully there is enough info in all your documentation to make that effort possible (assuming that this particular kind of picture tube is still commercially available).

Maureen, I see that you have located that elusive extra control unit.  Looks like you have all three major parts!  That's great!

Dave


Hi Again Dave,
It looks like the picture tube that is needed for the display unit is a B-572796. Is that still available to get today?
Thanks,
Maureen
maureen
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 24, 2012, 10:05:51 PM
I would say that your chances of finding a replacement CRT (picture tube) are probably remote, but some real digging on the Internet may find something.  I did a quick look for the Sylvania number but found nothing.

A lot may depend if the part was one that was in some other general purpose use where the tube would have been readily available.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on November 24, 2012, 10:11:22 PM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on November 24, 2012, 10:05:51 PM
I would say that your chances of finding a replacement CRT (picture tube) are probably remote, but some real digging on the Internet may find something.  I did a quick look for the Sylvania number but found nothing.

A lot may depend if the part was one that was in some other general purpose use where the tube would have been readily available.

Thanks Bill!
Title: Re: Bell Type 1 Picturephone
Post by: Dave F on November 24, 2012, 11:21:38 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on November 24, 2012, 08:47:31 PM
Hi Again Dave,
It looks like the picture tube that is needed for the display unit is a B-572796. Is that still available to get today?
Thanks,
Maureen
Hi Maureen,

B-572796 is the Bell Labs designation.  ST-3183B is the mfr. model number.  Like Bill, I also did a cursory search, and that tube is long-obsolete.  But, that doesn't mean that one absolutely couldn't be found.  The fortunate part is that it is/was a standard industrial type, and not something special that Bell Labs cooked up.  That's a big plus.  There are people who collect/trade/sell old tubes just like we do with phones.  There are surely forums for stuff like that as well.  It might involve a lot of searching and waiting, but eventually one is likely to turn up.  I would never say never.

We collectors are used to long waits for hard-to-find parts.  Just look at my avatar picture on this forum for a prime example.  The phone in that picture is ultra-rare (fewer than five are known to exist in private collections).  It is an automatic dialer that uses special plastic cards to store the numbers.  It took me 40 years to find the phone, and I don't know if I will live long enough to locate any of the cards.  But I am forever vigilant.  All I can say is that if the Picturephone was mine, and it needed a new picture tube in order to work, I would never ever rest until I located one.  So, unless your dad squirreled away a few in some forgotten corner, let the search begin!

Dave

PS:  One other thing that looking at your manual photos makes me realize: This documentation that you have is almost priceless.  In my lifetime, I have seen several Mod 1 Picturephones (albeit, incomplete)  in private collections, but never has anybody that I know of managed to dig up as much tech info as you have.  I hope it has sunk in that yours is really a once-in-a-lifetime score.

DF
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: poplar1 on November 24, 2012, 11:22:36 PM
Here are the Sylvania specs for ST-3183B:

http://tubedata.tubes.se/sheets/168/s/ST3183.pdf
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dan/Panther on November 24, 2012, 11:30:17 PM
Being somewhat familiar with vintage radios and televisions, my experience is unless damaged, a Glass CRT, used a little as that one probably has been, will still be good, unless damaged. It's in a vacuum, so no atmospheric deterioration can occur, then again if it's gone to air, you would know by the dark center of the phosphor on the face of the CRT. CRT's usually degrade over long periods of use. If it's still under vacuum, it could last indefinitely.
BTW, I don't think that CRT is so rare that a replacement couldn't be found. It looks like ones used in many mini TV's of the era.
D/P
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dave F on November 24, 2012, 11:51:56 PM
Quote from: Dan/Panther on November 24, 2012, 11:30:17 PM

<snip> ...BTW, I don't think that CRT is so rare that a replacement couldn't be found. It looks like ones used in many mini TV's of the era.
D/P

I agree.

DF
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: AE_Collector on November 25, 2012, 02:13:49 AM
A Sylvania CRT in a WECo item. Almost unbelievable! (Sylvania was a part of GTE)

Terry
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Phonesrfun on November 25, 2012, 02:31:01 AM
Quote from: AE_collector on November 25, 2012, 02:13:49 AM
A Sylvania CRT in a WECo item. Almost unbelievable! (Sylvania was a part of GTE)

Terry

"Gee..........No, G.T.E."

i remember their commercial.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: AE_Collector on November 25, 2012, 02:45:49 AM
Me too!

Terry
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Bill on November 25, 2012, 12:45:43 PM
Alignment of the magnetic deflection coils could be a real headache. With a tube this small, I am hopeful that the ion trap and various small tweak magnets wouldn't add too much to the complexity. Perhaps some OLD TV collectors could help with it. But even if you find a tube, I would advise that you not delve into it unless you absolutely must.

Bill
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dave F on November 25, 2012, 01:30:20 PM
Quote from: AE_collector on November 25, 2012, 02:13:49 AM
A Sylvania CRT in a WECo item. Almost unbelievable! (Sylvania was a part of GTE)

Terry
Funny, I was thinking that same thing last night.  But then, I don't believe that Sylvania was part of GTE back in 1964 (but I could be wrong about that).

Edit:  After a little research, I see that Sylvania merged with General Telephone to form GTE in 1959.  So, Bell Labs was indeed buying their Picturephone CRTs from a competitor.  How cool is that?!  (Maybe that's why those pesky phosphors were prone to unexpected degradation, hee, hee!)
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: AE_Collector on November 25, 2012, 06:26:52 PM
Hygrade Sylvania Corporation was formed by the July 1931 merger of the Hygrade Lamp Company, Nilco Lamp Works Inc & Sylvania Products Company. The companies had been renewers of burned out light bulbs and manufacturers of new light bulbs and vacuum tubes.

The name was again changed in 1942 to Sylvania Electric Products. Agreement was reached on November 6, 1958 to merge with General Telephone Corporation. The merger completed on March 5 1959 and the name of the combined organization was changed to General Telephone & Electronics Corporation.

Terry
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dave F on December 23, 2012, 09:43:37 PM
I finally located my W.E. Message Register mentioned earlier in this topic.  This one is a 15A, not precisely the same model as the one in Maureen's Picturephone Control Unit, but very similar.  These event counters were employed extensively in central offices to log circuit usage for maintenance, billing and statistical purposes.  The counter advances one digit with each applied voltage pulse and is manually reset to zero by pulling and releasing the knob on the front.

DF
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Doug Rose on December 24, 2012, 08:49:26 AM
Maureen hasn't posted on her picturephone in a month. I wonder if she found someone to "help" her. I would have loved to see this go on eBay. This would have been a five figure auction.....Doug
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Greg G. on December 25, 2012, 07:18:20 PM
Quote from: Doug Rose on December 24, 2012, 08:49:26 AM
Maureen hasn't posted on her picturephone in a month. I wonder if she found someone to "help" her. I would have loved to see this go on eBay. This would have been a five figure auction.....Doug

One way to find out is to just ask her.  I sent her a PM wishing her a Merry Christmas and asked her to pop in, say howdy-doody and bring us up to date on her treasure horde.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on December 29, 2012, 06:34:52 PM
Quote from: Brinybay on December 25, 2012, 07:18:20 PM
Quote from: Doug Rose on December 24, 2012, 08:49:26 AM
Maureen hasn't posted on her picturephone in a month. I wonder if she found someone to "help" her. I would have loved to see this go on eBay. This would have been a five figure auction.....Doug

One way to find out is to just ask her.  I sent her a PM wishing her a Merry Christmas and asked her to pop in, say howdy-doody and bring us up to date on her treasure horde.

Hello All!!
I just ran outta gas. I haven't sold a thing yet. I have just been moving everything to my house to clean, sort and research value. I'll post pics when it's complete. If I do sell the picturephone it will def go on ebay for sure! I just can't bring myself to let it go just yet. I did find a few more cool Bell goodies too.
As much as my Dad loved phones, I'm realizing he loved old radios too. OMG!! You have no idea of the vast collection of radios he had.
Email me anytime!
MagicMo32@cs.com
~Maureen
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: AE40FAN on December 29, 2012, 08:41:37 PM
l'd love to see pictures of the radios!
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on December 30, 2012, 02:00:25 PM
Quote from: AE40FAN on December 29, 2012, 08:41:37 PM
l'd love to see pictures of the radios!

Hi AE40FAN,
I posted some pics of the radios in the "off topic" radio section of the forum if you would like to see.
Thanks!
~Maureen
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on January 18, 2013, 08:55:17 PM
Hello Friends,

FYI, I will be selling the Picturephone soon. I am going to post it on Ebay within the next two weeks. I need the time to take some nice pics and get the equipment out of the attic. I will let everyone know the day before the Auction begins. I'm excited and sad at the same time. I hope someone from this forum wins the auction, nothing would make me happier.

Stay tuned!
~Maureen
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Greg G. on January 18, 2013, 09:41:31 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on January 18, 2013, 08:55:17 PM
Hello Friends,

FYI, I will be selling the Picturephone soon. I am going to post it on Ebay within the next two weeks. I need the time to take some nice pics and get the equipment out of the attic. I will let everyone know the day before the Auction begins. I'm excited and sad at the same time. I hope someone from this forum wins the auction, nothing would make me happier.

Stay tuned!
~Maureen

Auction Contest!!  (http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh22/Brinybay/wakwaka.gif)
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: AE_Collector on January 18, 2013, 09:45:53 PM
Yeah no need to keep it under the radar until the auction is over!

Terry
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Sargeguy on January 18, 2013, 11:18:35 PM
You may want to consider having it photographed by a professional, nice pictures will likely add to the final price realized.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on January 19, 2013, 08:03:59 PM
Quote from: Sargeguy on January 18, 2013, 11:18:35 PM
You may want to consider having it photographed by a professional, nice pictures will likely add to the final price realized.

I never even thought of that. I actually have high tech camera equipment at work, I'll get one of the guys to help me out. Good Idea!
Thanks,
~Maureen
Title: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 27, 2013, 02:23:21 PM
Hello All,
Today is the big day. I am putting the Picturephone on Ebay tonight around 6 pm Chicago time. I would like to get the word out to everyone that would be interested so I know it will go to a serious collector who understands the History.
I'm very excited about finally getting the nerve to sell it but I also spent yesterday evening in tears, hoping my Dad would give me his blessings to sell it while I was writing up the EBay description.
So, I guess I am reaching out to all of you who speak of your family on this forum. Would you be OK with your family selling one of your prize possessions after you were gone? (sorry for the frankness).
Whether or not anyone answers this, I know if I don't sell it, it will end up sitting hidden away in my basement until the end of time, when my kids kids unearth it and throw it in the junk pile to be hauled away, so, I guess I answered my own question.
Sorry for the long message, this is just very difficult for me because the pain of loosing my Dad is something I continue to struggle with and I feel as though my heart cannot bear anymore loss nor would I want him to be disappointed in me for making the wrong decision.
Blah, blah, blah, we woman are something else, aren't we? This post sounds like a eulogy for my Picturephone! I gotta get my self psyched to enjoy this next week and realize this should be a joyful time for me and the lucky auction winner. Again, I hope it is someone from this forum.
Thanks,
Maureen
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Nick in Manitou on January 27, 2013, 03:27:54 PM
No apologies needed.

A lot of us on the forum are of an age where we have lost one or both of our folks and are facing decisions about what to do with the "stuff" left over. 

The memories we can cherish and play over and over, but the "stuff" can be a challenge.  How much of it do we keep because it was theirs, and how do we dispose of what we don't have space for, interest in, or the funds to maintain?  It is a tough process and there is no easy way to decide.

It seems to me that the memories are what is real and the physical items were just props in the play.

Hold on to the memories and enjoy the process of redistributing the material items as much as you can.  Perhaps this process will add to the memories.

There you go, unrequested advice from someone with a lot of "stuff" he is trying to figure out what to do with.

Nick
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Dave F on January 27, 2013, 03:29:15 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on January 27, 2013, 02:23:21 PM
<snip>...So, I guess I am reaching out to all of you who speak of your family on this forum. Would you be OK with your family selling one of your prize possessions after you were gone? (sorry for the frankness)....
The answer all depends on what's going on in your own mind.  Would you be happy keeping it as a reminder of the good past times of your life?  Or, do you think your father would have urged you to benefit from it to the max?

Anyway, I'll certainly be watching!

Best of luck on the auction.

Dave F.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Dennis Markham on January 27, 2013, 04:59:14 PM
Maureen, I certainly don't expect my off-spring to have the same passion for collecting old stuff (including phones) that I do.  I suggest to them that they can keep what they want and sell the rest.  I urge them to sell it where they will gain the most, just as you are doing.  That's been the advice from the crowed here---when you asked for advice.

I look forward to watching the auction and wish you the best with it.  Without knowing your father, I'm sure he's good with that.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Phonesrfun on January 27, 2013, 06:37:48 PM
For me, my treasures are really only meaningful to me.  Not my wife, and not my kids or grandkids.  Sure, my wife has helped me a lot and participated in my madness, but the madness is all mine.

When it is my time to go, I expect that if there is some kind of time involved, I will have an opportunity to oversee the liquidation of my modest collection.  If not, it is fully my expectation that the collection will be liquidated, and the money derived from that will be put to a much better use than taking up space, or worse yet, going to a dumpster or being turned into a bunch lamps.


My two cents.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 27, 2013, 08:08:03 PM
Thanks for all the kind words. All of you guys seem to know just what to say, hmmmm, just like my Dad. Maybe phone collectors and good people are one in the same. It seems to be so.  :)
Thanks,
Maureen
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Doug Rose on January 27, 2013, 08:18:27 PM
Here it is.....this should be fun....good luck Mo....Doug

http://tinyurl.com/b855obb
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: LarryInMichigan on January 27, 2013, 08:24:41 PM
The listing looks very impressive, and the pictures are excellent.  I can think of at least a few people who are probably salivating over this now.

I am assuming that someone is starting a bid guessing contest for this.

Larry
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: zaphod01 on January 27, 2013, 08:39:22 PM
Impressive listing. Great pictures. Now if I can just hit the lottery this week...
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Sargeguy on January 27, 2013, 08:47:14 PM
I would lower the starting bid to get more action on this.  The high starting bid might put some bidders off. The decision to pay $5000 for something is the result of a process that evolves in a seller's mind over the course of an auction.  Part of this is the hope that they can get it for less than $5000.  Maybe $999.99 to start will generate more interest.  You can always set a reserve.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 27, 2013, 08:55:40 PM
Thanks for posting that Doug.
Did I do OK on the description?
Sarge, I wanted to put the starting bid at $10,000.00!! I came down to $5,000.00.
I want to see this Auction in the "Guess the Auction price" section of the forum!!!

I'll put in my guess: $52,000.02
A girl can dream, can't she?

Thanks, Mo

Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: zapper on January 27, 2013, 09:05:13 PM
I will pass on guessing the final price.  My guess on who buy's it is the guy from Canada.
Zapper
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: G-Man on January 27, 2013, 09:12:49 PM
Quote from: Sargeguy on January 27, 2013, 08:47:14 PM
I would lower the starting bid to get more action on this.  The high starting bid might put some bidders off. The decision to pay $5000 for something is the result of a process that evolves in a seller's mind over the course of an auction.  Part of this is the hope that they can get it for less than $5000.  Maybe $999.99 to start will generate more interest.  You can always set a reserve.

It is absolutely worth the $5,000 starting bid and she should not take the chance of the current economic downturn causing it to go for any less.

Since the auction has been posted on the TCI and ATCA lists where most of the owners of telecom museums such as John La Rue, the Japanese and Canadian pickers who often pay insane prices, along with the other high-rollers reside, she is likely to see some spirited bidding for this auction.

If for some reason the bidders do not reach the reserve, she should wait until the economic climate improves.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: DavePEI on January 27, 2013, 09:26:06 PM
Quote from: G-Man on January 27, 2013, 09:12:49 PM
If for some reason the bidders do not reach the reserve, she should wait until the economic climate improves.
I can't agree with this more. It is worth the money. I won't be bidding, but I wish I were in a financial situation where I could. But "Go for it, Girl!"

I will hope and pray you get what you are hoping for, and then some! It is a well done listing. Your Dad would be proud of you!

Dave
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Just4Phones on January 27, 2013, 09:39:30 PM
Hi Mo,

IMHO I think your father would be very pleased that you will be selling the item to a person that will love it as much as he did.  As this will go for serious money, you can be assured it will go to a serious collector and that would make your father happy.  I think it would have done him a disservice if you when you discovered all his "treasures" you called the junk man and had it all hauled to the dump.  Speaking from experience, I just lost my mom to cancer and her life's work was to volunteer her time in a local thrift shop that helped mentally disabled people.  For me it was so difficult to part with her stuff and so what I did was donate much of her stuff to that thrift shop so that they could sell it.  I am quite sure my mom would have been very pleased with that.  Sorry for the run on but you are not doing anything wrong.  Rest assured your father is very pleased and proud.  Godspeed.

Joel
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 27, 2013, 09:51:06 PM
How sweet. Hugs!
Thanks for all the confidence guys!
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Gilas on January 27, 2013, 10:41:52 PM
Can't wait to see where this one ends.  Best of luck on it!!!!
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Sargeguy on January 27, 2013, 11:29:13 PM
Another thing to consider is that your auction ends during the first quarter of the Super Bowl, when most of America is preoccupied with watching football.  This has less impact on your item than it would a lower priced phone, especially in this age of smartphones and sniping apps.  But it can't help
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 27, 2013, 11:37:04 PM
Quote from: Sargeguy on January 27, 2013, 11:29:13 PM
Another thing to consider is that your auction ends during the first quarter of the Super Bowl, when most of America is preoccupied with watching football.  This has less impact on your item than it would a lower priced phone, especially in this age of smartphones and sniping apps.  But it can't help

Holy Carp! (stolen from Brinybay)
I didn't even think about that! I will try and change that now!
THANK YOU SARGE!
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Sargeguy on January 27, 2013, 11:39:17 PM
Friday after payday around 9:30 EST is best
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 27, 2013, 11:46:41 PM
My husband wants me to keep it to Sunday. I will add that it is ending during Super bowl in my ad.
The timing just doesn't work. Oh well, thanks for trying to help me!  :o
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: AE_Collector on January 27, 2013, 11:52:26 PM
I always heard that Sundays were the best day to have auctions on ebaY end.  Good luck Maureen! I will  set up Auction Contest 83 right now.

Terry
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 27, 2013, 11:55:21 PM
Quote from: AE_Collector on January 27, 2013, 11:52:26 PM
I always heard that Sundays were the best day to have auctions on ebaY end.  Good luck Maureen! I will  set up Auction Contest 83 right now.

Terry

Yay! That will me more fun to watch than the actual Auction!
I will be right over to add my guess!
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: RotarDad on January 28, 2013, 12:58:18 AM
Hi Maureen - I was taking a look at your Picturephone auction (I never heard of such an item until you asked about yours), and I noticed that you placed your item in the following Ebay category:

Collectibles>Advertising>Communication & Utilities>Telephone

I believe that most phone collectors tend to monitor the below category (there are 3 date sections, but '40-'69 is right for your item).

Collectibles>Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone>Telephones>1940-69

I believe Ebay will allow you to include your item in more than one category at the same time if you want.  Just a thought to ensure you have good exposure for your very unique item.  Hope this helps!
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 28, 2013, 07:48:00 AM
Quote from: RotarDad on January 28, 2013, 12:58:18 AM
Collectibles>Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone>Telephones>1940-69
I believe Ebay will allow you to include your item in more than one category at the same time if you want.  Just a thought to ensure you have good exposure for your very unique item.  Hope this helps!

Thank You Rotar Dad! I just changed it. This is my first ebay Auction, I wasn't sure I was doing it right. Thanks for the info!!! much appreciated.

Thank you David
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: DavePEI on January 28, 2013, 08:31:18 AM
After seeing a number of TCI posts discouraging people from considering spending large amounts of money on Maureen's phone, I posted the following in the hopes it will encourage people to take the gamble:

ST-3183Bs were common TV monitor CRTs.

There are rebuilders still in business, including:

http://www.wmicronics.com/pictubesol.htm ( dead link 03-27-21 )

http://www.videodisplay.com/

http://www.thomaselectronics.com/services/crt_refurbishment.php

And I am told still several in Europe.

Also:
http://www.sphere.bc.ca/test/crts.html
still stock a number of tubes - they might be able to cross
reference the tube.

Maureen, a while back, you mentioned you had a CRT there in your father's stuff. Does it appear to be the same size and shape as the one in the Picturephone? Even if not the same number, it could be a cross referenced tube, and could turn out to be an equivalent.

If so, what was the number on it, so I can see if I can find a cross reference to the Sylvania tube. Hopefully, that would help.

Dave
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: kleenax on January 28, 2013, 10:41:14 AM
Quote from: MagicMo on January 28, 2013, 07:48:00 AM
Quote from: RotarDad on January 28, 2013, 12:58:18 AM
Collectibles>Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone>Telephones>1940-69
I believe Ebay will allow you to include your item in more than one category at the same time if you want.  Just a thought to ensure you have good exposure for your very unique item.  Hope this helps!

Thank You Rotar Dad! I just changed it. This is my first ebay Auction, I wasn't sure I was doing it right. Thanks for the info!!! much appreciated.

Thank you David

I just now saw the auction on eBay. Not to be critical, but where on earth did the $5000 starting bid come from?  If you really want to sell it, put a (reasonable) reserve on it and start the bid at something more realistic. The "buyer-beware" is just WAY to high with that much for a starting bid in my opinion, and I would doubt that you will get anyone to bid that high for it.

Been wrong before on auctions, but "kleenax" has been selling on eBay since 1997, and from what I have learned in that amount of time is that your odds are VERY low for selling it in this manner. People like to haggle a bit, and not be corralled into a "firm" price.

*Low starting bid (reserve if you must) - 5 day auction ending on a weekend = SUCCESSFUL SALE!*
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 28, 2013, 07:25:58 PM
Hi Kleenax,
I appreciate your thoughts, I know you are trying to guide me in the right direction but I believe I will have no problem selling this over the $5000 starting bid. If no one bids I keep it, win-win for me. "They" can haggle all they want above the $5000. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe your right but I have confidence it will exceed your/my expectations. Besides, I have  special powers that I have "called" upon to work their magic. Excuse me, I must now go change into my Wonder Woman costume-in my Picturephone booth nonetheless! I will make sure I have it in self view mode! LOL. So Kleenax, any chance you'll change your mind about that $0 bid guess? I have a feeling if you change your guess within a few hours someone will bid. Just saying.  ;D
~Maureen
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: DavePEI on January 28, 2013, 07:42:29 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on January 28, 2013, 07:25:58 PM
Excuse me, I must now go change into my Wonder Woman costume-in my Picturephone booth nonetheless! I will make sure I have it in self view mode!
~Maureen
Ahh, can't we watch!  ;) Sorry, would super-impose a copy of this photo on the face of a Picturephone if I was better in Photoshop!

Dave
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: kleenax on January 28, 2013, 08:33:40 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on January 28, 2013, 07:25:58 PM
Hi Kleenax,
I appreciate your thoughts, I know you are trying to guide me in the right direction but I believe I will have no problem selling this over the $5000 starting bid. If no one bids I keep it, win-win for me. "They" can haggle all they want above the $5000. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe your right but I have confidence it will exceed your/my expectations. Besides, I have  special powers that I have "called" upon to work their magic. Excuse me, I must now go change into my Wonder Woman costume-in my Picturephone booth nonetheless! I will make sure I have it in self view mode! LOL. So Kleenax, any chance you'll change your mind about that $0 bid guess? I have a feeling if you change your guess within a few hours someone will bid. Just saying.  ;D
~Maureen

Hehe, oh goodness; that sounds mysteriously like a "shill-bid" Maureen  ::)   Highly frowned upon by eBay........
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 28, 2013, 10:37:13 PM
Kleenax,
Shill bid? I had to google that because I had no idea what that meant. Heck no, all joking aside, I meant in a spiritual sense (my Dad, the big guy upstairs, etc.). I believe in the notion of Good things happen to good people.
Now that we got that out of the way, I'm still interested in your new guess. Hypothetically speaking, if for some reason someone bid on it over the $5000 starting bid, what do you think it would go for? C'mon, humor me. Pretty please?
~Maureen   
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 28, 2013, 11:01:28 PM
Official bid change.  ;)
Have at it!!
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: G-Man on January 28, 2013, 11:25:50 PM
Hmm... Looks like some serious bidding has started.

Seems to be ATCA and TCI members spearheading it.
So much for the nit-pickers and for all of the naysayers predictions.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 28, 2013, 11:35:30 PM
Quote from: G-Man on January 28, 2013, 11:25:50 PM
Hmm... Looks like some serious bidding has started.

Seems to be ATCA and TCI members spearheading it.
So much for the nit-pickers and for all of the naysayers predictions.

I should have listened to the people who said I should have set a low starting bid from the beginning. All's well that ends well. This is exciting now!!!   
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Greg G. on January 28, 2013, 11:39:37 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on January 28, 2013, 11:35:30 PM
Quote from: G-Man on January 28, 2013, 11:25:50 PM
Hmm... Looks like some serious bidding has started.

Seems to be ATCA and TCI members spearheading it.
So much for the nit-pickers and for all of the naysayers predictions.

I should have listened to the people who said I should have set a low starting bid from the beginning. All's well that ends well. This is exciting now!!!  

That must be what they liked, the excitement.  I think you did right.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: G-Man on January 28, 2013, 11:50:31 PM
The bids so far are only place-holder bids and as per the chatter from other lists regarding this auction, a serious collector is not going to be deterred by a $5000.00 starting bid.

The lower bids are most likely from those who gambled that they might be able to win it by default if the auction was not well publicized. Fortunately a TCI member publicized it on the centraloffice, ATCA and a couple of other list where most of the high-rollers reside. 

The really serious bidding has yet to begin!
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Sargeguy on January 29, 2013, 12:36:23 AM
Nice, I'm glad you changed the starting bid.  Now collectors who thought $5000 was too much are looking at the bids and saying to themselves, "if those guys are willing to pay that much, maybe it's worth that much. and I should bid too...".  Of course if there are some whales waiting in the wings to drop serious bids at the end, the size of those bids will be influenced by the number of bidders and and how high the price has been jacked up by the bidders who aren't going to win.  Having multiple bidders creates volatility and uncertainty as to the outcome.  The best way to overcome this uncertainty is to bid even higher at the end.  Another way is to "stake their claim" by placing a high stakeholder bid to scare away competition.  Either way, the price jumps up when you have a lot of bidders. 
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: DavePEI on January 29, 2013, 01:40:27 AM
Nice to see it moving. Just shows though that the $5000 wasn't an unrealistic amount to ask. And it still has the better part of 6 days to go yet. Its time to win a lottery!

Dave
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: kleenax on January 29, 2013, 09:08:28 AM
Quote from: MagicMo on January 28, 2013, 10:37:13 PM
Kleenax,
Shill bid? I had to google that because I had no idea what that meant. Heck no, all joking aside, I meant in a spiritual sense (my Dad, the big guy upstairs, etc.). I believe in the notion of Good things happen to good people.
Now that we got that out of the way, I'm still interested in your new guess. Hypothetically speaking, if for some reason someone bid on it over the $5000 starting bid, what do you think it would go for? C'mon, humor me. Pretty please?
~Maureen   

If this were a paid appraisal, where I would really have my "feet to the fire", I'd have said about $3,600, but since you asked for a fantasy guess from me, I would say $5969.00

I sincerely do hope that I am wrong and that you get $25,000 for it, but only time will tell. Let's all watch and see. Naysayers, nit-pickers, and even those starry-eyed whimsical lurkers that like to add 000's to every guess will just have to wait and see  ::)

Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Greg G. on January 29, 2013, 05:32:11 PM
From Maureen's description on ebay:

QuoteIt also has engineer names of those who (I'm assuming) worked on it and those who drew the schematics. Some of the names documented in my paperwork: T.V Crater, T. French, B.A Wright, E.L. Tobolski, J.H Gentry, R.W Strauss.

I wonder if any of these guys are still around?
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 29, 2013, 06:38:33 PM
Quote from: Brinybay on January 29, 2013, 05:32:11 PM
From Maureen's description on ebay:

QuoteIt also has engineer names of those who (I'm assuming) worked on it and those who drew the schematics. Some of the names documented in my paperwork: T.V Crater, T. French, B.A Wright, E.L. Tobolski, J.H Gentry, R.W Strauss.

I wonder if any of these guys are still around?

Hey Briny,
I was thinking the same thing. I will be googling tonight. There are few other engineer names I will ad to the description tonight. It's just a lot of paperwork to go through.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: kleenax on January 29, 2013, 07:08:01 PM
Interesting.......The bid is at $4999.99

Either Mr. Friedman knew that the reserve was $5,000 (or higher), or he is REALLY lucky at guessing when he bids! ;D

Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 29, 2013, 07:18:49 PM
Quote from: kleenax on January 29, 2013, 07:08:01 PM
Interesting.......The bid is at $4999.99

Either Mr. Friedman knew that the reserve was $5,000 (or higher), or he is REALLY lucky at guessing when he bids! ;D



Not anymore. Reserve met
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Doug Rose on January 29, 2013, 07:36:39 PM
Mo.......  You done good! Congrats ...Doug
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: G-Man on January 29, 2013, 09:48:03 PM
Congratulations!

It looks as if Dean from the TCI/ATCA group broke over the $5K barrier.

Again, so much for the naysayers!
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 29, 2013, 11:17:29 PM
So, I found this googling the engineers that had part in my Picturephone:
T.V Crater was one of them

http://www3.alcatel-lucent.com/bstj/vol50-1971/articles/bstj50-2-235.pdf
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Greg G. on January 29, 2013, 11:20:35 PM
Wow, I was reading the description more and when I got to the part about the cost of a Picture Phone call, I ran the numbers through an inflation calculator.  A three-minute Picturephone call from Washington to New York City cost $16.  A $16.00 call in 1964 is the equivalent of $118.50 today! The most expensive connection, between New York City and Chicago, cost $27 for three minutes. That's $199.97 today.  Please deposit your coins.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 29, 2013, 11:27:07 PM
Quote from: Brinybay on January 29, 2013, 11:20:35 PM
Wow, I was reading the description more and when I got to the part about the cost of a Picture Phone call, I ran the numbers through an inflation calculator.  A three-minute Picturephone call from Washington to New York City cost $16.  A $16.00 call in 1964 is the equivalent of $118.50 today! The most expensive connection, between New York City and Chicago, cost $27 for three minutes. That's $199.97 today.  Please deposit your coins.

See, it would have never worked out in the end anyway! Who would walk around with that many quarters.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: DavePEI on January 29, 2013, 11:30:01 PM
Whoooa! Now $7,203.99 !!!

Smile, Maureen! The heavy hitters have arrived!

Dave
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 29, 2013, 11:42:32 PM
Oh my....speechless.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Greg G. on January 29, 2013, 11:44:50 PM
$8,110.17 as of 8:45 pm Pacific Time.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: DavePEI on January 29, 2013, 11:48:53 PM
Quote from: Brinybay on January 29, 2013, 11:44:50 PM
$8,110.17 as of 8:45 pm Pacific Time.
$9,396.54 now! The battle is on!

Dave
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 29, 2013, 11:51:11 PM
I take much more of this, I am glued to my computer. I gotta sleep!
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: twocvbloke on January 30, 2013, 12:09:27 AM
Quote from: MagicMo on January 29, 2013, 11:27:07 PMSee, it would have never worked out in the end anyway!

'cept in an odd way, it did, only it was electronic means like videophones of the 80s & 90's and today's skype that managed to keep the idea alive... :D
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: G-Man on January 30, 2013, 12:22:09 AM
HOUSTON, WE HAVE LIFT-OFF!!

Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Greg G. on January 30, 2013, 12:23:38 AM
Quote from: MagicMo on January 29, 2013, 11:51:11 PM
I take much more of this, I am glued to my computer. I gotta sleep!

Yeah, me too, Anita is getting miffed at me!
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: AE_Collector on January 30, 2013, 01:29:23 AM
Quote from: kleenax on January 29, 2013, 07:08:01 PM
Interesting.......The bid is at $4999.99

I can never figure that out. Who bids $xxx.99? Sellers would use .99 in their price, bidders should bid .01. I always bid .01 or .05 and have won items by a penny several times now. Bidding .99 just multiplies your liklihood of losing by 1 cent. (IMHO!)

Terry
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: AE_Collector on January 30, 2013, 01:31:33 AM
Quote from: MagicMo on January 29, 2013, 11:27:07 PM
See, it would have never worked out in the end anyway! Who would walk around with that many quarters.

Al Gore screwed everything up when he invented the Internet.....

Terry
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Greg G. on January 30, 2013, 10:56:15 AM
Quote from: AE_Collector on January 30, 2013, 01:29:23 AM
Quote from: kleenax on January 29, 2013, 07:08:01 PM
Interesting.......The bid is at $4999.99

I can never figure that out. Who bids $xxx.99? Sellers would use .99 in their price, bidders should bid .01. I always bid .01 or .05 and have won items by a penny several times now. Bidding .99 just multiplies your liklihood of losing by 1 cent. (IMHO!)

Terry

I often bid an odd amount to round out the total price including shipping.  Example - if something costs $8.42 to ship, and I'm willing to pay $80 total, I'll bid $71.58.  I doubt that was a factor in the $4999.99 bid, they probably just did it for kicks and giggles.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Greg G. on January 30, 2013, 11:00:41 AM
I'll bet everybody will be having their own "countdown" party in a few days.  I'll most likely be working, but I'll have my smart phone with me and will be checking it as the time runs out.  Ends at 4:50:34 pm my time (PST).
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Sargeguy on January 30, 2013, 04:30:45 PM
As a Patriots fan, I will probably be home watching "Downton Abbey" when the auction ends.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Doug Rose on January 30, 2013, 05:55:48 PM
Quote from: Sargeguy on January 30, 2013, 04:30:45 PM
As a Patriots fan, I will probably be home watching "Downton Abbey" when the auction ends.
As a Patriots fan, I will be watching the Super Bowl. Pats had another really good year, lost to a better team. Tough injuries to a couple of key players. I'd rather be in Boston where we have had Champions in every major sport in the last eight years, with BC doing it again and again in hockey to boot. Nothing to hang out heads about. We will be back next year.

That being said....good luck Mo, I'm glad you went the eBay way. If it ends right here, which I doubt it will, you should be thrilled. Dad is smiling on his grandchidren...Doug
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 30, 2013, 11:44:21 PM
Thanks Doug,
I'm glad I listened to you. Maybe the person who ends up winning the auction will let me have visitation.
PS. What is the watcher number mean on Ebay? They are watching it? I don't understand.

Briny,
I have a feeling it's gonna be a crazy day and we will both be saying "HOLY CARP". I feel so anxious, I think I have aged 10 years in the last few days. Whatever happens was meant to be.
Thanks, Mo



Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: twocvbloke on January 30, 2013, 11:53:09 PM
Quote from: Sargeguy on January 30, 2013, 04:30:45 PMI will probably be home watching "Downton Abbey" when the auction ends.

Nothing else on to watch I guess? :D
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Doug Rose on January 31, 2013, 05:15:23 AM
Watchers are a potential bidder who put it on their watch list. As of 5:12AM you had 108 watchers. This is a very high number. If I have 20 watchers on an item I am selling, I know I'll do well. A lot of watchers are like me, knowing I cannot buy it but not wanting to loose the auction when it ends. This is so cool!! Off to work.....Doug
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Sargeguy on January 31, 2013, 12:17:55 PM
QuoteNothing else on to watch I guess?

My favorite American football team, the New England Patriots, lost to the Baltimore Ravens the week before last, eliminating them from the Superbowl.  I'm still bitter, since I was never very fond of the Ravens prior to this horrific turn of events.  Out of spite I am not going to watch the game: I'll let my wife watch her Downton Abbey.  It is her birthday after all.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: twocvbloke on January 31, 2013, 12:28:18 PM
I don't get competition sports myself, especially american football where they kick the ball and then stand around for ages waiting for orders as to what to do next, I just can't see the excitement in it... :D

They're even showing the superbowl over here on the BBC, it's a good job I watch very little TV these days, I can't stand a lot of the current stuff... :D
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: G-Man on January 31, 2013, 12:28:35 PM
Looks as if there a bidding war is beginning to take shape between the TCI and ATCA boys.

In the past hour bidding has risen to just shy of $10,500.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: DavePEI on January 31, 2013, 04:25:14 PM
Quote from: twocvbloke on January 31, 2013, 12:28:18 PM
I don't get competition sports myself, especially american football where they kick the ball and then stand around for ages waiting for orders as to what to do next, I just can't see the excitement in it... :D

They're even showing the superbowl over here on the BBC, it's a good job I watch very little TV these days, I can't stand a lot of the current stuff... :D
This is even better than the Superbowl! :)
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: twocvbloke on January 31, 2013, 04:41:19 PM
Quote from: DavePEI on January 31, 2013, 04:25:14 PM
This is even better than the Superbowl! :)

And Downton Abbey... :D
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Russ Kirk on January 31, 2013, 05:44:11 PM
Here is more nfo on the picturephone.

1964 - Limited commercial Picturephone service between
public locations in three cities-New
York, Chicago, and Washington, D. C.-began on June
.25. The service was inaugurated with a call from Mrs.
Lyndon B. Johnson in Washington to Bell Laboratories
scientist Dr. Elizabeth A. Wood, at the Picturephone
center in Grand Central Terminal, New York. Robert
F. Wagner, then mayor of New York

From page 29 of the attached document.

Maureen,

Did your Dad work or live in any of these locations?

Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Sargeguy on January 31, 2013, 05:52:21 PM
QuoteThey're even showing the Superbowl over here on the BBC, it's a good job I watch very little TV these days, I can't stand a lot of the current stuff... Cheesy

American football is like English football only it's exciting
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on January 31, 2013, 08:02:08 PM
Hey,
They did a "remarkable listing" story on my Auction. See the link below.
Mo

http://ebay-stories.com/category/remarkable-listing
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: DavePEI on January 31, 2013, 08:52:41 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on January 31, 2013, 08:02:08 PM
Hey,
They did a "remarkable listing" story on my Auction. See the link below.
Mo

http://ebay-stories.com/category/remarkable-listing
Wow! Well written, too! I wonder if you can put a link to it from your auction?

Dave
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Greg G. on February 01, 2013, 11:39:29 AM
Quote from: MagicMo on January 31, 2013, 08:02:08 PM
Hey,
They did a "remarkable listing" story on my Auction. See the link below.
Mo

http://ebay-stories.com/category/remarkable-listing

Nice article!  Didn't someone mention there would be a write-up in Singing Wires too?
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: erik666 on February 01, 2013, 11:46:57 AM
very cool i wasnt aware of this thread can a mod delete my auction post please? and good luck on the auction
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Greg G. on February 01, 2013, 11:51:02 AM
I wonder what happened to the other Picture Phones mentioned in a response to the ebay article.

QuoteResponses to Imitate "The Jetsons" with a retro video phone
Bill says:
January 31, 2013 at 4:52 am
Hi
I am a former Chicagoian and when I was a teenager I talked on this phone at the Prudential Building a number of times. I also talked on the ones at the Museum of Science and Industry. If my memory serves the other end was at Disneyland,at Tomorrow Land, in California.
Thanks for the short walk down memory lane
Bill P
Southsider for life
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Sargeguy on February 01, 2013, 10:02:28 PM
This is on pace to beat the Williams Bell subset from a couple years ago that the guy pulled out of the scrap pile and sold for $22 grand.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Greg G. on February 01, 2013, 11:23:16 PM
Quote from: Sargeguy on February 01, 2013, 10:02:28 PM
This is on pace to beat the Williams Bell subset from a couple years ago that the guy pulled out of the scrap pile and sold for $22 grand.

Closer than you think, it was $18k: http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=4642.0 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=4642.0)
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Greg G. on February 02, 2013, 10:10:02 PM
Mo - Have you given any thought as to how you're going to pack it for shipping?  Those crates look like they're meant for storage and short, gentle transport, but I would be nervous about trusting them in the hands of various shipping/handling gorillas, especially if they're going to sent long distance, and especially the viewing screen. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2ZeIoLz8FE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2ZeIoLz8FE)
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on February 02, 2013, 10:22:34 PM
Briny,
I will definitely call upon the expertise of the buyer and everyone here. I cringe at the thought.
Mo
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: QuietStove on February 03, 2013, 01:41:03 PM
my .02

If it closes significantly high get an attorney involved so the onus of payment, payment settlement, insurance, and delivery can be clearly communicated and associated costs can be agreed upon.    Any tax considerations?  does payment go to you, you and your husband, directly to grandchildren, or to the estate?

For physical packing I would have shipping crates built specifically for the individual pieces.  For transport I would recommend a specialty handling service and not a typical carrier services.   In person pick up would be the safest for both parties once payment settlement is completed.

Good chance the buyer will already be well-rehearsed with the above.   Go slow and take your time.

Perhaps someone who is knowledgeable on this subject can chime in.

Craig
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: kleenax on February 03, 2013, 02:27:08 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on February 02, 2013, 10:22:34 PM
Briny,
I will definitely call upon the expertise of the buyer and everyone here. I cringe at the thought.
Mo
Hey Mo; Everyone's avatar photo is coming up except your's.
Did that "cease-and-desist" order from that movie-star who's photo you were using finally kick in? 8)
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on February 03, 2013, 02:34:54 PM
I tried to change my profile pic back to the Picturephone and it wouldn't let me. I will try again later. Thanks for the movie star comment, the check's in the mail.  ;D
Mo
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: QuietStove on February 03, 2013, 07:51:46 PM
Woah! 

$21,433.67

MagicMo, Congrats to you!   
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: baldopeacock on February 03, 2013, 07:53:07 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on February 03, 2013, 02:34:54 PM
I tried to change my profile pic back to the Picturephone and it wouldn't let me. I will try again later. Thanks for the movie star comment, the check's in the mail.  ;D
Mo

$21K later, that check will be easier to write.   :)   Congratulations!   I was watching it in the last minute.    That $5K jump made my wife say "Oh, wow!".

Your dad's happy, Maureen.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Phonesrfun on February 03, 2013, 07:57:53 PM
Congratlations, Maureen.  Well Done!
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on February 03, 2013, 08:16:44 PM
Awesome, simply awesome!
Hugs!
Mo
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: LarryInMichigan on February 03, 2013, 08:19:26 PM
Amazing!  I would expect that the winning bidder will have specific instructions about packing and shipping.  I would expect him to want to make the arrangements himself.  I certainly would if I were the buyer.  I would want to pick it up in person.

Larry
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: G-Man on February 03, 2013, 08:27:36 PM
John has some telecom properties in the area and though I haven't spoken about it with him as yet, it most likely would not be out of the question for both him and Wayne to fly out and pick it up in person.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: AE_Collector on February 03, 2013, 08:43:16 PM
If that happens, you may want to open "your museum" up for him to look around at some more potential finds for his museum.

Terry
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: G-Man on February 03, 2013, 08:52:16 PM
Quote from: AE_Collector on February 03, 2013, 08:43:16 PM
If that happens, you may want to open "your museum" up for him to look around at some more potential finds for his museum.

Terry

I'm not sure to whom your comments are directed to but if it is me, please be advised that I have already donated several desirable items including rare early 500-sets to his museum. And I've been in recent discussions regarding some additional items that he desires.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: G-Man on February 03, 2013, 09:11:24 PM
Hmm... It looks as if Maureen's auction went a great deal more smoothly than the NFL's big event:

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Power went out at the Superdome early in the third quarter of the Super Bowl on Sunday with the Baltimore Ravens leading the San Francisco 49ers 28-6.

The majority of the lights failed shortly after Jacoby Jones returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown. There was 13:22 left in the quarter.

After a few minutes, the public address announcer said the Superdome was experiencing an interruption of electrical service and encouraged fans to stay in their seats.

Some fans did the wave to pass the time. Players milled around on the sidelines, some took a seat on the bench, other on the field. A few of the Ravens threw footballs around.

Officials gathered on the field and appeared to be talking to stadium personnel.
         
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: AE_Collector on February 03, 2013, 09:14:07 PM
Quote from: G-Man on February 03, 2013, 08:52:16 PM
I'm not sure to whom your comments are directed to but if it is me, please be advised that I have already donated several desirable items including rare early 500-sets to his museum. And I've been in recent discussions regarding some additional items that he desires.

No I meant "if that happens" IE John and Wayne fly out to pick it up, Maureen should "open her museum" IE her dads house, to see if they want to buy some other items.

Terry
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: G-Man on February 03, 2013, 09:19:49 PM
Quote from: AE_Collector on February 03, 2013, 09:14:07 PM
Quote from: G-Man on February 03, 2013, 08:52:16 PM
I'm not sure to whom your comments are directed to but if it is me, please be advised that I have already donated several desirable items including rare early 500-sets to his museum. And I've been in recent discussions regarding some additional items that he desires.

No I meant "if that happens" IE John and Wayne fly out to pick it up, Maureen should "open her museum" IE her dads house, to see if they want to buy some other items.

Terry

Terry-

GREAT IDEA!
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: QuietStove on February 03, 2013, 10:33:09 PM
Quote from: G-Man on February 03, 2013, 09:19:49 PM
Quote from: AE_Collector on February 03, 2013, 09:14:07 PM
Quote from: G-Man on February 03, 2013, 08:52:16 PM
I'm not sure to whom your comments are directed to but if it is me, please be advised that I have already donated several desirable items including rare early 500-sets to his museum. And I've been in recent discussions regarding some additional items that he desires.

No I meant "if that happens" IE John and Wayne fly out to pick it up, Maureen should "open her museum" IE her dads house, to see if they want to buy some other items.

Terry

Terry-

GREAT IDEA!

A bad idea for the seller.  Good thing she didn't sell the Mod1 for 5K.  :)

Craig 
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: AE_Collector on February 03, 2013, 10:55:41 PM
At this point in time Maureen is going to want to sell 500's for $1800, 302's for $3000, Car phones for $10,000, phone jacks for $250 etc. If she feels that someone is low balling the price she can consult before selling anything. John would still have the opportunity to see what else is there that might be of interest to him.

Maureen has hundreds or maybe thousands of low dollar items that would take a lifetime to list and sell each on ebay and frankly, almost every other ebay auction she lists now is going to be a dissapointment after the Picturephone.

Terry
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Phonesrfun on February 03, 2013, 11:05:39 PM
There has only been one comment in the TCI listserve.  probably a function of having a certain football game going on.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: DavePEI on February 03, 2013, 11:08:09 PM
Hi All:

This has to have been one of the highlights of my time on the forum. Not only seeing Mo's Picture-phone go to an excellent new home, but also to see Mo's good fortune. And to see how we all pulled together in support of her!

Now this is over, it is going to be hard to find anything more interesting to talk about. It seems to be the crowning achievement of the list!

The fact that the Picture phone will be fixed up and proudly displayed in the JKL museum, where they have the expertise and yes, even parts for its maintenance is wonderful!

Bless you, Mo, and I am certain your father would have been very happy and proud of you tonight! You have honoured him, and his collection beyond any reasonable expectation!

If you were my daughter, I would be so proud of you. Heck, I am anyway, and proud to say we have all followed your quest from the beginning post :)

Bless you!

Dave
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Phonesrfun on February 03, 2013, 11:19:19 PM
Dave:

I most certainly echo all of what you just said.

-Bill Geurts
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: AE_Collector on February 03, 2013, 11:25:57 PM
I am certain that it many similar situations a house full of "junk" like this would have been loaded into a dumpster so that the house could be put up for sale. We have all heard stories similar to that. It is certainly a good thing that Maureen did some investigating and found "us" to advise her.

While Maureen was posting loads of pictures, Brinybay saw one and asked:

Quote from: Brinybay on November 18, 2012, 12:22:02 PM
What is this thing?

Terry
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Phonesrfun on February 03, 2013, 11:31:58 PM
I remember that picture.  I think I gasped and said I thought it was an original Picturephone.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: AE_Collector on February 03, 2013, 11:35:37 PM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on February 03, 2013, 11:31:58 PM
I remember that picture.  I think I gasped and said I thought it was an original Picturephone.

Yes you did, see the next post. And you "Called it" correctly as well....

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=7975.0

Quote from: Phonesrfun on November 18, 2012, 12:30:18 PM
Could it be???

Looks like the top of a Picturephone!

The photos look a bit "stretched".  A picturephone would be quite a catch, if that's what it is.

Terry
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Phonesrfun on February 03, 2013, 11:44:55 PM
It has been fun. 

I remember now that the original photo was somehow distorted on my iPad.  Even distorted, I was sure it was a Picturephone.  Sometimes pictures posted in this forum look weird on my iPad.  Since I have gotten this thing, I rarely use my actual computer unless I need to type a long reply or include an attachment.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: AE_Collector on February 03, 2013, 11:53:26 PM
Of course the picturephone pictures were all in the original topic about Maureens Fathers 40 years with Bell. I split it at that point where Briny said "What's this?" I think I should now merge the "on ebaY starting tonight" topic back into the "Mod 1 Picturephone" topic.

I use the Ipad a lot as well but as I am right now, I revert to the laptop on occasion as well.

Terry
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on February 03, 2013, 11:54:33 PM
Ya, how do I top that one? I don't!
This has been a great ending to a wonderful day. Thank you all for helping me through the "BIG" Auction. It just goes to show you that you never know whats hidden in the attic. I remember contacting someone before I found your forum who in an email told me that my Picturephone was worthless. Could you imagine if I listened to him? I don't think he knew it was a Mod 1, neither did I at that point. While it doesn't get much better than this I still have a long road ahead of me with all the other stuff and I will certainly run it by you guys first.
AND, I don't think there is anything wrong with starting my own "little" phone collection.
Sorry Boys, your stuck with me!  ;)
Mo
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: unbeldi on February 03, 2013, 11:58:46 PM
.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: Phonesrfun on February 04, 2013, 12:05:59 AM
Mo, we all look forward to being "stuck" with you.
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: AE_Collector on February 04, 2013, 12:07:58 AM
11 Digit Strowgers are worth something so it stands to reason that an 11 button Picturephones should at least be worth more than a 12 button even if not what a 10 button is worth! Why the 16 Button Autovons are worth so much is beyond me though!

Terry
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on February 04, 2013, 12:15:27 AM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on February 04, 2013, 12:05:59 AM
Mo, we all look forward to being "stuck" with you.

Awww, thank you. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much today. Gotta give them a rest.
Thanks Again everyone!
Goodnight,
Mo
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on February 04, 2013, 12:32:26 AM
Quote from: AE_Collector on February 03, 2013, 08:43:16 PM
If that happens, you may want to open "your museum" up for him to look around at some more potential finds for his museum.

Terry

I was thinking the same thing. Considering I have a lot of the testing equipment needed for the Picturephone. I have that oscillator thingy and a couple other thingy's that are written in the documentation. Will they need that stuff?
Mo
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on February 04, 2013, 12:35:37 AM
Quote from: Russ Kirk on January 31, 2013, 05:44:11 PM
From page 29 of the attached document.
Maureen,
Did your Dad work or live in any of these locations?

Yes, Chicago
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: DavePEI on February 04, 2013, 12:56:52 AM
Quote from: MagicMo on February 04, 2013, 12:32:26 AM
Quote from: AE_Collector on February 03, 2013, 08:43:16 PM
If that happens, you may want to open "your museum" up for him to look around at some more potential finds for his museum.

Terry

I was thinking the same thing. Considering I have a lot of the testing equipment needed for the Picturephone. I have that oscillator thingy and a couple other thingy's that are written in the documentation. Will they need that stuff?
Mo
Hi Maureen:

Only John can answer that. Most of the equipment needed would be fairly standard TV test equipment, but John might be interested.

Dave
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: paul-f on February 04, 2013, 12:59:32 AM
Even if they don't "need" it, it would be good to keep it together, if possible.

Your father had the knowledge to preserve groupings of related items that are rarely found together.  Collectors today have to work hard to even realize the existence of some of the items, let alone find them.  The Bellboys and mobile phones are probably in that category as well.  Who knows what other interesting projects are yet to be discovered.  It will be an interesting process.

And, looking at the rest of your collection, hopefully you can infect some of your friends and family and convert them to phone collectors as well.

The more the merrier!
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: DavePEI on February 04, 2013, 08:49:56 AM
Hi All:

You know, I was thinking this morning. I wish we all could have had the opportunity to know Maureen's father. He sounds like he was a wonderful man, and he certainly brought his daughter up well. Oh, the things he could have taught us all if he had been a member of the forum.

It is too bad that somehow he couldn't be made an honorary member of the forum - his gift to Maureen has fascinated so many of us. Even though we can never really know him, he has touched our lives through Maureen's collection.

I don''t know if it may be too painful to talk about, Maureen, but we would love to learn more about him, stories, little recollections, anything at all which would help us come a little closer to knowing him. I know you miss him, and that love will never go away.

So, if you ever do feel like sharing stories of him, please do. I am sure there is a very special place where old telephone men go, and that yesterday's happenings would have made him very happy and proud of you!

Dave
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: MagicMo on February 04, 2013, 07:35:46 PM
Thanks Dave!
Karol B. Born in 1933.
He passed away on Sunday, July 22, 2012 after a difficult battle with lung cancer (never smoked). He was a proud Navy Vet aboard the USS Coral Sea (Korean War). Member of the Pioneers, Holy Name Society and Polish American Society. Proud retiree from IL Bell/AT&T after 40 years. Avid telephone collector.
He was an old timer who believed in hard work, treating people right and going to church every week made you successful. Calling in sick was for babies, he never missed a day.
He always wore a baseball cap.
He never threw anything away, something always had a use. "See that piece of wood there? All it needs is four legs and a back and that could be a good chair!" He loved to tinker with things like radios, phones and clocks. He could fix anyone's car and he drove every 'lil old lady in the neighborhood to the grocery.
Before working at IL Bell he started his own business briefly fixing TV's but was unable to get it off the ground because he wouldn't charge anyone, he felt sorry for them. Thank God for IL Bell.
His body gave out before his mind did. He died in our home, I kidnapped him away from his home when I found out he wasn't eating and driving himself to kemo, he was too proud to ask for help. That was the kind of guy he was. The old saying "they don't make 'em like they used to" applies to him.
Thanks for listening.
Maureen
Title: Re: Picturephone Mod 1 Auction begins tonight..
Post by: DavePEI on February 04, 2013, 07:51:21 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on February 04, 2013, 07:35:46 PM
His body gave out before his mind did. He died in our home, I kidnapped him away from his home when I found out he wasn't eating and driving himself to kemo, he was too proud to ask for help. That was the kind of guy he was. The old saying "they don't make 'em like they used to" applies to him.
Thanks for listening.
Maureen

Hi Maureen:

He sounds like the most wonderful man. I almost deleted my message in case it might be too hard for you to write about him, but then thought it might even help you and in a way would memorialize him.

It sounds like a good old fashioned upbringing, and I can just imagine the conversations in the kitchen shown in your photos.

It will be hard, but you will always have your memories.

I know what it is like losing your parents - in the past 4 years, I lost both my mother and father, and there are times where it is still hard. In 2004, both moved into a local nursing home. My mother also died of a cancer  and had a long drawn out illness before she died. It was so hard seeing her gradually fading away. Towards the end, Mom and Dad became even closer than ever to each other. Dad suffered from some dementia toward the end. As I drove Dad to Mom's funeral, he looked at me, and asked again, "Who's funeral are we going to?"

Then, two years later, we got an early morning call from the home telling us he had passed away in his sleep.

It was hard, and I still very occasionally wake up and dozily think, "I must go over to Mom and Dad's for coffee!", only to wake up the rest of the way and back to reality.

So, I do understand what you are going through, but think your father sounds like a remarkable man! Thank you for sharing a little about him with us.

Dave
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: AE_Collector on February 06, 2013, 12:07:15 AM
Has everyone caught their breath yet? Over 24 hours now without a word here!

I just merged the "Picturephone goes onto ebaY tonight" thread into the original "Picturephone" thread just to keep things together in one place. Well sort of in one place, there is an awful lot of chatter in "Auction Contest #83" about it as well but that is okay.

What a ride!

Terry
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Russ Kirk on February 06, 2013, 12:10:51 AM
Wow, as of this writing over 3000 views.  That must be some record in such a short amount of time.   Certainly a very popular thread.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on February 07, 2013, 09:52:05 PM
Hello,
What if I told you I just found another Picturephone?
Just kidding.
;)
Mo
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dave F on February 07, 2013, 10:37:47 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on February 07, 2013, 09:52:05 PM
Hello,
What if I told you I just found another Picturephone?
Just kidding.
;)
Mo
Whoa, that raised the 'ol blood pressure a notch!

DF
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Phonesrfun on February 07, 2013, 10:42:12 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on February 07, 2013, 09:52:05 PM
Hello,
What if I told you I just found another Picturephone?
Just kidding.
;)
Mo

I guess we can all dream.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dan/Panther on February 08, 2013, 02:44:32 PM
Quote from: Russ Kirk on February 06, 2013, 12:10:51 AM
Wow, as of this writing over 3000 views.  That must be some record in such a short amount of time.   Certainly a very popular thread.

Russ, not to blow my own horn, but the record so far is over 50,000.

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=2394.0

D/P
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on February 08, 2013, 09:23:41 PM
Dan,
Holy Carp! Can you tell me a little about the phone so I don't have to read through 65 pages to figure it out? I'll be on my computer for the whole weekend if I had to read through it all. Was it what you thought it was?
Please fill me in (condensed version)
Thanks!
Mo
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: HarrySmith on February 09, 2013, 03:50:45 PM
Mo, you really should read the whole thing, it is a fantastic story!!
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Sargeguy on February 09, 2013, 04:14:20 PM
Mo you should look through some more boxes and see if you have one of those as well!!!
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dan/Panther on February 09, 2013, 05:07:08 PM
Mo;
"now the story can be told", covers every detail from How I found the phone, down to detailed photos, of the complete tear down, and restoration, and help received from other members.
Basically, Dennis and myself,  noticed an unusual phone on Ebay, the pictures were very poor, and luckily, not too many noticed it. It turned out, the be a Field test set from we figure, about 1947, or 1948. I paid $220.00 for it, and Dennis was the only other bidder.
We set up a conference call when I finally finished it, and something like 35 people participated.
In my mind, It is the oldest known 500, so far still functioning. At least no one else has come forward, to dispute the fact. It has many pre-production  parts, that never made it into regular production. And several of them may be unique in themselves. Unless someone like you uncovers a stash of parts. I highly recommend you at least study the photos, to see if you may have any matching parts.
I didn't mean to sound arrogant about the thread the phone was in, just extremely excited even still about the phone.
D/P
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dennis Markham on February 09, 2013, 05:12:01 PM
Nice summation of the events of that phone Dan.  That was an exciting time and a great story.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on February 09, 2013, 05:36:53 PM
Dan,
All I can say is WOW! What a wonderful story, I'm excited for you.  What is the value of something like that?
You certainly got me interested enough to read the whole story! See you in a couple days! LOL

Sargeguy,
Weirder things have happened. It would be like winning the lotto twice!. My glass is always half full. ;)


Harry Smith,
You talked me into it. I'm gonna check it out!

Mo
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on February 09, 2013, 08:45:29 PM
Interesting tidbit. I was contacted (through ebay) by a Bell Labs engineer that was part of the Picturephone team and he knew the engineers that I listed in my EBay description. I looked up his name and he is legit. Geez, I don't know what to say. What questions should I ask him?
Thanks,
Mo
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dan/Panther on February 09, 2013, 10:44:24 PM
Have him come on the forum, we would love to talk to him, he probably has many answers, to many of our questions. A living resource at our disposal. It seems we have had a terrible time, getting actual Bell Employees to talk to us.
D/P
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on February 09, 2013, 11:31:48 PM
Quote from: Dan/Panther on February 09, 2013, 10:44:24 PM
Have him come on the forum, we would love to talk to him, he probably has many answers, to many of our questions. A living resource at our disposal. It seems we have had a terrible time, getting actual Bell Employees to talk to us.
D/P

I told him all about this forum. We'll see if he makes an appearance.
PS. I'm on page 33. :o I'm impressed!
Mo
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Phonesrfun on February 10, 2013, 12:46:21 AM
33 is just about half-way through.  That was, indeed an exciting thread.  It was great to be a part of it.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Dan/Panther on February 10, 2013, 04:40:23 PM
Bill;
Yes, and a very informative part you were.
D/P
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Doug Rose on February 23, 2013, 06:47:27 PM
From the TCI List

The picturephone the JKL Museum purchased recently on eBay arrived safely.  And it is as good as everyone thought it might be.  The sellers were very nice and did an outstanding job packing it.  We had it sent in 4 different boxes; monitor, tel set, power supply and documentation.  The docs seem very inclusive.  It is just amazing that things like this survive the years.


We gave it a small test:

Plugged the tel set and the monitor into the power supply.  Everything is very well marked.

The only thing with an on/off switch is the power supply.  So we turned it on and stepped back.

Nothing popped, no smoke...  just the hum you would expect.  The light by the switch came on.


No picture.  Pushed the 'view self' button, nothing happened.  And we didn't take the back off the monitor to see what might be going on there either.  The tel set speakerphone worked.  The transmitter is in the base of the tel set, the speaker below the screen on the monitor.

We are just now getting into the documentation.  It seems pretty inclusive so we are hopeful for a happy ending to this story.  It would make a great JKL Museum display.


Stay tuned...

Wayne Merit
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on February 23, 2013, 07:52:34 PM
OMG!!!
So cool! We packed it as if we were sending our firstborn.
Thanks for sharing, I'm glad it arrived safely. ;D
Mo
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: DavePEI on March 15, 2013, 04:55:30 PM
I don't know how many of you have seen it, but this month's TCI newsletter has an extended article on Maureen's phone by Paul Fassbender....

Dave
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: paul-f on March 15, 2013, 06:00:23 PM
It's just a short summary of info already found here for TCI members who haven't read the entire topic.  Perhals some will be motivated to follow the link.

I did photoshop some of Mo's photos.

Hopefully Wayne will submit a longer article highlighting the museum's ongoing experiments with the phone.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Weco355aman on March 31, 2013, 11:25:46 PM
I was able to have a close look at it this weekend. This was a very clean and well preserved unit. It was great to see it in person.  If any one is by Stockton , Ca its about 1 hour drive to the museum. Lots of new items added in the last year.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: AE_Collector on March 31, 2013, 11:36:52 PM
Ahh, you went on a road trip did you Weco355aman! How many hours each way?

I hope to get there fairly soon myself.

Terry
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Weco355aman on April 01, 2013, 12:18:15 AM
My wife and i was on our 10Th anniversary. We went to from long beach Ca to
Catalina island and Ensenada Mexico. On the return trip i stopped by the JKL museum to check out the new additions.  I also did some repair on the SXS.
I sold and installed the Weco SXS and SC X-Y that's in the lower floor of the museum. I've also worked on the Mobil SXS as well. Its 625 miles from Salem ,or to the Museum.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: AE_Collector on April 01, 2013, 02:16:17 AM
So you drove all the way...well, not to Catalina Island but to Los Angeles...and to Ensenada? We were in Ensenada last October getting onto a Celebrity Cruise ship heading for Hawaii. It was a long day. Flew from vancouver to San Diego. Killed hours before being bussed to Ensenada where we got on the ship about 10:30 PM. The n ext 2 weeks were Fantastic though!

I didn't know that you supplied the SxS at John's Place. I can't wait to see his Museum. Of course you are even closer to me (Vancouver BC Canada so maybe I need to stop by your place as well.

Terry
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Weco355aman on April 01, 2013, 02:06:27 PM
Just to clarify we did drive to Longbeach Ca, took on cruise to the island and Mexico, then return to Lonbeach Ca. Then drove north stopping at JKL.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: HowardPgh on April 01, 2013, 02:37:40 PM
Is the sepia tone picture an actual picture of MagMos phone?
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Greg G. on April 01, 2013, 07:06:35 PM
Quote from: HowardPgh on April 01, 2013, 02:37:40 PM
Is the sepia tone picture an actual picture of MagMos phone?

Yes:  http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=7975.msg87658#msg87658 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=7975.msg87658#msg87658)
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on April 01, 2013, 09:02:58 PM
Quote from: Weco355aman on March 31, 2013, 11:25:46 PM
I was able to have a close look at it this weekend. This was a very clean and well preserved unit. It was great to see it in person.  If any one is by Stockton , Ca its about 1 hour drive to the museum. Lots of new items added in the last year.

That is so cool! Did they get it up and running? Are they working on it? Did you see the paperwork? Sorry for the barrage of questions, I miss it. :-\
Mo
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Weco355aman on April 01, 2013, 09:37:32 PM
As of this 3-31-13  all of the electrical items is sitting on a work table. Like all
projects it is a work in progress. They had the other picturephones and parts on another table. The unit you sold to them was the best out of all of the
picturephones they had. The best part of what you had was the proper boxes
for storage this helped to perserve it. You also had the BSP for the units.
The plan is to make it operational.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on April 01, 2013, 09:41:14 PM
Thanks for the info. I have a feeling they will getting working around June of this year. My educated guess.
Fingers crossed. If they do get it working I will certainly go see it!!
Mo
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on April 28, 2013, 12:37:55 AM
This is a tube I found in the basement. Could it be????
Anyone know??
thanks
Mo
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: HarrySmith on April 28, 2013, 09:27:55 AM
If you contact Wayne he can probably get a number from all that paperwork that went with the phone.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: zaphod01 on April 28, 2013, 09:34:15 AM
radiomuseum.org shows applications "Usage in Models   1= 1964 ; 1= 1966".

Sounds date correct.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: JohnInWI on April 28, 2013, 01:17:24 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on April 28, 2013, 12:37:55 AM
This is a tube I found in the basement. Could it be????
Anyone know??
thanks
Mo

Maureen,

This is a 9" (diagonally) picture tube used in Sony portable TVs made during the mid 1960's as someone previously mentioned.  The one used in the PicturePhone is smaller.

-John
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: G-Man on April 28, 2013, 01:46:01 PM
The original CRT used in Picturephone Model 1 was a Sylvania ST-3183B.

It does not appear that the Sony 230HB4 could be used as a replacement since it has a filament voltage of 12-volts while the ST-3283B uses 6-volts.

The 230HB4 is listed as 9-inches while a ST-3283B is 4 3/8 x 5 3/4 inches.

Both appear to use different mountings and while the ST-3283B is intended for broadcasting/industrial applications, the 230HB4 was used in consumer products:

http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/sony_tv9_304uetv_9304_u.html?language_id=2
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on April 28, 2013, 01:53:56 PM
Thanks G-Man. I thought I found a replacement CRT for them. Oh well, I'll just keep searching.
Thanks
Mo
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: twocvbloke on April 28, 2013, 03:49:42 PM
I'm sure someone would find that Sony tube handy though to repair a compatible TV that has a duff tube... :)

Stick it up on the bay and see if anyone bites... :)
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: rdelius on April 28, 2013, 09:18:51 PM
Could that picture tube be a replacement for the one in the later picturephone?
The square one from about 1969
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on April 28, 2013, 09:25:49 PM
Quote from: rdelius on April 28, 2013, 09:18:51 PM
Could that picture tube be a replacement for the one in the later picturephone?
The square one from about 1969

I contacted Wayne from JLK Museum about it. He thinks it could be used for a later Picturephone.
He's checking it out.
Mo ???
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Greg G. on April 29, 2013, 12:28:12 AM
Quote from: MagicMo on February 09, 2013, 08:45:29 PM
Interesting tidbit. I was contacted (through ebay) by a Bell Labs engineer that was part of the Picturephone team and he knew the engineers that I listed in my EBay description. I looked up his name and he is legit. Geez, I don't know what to say. What questions should I ask him?
Thanks,
Mo

Have you heard back from him at all?
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on April 29, 2013, 01:41:20 AM
Quote from: Brinybay on April 29, 2013, 12:28:12 AM
Quote from: MagicMo on February 09, 2013, 08:45:29 PM
Interesting tidbit. I was contacted (through ebay) by a Bell Labs engineer that was part of the Picturephone team and he knew the engineers that I listed in my EBay description. I looked up his name and he is legit. Geez, I don't know what to say. What questions should I ask him?
Thanks,
Mo

Have you heard back from him at all?

Hi There,
I never heard back from him but I did tell him to come on this forum. I don't quite remember why I was unable to get his email. I think it was through EBay and the message didn't go through. At the time (never having sold on Ebay) I did not know all the rules. I will see if our old messages are still there and see what happens. It would be great to pick his brain!
Thanks
Mo
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: liteamorn on April 29, 2013, 06:14:27 PM
A little late to the show, what an incredible thread and an incredible phone! I remember talking on one of these as a kid at the 1964 NY Worlds Fair in the Bell Telephone exhibit. I have often wondered if any of these survived!
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: MagicMo on May 05, 2014, 10:20:16 PM
This picture was taken in 1965 at a Picturephone exhibit in Chicago.
One of those might have been the one I auctioned. I found this recently and wanted to share.

Mo
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: DavePEI on May 05, 2014, 10:26:52 PM
Quote from: MagicMo on May 05, 2014, 10:20:16 PM
This picture was taken in 1965 at a Picturephone exhibit in Chicago.
One of those might have been the one I auctioned. I found this recently and wanted to share.

Mo
Great photo, Mo!

What a find the Picturephone was. It has to be a record! I am so glad you did so well!

Dave
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: WesternElectricBen on May 05, 2014, 10:40:16 PM
Very cool image, it's also great to see you post again, Mo!

Ben
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Phonesrfun on May 05, 2014, 11:51:24 PM
Mo, Where ya been?  Good to see you back!  That Picturephone was a great auction.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: BDM on May 06, 2014, 12:31:40 AM
WOW amazing. Boy did I miss the fun while away from the forums on this one. Congrats Maureen!! Really nice story behind that phone and the pics and memories of your father.
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on May 06, 2014, 08:36:34 AM
It's amazing how you didn't just find the picturephone in someone else's attic, lying damaged in some toy box, but you found it as new as the day it was built, as one of your father's treasures, in his own attic!
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: Greg G. on May 08, 2014, 01:06:51 AM
Speaking of your Dad's attic, have you found anything else up there recently?
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: AE_Collector on May 10, 2014, 08:34:52 PM
Other than the Western Electric KS xxxxx "Attic Insulation" ("Insulation - Attic" in the GPO system!) that is!

Terry
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: twocvbloke on May 10, 2014, 09:32:14 PM
Quote from: AE_Collector on May 10, 2014, 08:34:52 PM("Insulation - Attic" in the GPO system!)

Probably more like "Insulation - Loft, No. 18", even though 1 to 17 doesn't exist...  ;D
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: david@london on February 12, 2015, 09:27:38 AM
....found this old illustration at bridgeman art.

"soon one will see the person one is speaking to, from as far away as one can hear them on the telephone."

Idea for a video-phone using neon tubes to give the picture display. Illustration of a system proposed by Herbert Eugene Ives (1883-1952), American physicist and inventor, who worked at the Bell telephone laboratories on the transmission of mechanical video images. From Le Petit Inventeur. (Paris, c1927).
Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: teka-bb on September 15, 2020, 08:24:37 PM
Quote from: Dave F on November 23, 2012, 11:32:13 PM
Remember that the Mod 1 Picturephone was always a research/demonstration effort.  These were never intended to be put into general use.  As such, they probably included the counter for engineering/reliability purposes, although we still don't know just what they were counting.

Counter mystery solved: The counter advances each time the viewing angle of the Model I Picturephone is changed. Apparently someone wanted to know if this feature would be used and if yes home much. Interestingly the Model II Picturephone doesn't have this feature.
BTW removing the glue residue between the safety glass (in front of the tube) and the actual tube dramatically improved the picture quality.

Title: Re: Bell / Western Electric - "Mod 1 Picturephone"
Post by: TelePlay on March 25, 2021, 11:34:41 AM
Discovered this video looking for something else.

It seems to be a 5 minute video "Debut of the First Picturephone (1970)" from the AT&T Archives. This is not the Model 1 phone but a glimpse of the 1964 oval Model One can be seen sitting on the floor at 2:01 into the video.

https://youtu.be/BQMnlKMFD8M