Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => General Discussion => Topic started by: Greg G. on January 31, 2010, 05:40:04 AM

Title: What colors did bakelite come in?
Post by: Greg G. on January 31, 2010, 05:40:04 AM
Black I know, brown I know, but was it ever any other (non-painted) color?  I ask because of the description of the emerald green SC 1211 in OPW says "The Bakelite handset and shell have been lovingly buffed and cleaned to restore their original luster and sheen."

http://www.oldphoneworks.com/1211-with-dial.html (http://www.oldphoneworks.com/1211-with-dial.html)
Title: Re: What colors did bakelite come in?
Post by: Wallphone on January 31, 2010, 10:56:47 AM
AE had a lot of colors for their A1, 34, 40, and 50. Not sure about the 35.
I have also seen SC 1212 (Fatboy) in different colors.
Dougpav
Title: Re: What colors did bakelite come in?
Post by: gpo706 on January 31, 2010, 12:57:21 PM
UK colours:

black
brown (or speckled brown)
cream (GPO name - ivory)
red (GPO name - poppy red)
green (GPO name - jade)

some other very rare ones, but probably paint jobs, like silver/gold.
Title: Re: What colors did bakelite come in?
Post by: Dan/Panther on January 31, 2010, 01:03:56 PM
I think the photo may be off color. it looks green , but I think it's really black. I don't see a reference to color in the ad.
You may want to read the following article.
D/P

http://tinyurl.com/y9txgsu
Title: Re: What colors did bakelite come in?
Post by: gpo706 on January 31, 2010, 01:09:47 PM
http://telephonesuk.co.uk/phones_pre1960.htm

There's a pic of a brown one (walnut apparently) here but it looks just black in the picture.

Title: Re: What colors did bakelite come in?
Post by: Dan/Panther on January 31, 2010, 01:33:29 PM
I've personally seen Black, Brown, Maroon,  Brown/Maroon marbled, and Black / Maroon marbled.
GPO those phones look great, especially the Red One.
D/P
Title: Re: What colors did bakelite come in?
Post by: gpo706 on January 31, 2010, 01:56:03 PM
They aint mine Dan! LOL
Title: Re: What colors did bakelite come in?
Post by: Greg G. on January 31, 2010, 03:47:51 PM
Quote from: Dan/Panther on January 31, 2010, 01:03:56 PM
I think the photo may be off color. it looks green , but I think it's really black. I don't see a reference to color in the ad.
D/P

I think you're right. 
Title: Re: What colors did bakelite come in?
Post by: teka-bb on January 31, 2010, 04:42:08 PM
Bakelite can be made in almost any dark color. The lighter colors like white and ivory are made from melamine resin. Melamine resin is related to bakelite but uses different ingredients.