Picked this Leich up at the Chicago Coin Op Show

[ramegoom]

I believe it is a Leich phone called a "beehive". When you crank it, the bells ring (not sure if it's supposed to do that).  I know nothing about it but looked pretty cool and the $30 price tag seemed reasonable.

And it is actually in really good condition now that I cleaned it up.

Comments welcome. Is it a cool collectible or another oddball?

[RB]

It looks like a cool, collectable odd ball!
Leich phones are well made, and sound great. to me any way...
I have 3. 2 working, and one in need of a sub set.
Hook it to another phone, and try it out.

[WEBellSystemChristian]

Nice find!

Leichs typically aren't very collectible, but the Beehives definitely seem to be.The base of the phone--being relatively thin Bakelite--is prone to shattering if dropped or shipped incorrectly. Yours appears to be in great shape!

Yes, it sounds like it's working fine. The magneto is simply generating enough power to ring the bells.

[LarryInMichigan]

Some people collect those because they are so unusual looking.  You aren't likely to find one without damage for $30, so the price was quite reasonable.  The housing at the bottom most certainly is very fragile.

Larry

[AE_Collector]

Trying to remember...is the desk portion a “26” and the beehive base maybe a “70” and together they add up to a “86” or is it a “96”. Just guessing at these model numbers and I can’t recall if adding the two model numbers equals the combined model or if it is off by 10. Someone help me out....

And yes, the base is heavy and fragile. Treat it with care.

Terry

[ramegoom]

The beehive case has a hairline crack at the lower right side, bottom of the housing, and appears to have been repaired. But the crack is still visible. So, I will probably try to fill it in with something, then sand it down flush. I didn't notice it when I got it.

[RB]

small bit of work, for a cool phone!