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GEC 1000 Green

Started by tubaman, December 17, 2021, 06:20:10 AM

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tubaman

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GEC-1000-Series-Green-Black-Bakelite-Telephone-Sold-as-Seen-Untested-/284558036940
£21 + £6 P&P - approx US$36 total.

"As Title
Please see damage shown in photos
I haven't been able to get the baseplate off to show insides
The dial is slow"

This is a far from perfect example as you can see, but at this price for a green one I couldn't resist.
It came in a dirty and unloved looking state and I think has cleaned-up in a very pleasing way.
The case has faded but its done so reasonable evenly.
It looks like its been used as a display phone in the past as the original handset cord had been cut at both ends and replaced with a dummy one. I wonder if this is why the seller was 'unable' to remove the base as I had no issues getting it off - screws a little tight but no worse than that. Luckily the grommet at the handset end was stuffed inside so I've pulled it back out to improve the appearance. At some stage I'll try and find and wire in a more correct cord. It should be a four way black cloth covered and that's not so easy to find. The dial was also partly seized but a dose of penetrating oil and gentle persuasion has got that running again.
I'm not sure if I want to try and fix the missing part on the front or just leave as is right now.




countryman

I needed to read about this type: https://www.britishtelephones.com/ericsson/1000type.htm
Interesting that it has a twin of some sort. The article also answered my question what the black venting plugs are for, as they won't do much as sounding holes?
I'd suggest to let it wear it's scar with pride, as this will not be an easy fix. When a cloth cord is in short supply you might resort to make one from a shoelace or light rope and properly coloured wires. That does not look too bad when done with a little practice. Isn't it a silly idea to cut cords and just stuff another one into the holes? I've had such phones, too.

tubaman

@countryman, the vents do work nicely as a way to pick it up, and I think your right about not trying a repair as getting a decent colour match will be next to impossible.
As for phones with fake handset cords, it's not the first I've had like it either.

FABphones

That model GEC in green is not an easy find  :) 👍

It is possible to make a repair but it isn't a cheap process (three figures for the kit needed and another three for product) and is time consuming. I agree better to leave as is.

Bit sneaky, but displaying the phone on a thick pile fabric (eg a velvet or a plush), will cushion the base and allow the phone to sink in a little, hiding the damage.

A collector of  'Monochrome Phones with Sepia Tones'   ...and a Duck!
***********
Vintage Phones - 10% man made, 90% Tribble
*************

countryman

Quote from: FABphones on December 17, 2021, 04:29:45 PM

It is possible to make a repair but it isn't a cheap process (three figures for the kit needed and another three for product)

Out of interest, what type of tooling and processing would it take for a professional repair?

FABphones

#5
Quote from: countryman on December 18, 2021, 03:17:30 AM
...what type of tooling and processing would it take for a professional repair?

As a none professional, it would be of interest for me to know more in that regard too. There are quite a few threads on CRPF re my various repairs, much of which I have learnt from and improved upon, but all worthwhile.

My tooling has grown alongside my trial and error and must now run into over a hundred 'tools for the job'. Attempted to make a count today and gave up in the higher 00's. Sounds excessive but I wouldn't want to be without any of it. Good to have 'just the thing' within easy reach, but am still searching for a few items.

Products have a shelf life and are an ongoing expenditure.

:)
A collector of  'Monochrome Phones with Sepia Tones'   ...and a Duck!
***********
Vintage Phones - 10% man made, 90% Tribble
*************

countryman

Quote from: tubaman on December 17, 2021, 10:19:02 AM
...getting a decent colour match will be next to impossible.

Yes, that is the main problem. The green might even have matched a RAL (or other colour chart) code when it was new, but now it's somewhat faded.
Car painters may have the equipment to analyse an existing surface and blend paint accordingly. You'll still have a painted spot then and no seamless repair.
For German ivory coloured Melamin resin parts I found RAL 1015 matches fairly well and is readily available.
I still like the plush mat idea ;)