Phones have evolved a lot since the 1940s and 1950s when they became more mainstream and every home began to need one.
We’ve found some of the coolest retro and vintage telephones circulating the internet.
Vintage Kellogg Redbar 1000 – this is a 1930s version of the basic cradle phone, made for home use on the mass market.
Japanese rotary phone- this Japanese version of the cradle phone was similar to western versions, but much heavier set and is a reminder of the kind of telephones that would have been used during the war era.
Speaker phone from the 1960s – At the time, the speaker phone was the height of technology. They had a strange ring which was more like a tweet that emanated from the speaker. The phone could be used as a normal phone, or by flicking a huge button the speaker function would come into operation. Adjusting the volume would be hard though since you need a screwdriver!
1960s Ericofon phone – the Ericofon was one of Swedish company, Ericsson’s, first phone models. It was a stand alone handset. The dial was underneath its base. This is one of the first examples of phone makers attempting to streamline and modernise the home telephone. (oobject)
US cradle phone from the 1970s – cradle phones come in all shapes and sizes from ornate vintage French style, to the basic, practical everyday phone that could be found in homes around the world. They all featured a handset that would sit in a cradle that would open or close the phone line, and a large numbered dial with finger holes so you could dial the required number.
Deco Tel Phone in a Box – these days the Deco-tel phone in a box is rare and sought after. Looking more like a gramophone or a piece of secret MI5 weaponry, the phone in a box was used by executives and high-flying business men in the 1970s.
UK Trimphone from the 1970s – the 1970s trend for slim-line chic created this streamlined version of the cradle phone. While still having a dial and receiver, the receiver would sit over the top of the number dial. It was at this stage that the dial began to be replaced with push button numbers as well.
The Japanese Batman phone – shows the extravagant nature of the Japanese. The Batman phone is a red phone with the Batman emblem on the side. Coloured red, it was a replica of the ‘Bat phone’ used on the popular original US TV show.
Swatch phone from the 1980s – this phone is a brightly coloured version of the trimphone from a decade earlier. With the receiver sitting over the top of the number pad, it ensured it took up minimal space, was convenient and easy to use.
Swiss Desk Station Model M29 Telephone – this phone had a sense of style. Staying with the basic cradle model, it also featured curved, contoured sides that would reach up to the receiver’s cradle.