The Old Telephone Company,  Essex, England
Established in 1986
Exclusively old telephones and parts for 25 years
I have personally restored and sold over 3000 old telephones

  Ring back memories with     an old Bakelite telephone        

For Spare Parts Click Here                            For Repairs and Conversions Click Here

Contact        How to find me

All telephones are available to buy by mail order
£15 post and packing to all parts of the UK.
Smaller parts post and packing is from £3.50 to UK only
You can collect from my shop at weekends by arrangement

Up

The 500 Series

General Information

The 500 series telephone is the type that we all associate with 50's and 60's American films. 
I now only offer one model, and only in black. This is the early type dating from the 1950's to the 1960's.
  These telephones, may not dial out on a cable TV line. The telephone will ring as normal and accept incoming calls, but may not dial out reliably. They are sold subject to this understanding.  
All were supplied on government contract to a US Air Force base in East Anglia. They were all reconditioned in Canada before being placed in store over here. 
Sales are limited to one per customer. Trade enquiries will not entertained.

Historical Information

The 500 was introduced in 1949 by Western Electric. The internal design was by AT and T Bell Labs. The external design was handled by Henry Dreyfuss and Associates of New York. Demand exceeded supply to the extent that old 302 models were converted into telephones resembling the 500. Several companies made look-alikes or copies. Production covering a vast range of models from dial to push-button extended to the mid 80's.  
Those wishing to know more, are referred that excellent book Old Time Telephones by Ralph Meyer.
The GPO did not catch up for another ten years, by introducing their 700 series in 1959.

Technical Information

I will only briefly mention the technical merits of this telephone. There were so many "firsts" and advanced features associated with its design. 
The case was thermoplastic and served only as a cover. Most previous designs used the case to attach  various parts. The 500 had a base-plate, mounting all the parts including the dial. The main electrical assembly ( in American nomenclature "the network") was assembled as a sealed throw away unit. The bell assembly had a thumb wheel to adjust the volume. 
Everything about the Henry Dreyfuss  design was ground breaking. 

Production was from 1949 to the mid 80's.

  These telephones, may not dial out on a cable TV line. The telephone will ring as normal and accept incoming calls, but may not dial out reliably. They are sold subject to this understanding.    

If any reader feels I should have added more, please let me know.

Those wishing to know more, are referred that excellent book Old Time Telephones by Ralph Meyer

Click here to see the Battlesbridge Antiques Centre web site

Credit/Debit Cards are the preferred method of payment. I no longer accept cheques.

If you wish to place an order, or have an enquiry, please read all below.

Please call me (Gavin Payne) by telephone if you wish to place an order for a telephone, spare parts, or have an enquiry.  I can usually be reached 9.00am to 5.45pm any day, including weekends. Calls in the evening are not appreciated and could make me very grumpy. The number is 01245 400601.

I am in the shop most Saturday and Sunday mornings between 10.00 and 12.00. These are the only times I am in the shop for the sale of spare parts, conversions and repairs.  Conversions and repairs can often be carried out while you wait.

If you have a telephone that you want to know more about, or have it repaired or converted, please have it right next to you when you call. Please also have a selection of small flat bladed screwdrivers to hand.
 I do not give advice for DIY repairs or conversions or valuations of any kind over the telephone or by email. Please bring the telephone to my shop for assessment, but always call me first before bringing it in.

Emails to gp@theoldtelephone.co.uk or copy and paste gp@theoldtelephone.co.uk into your email programme or app .

By post to The Old Telephone Company, The Old Granary, Battlesbridge Antiques Centre,
 Battlesbridge, Essex SS11 7RE.  

The Old Telephone Company respects your privacy, and will not divulge any information about you to a third party.
Copyright © 1996 to 2013 by The Old Telephone Company