phone - Anything In Particular

Black and Silver Astral Telecom “Fab” Push Button Desktop Telephone

Jon Nix — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 23:27:37 +0000

A little bit glam and a whole lot of plastic, this is the Astral "Fab phone" which is push button telephone dating from the late 1980s and featuring last number re-dial, an electronic ringer and a shape which is all of its own. It's a combination of rounded body and angular handset with the former in a glossy black finish and the latter in a mirrored silver finish, chrome-like in appearance.

In good condition with some superficial signs of use this is an unusual telephone from a time when such items were as much decorative as functional, and certainly said something about the person and the household.

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1980s British Telecom (BT) Genie Corded Push Button Telephone in Ivory (TSR 8023)

Jon Nix — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 15:53:28 +0000

Somewhat iconic. Somewhat kitsch. The "Genie" push button telephone was a prevalent item in many British homes during the 1980s, and, depending on your tastes is one of those two things, perhaps both. The distinctive rounded shape with handset mirroring the base housing the push button dial was supplied by British Telecom to households in a variety of colours - here in a rather neutral ivory tone. From a technical point of view, the telephone was the first to utilise an electronic ringer, and this as a model Telephone SR 8023, also therefore comes with Last Number Redial facility ("LR" buttons). Cutting edge.

This particular one is in good condition considering it's almost 40 years old. The plastics are free of chips or cracks and although there are one or two surface marks and some minor discolouration, it is otherwise visually good. There is some wear to some of the numerals on the push-buttons (see photos). It's not been tested and therefore should only really be considered as a decorative item unless you're willing to get it tested and/or updated.

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Swatch Twin Phone – Transparent Orange with Yellow Accents

Jon Nix — Thu, 27 May 2021 19:13:40 +0000

Yes, Swatch made telephones as well as watches, and yes, this telephone really does have all the Swatch hallmarks. The coloured transparent body with colourful accents and sleek styling is *exactly* what you'd expect. The Swatch Twin Phone is not only a "looker" though, it also had a rather novel twist: as the name implies the telephone could be used by two people on the same call, with the handset and the body of the telephone both featuring ear and mouthpieces! This model has a deep orange (almost red) body with bright cyan and yellow accents. So 80s, or what?!

Whether you use it as a replacement landline telephone or simply marvel at the design on a shelf or side table, the Swatch Twin Phone will surely turn heads.

This one has not been function-tested and comes without its original box, but it is in excellent condition.

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Ingap Children’s Orange Intercom Toy Telephones Made In Italy

Jon Nix — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 22:56:06 +0000

It's for you-hoo! Made in Italy, these are a pair of INGAP toy telephones in a pleasing orange colour with suitably retro faux rotary dials (with French language text on them), audible ring and light-up indicators. They are effectively an intercom system - once connected (wired), each phone can "call" the other by lifting the handset and pressing the dial button. The other phone emits a "ringing" sound and its light goes on to indicate an incoming "call". As it stands, that's as much functionality as these currently perform, but it's enough to be entertaining. There should, it seems, be voice-over-wire functionality as well, but it doesn't work. It may be a loose connection or similar problem, but these are sold "as is" with decorative appeal as much as the their limited functionality in mind.

They're quirky and colourful and perhaps the "pager" functionality will appeal to someone!

Each 'phone takes a 4.5V 3r12 flat battery (not supplied due to postage restrictions)

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