The landline telephone has recently been supplanted by the mobile phone, and in some flats it is often no longer even present. Recently, however, on the wave of collecting and retro taste, old vintage telephones are making a comeback. Sometimes they’re just furniture, but often they’re also 100% functional.
There are models on the market to suit all tastes and budgets. For those who simply want a beautiful object, it may be best to opt for replicas. For collectors, on the other hand, the choice is vast. Wired telephones are available and are now compatible with an Internet box (fibre or ADSL)!
Vintage Or Retro Telephone
It’s worth pointing out one difference before we start. What’s the difference between a vintage phone and a retro phone?
The word retro refers to a style that is inspired by the fashions of the past and is reminiscent of what is known as vintage. Vintage, on the other hand, refers to objects that are at least 20 years old (and in any case limited to the 20th century) that time has transformed into cult objects.
Handsets, coiled cables, bakelite shells, disc switches and bell-shaped ringtones were the central elements of telephones for over a century, from the late 1800s to the turn of the millennium. Today, they are the co-stars of a far-reaching vintage renaissance, and can be found in products that are perfect for furnishing both the home and the office.
Vintage Phones: Replicas
If you’re looking for this type of item, we recommend you visit a specialist shop or browse through the many offers on Amazon. Amazon offers a wide choice of colours (5 pink, black, green, etc.) and models with or without answering machines. Free delivery may be offered depending on the purchase option. With even a modest outlay, you can enrich your home with a functional old telephone, and make a purchase without spending a fortune.
However, it’s always a good idea to ask or find out more about the product sheet, to make sure that these items are really functional and not just furniture. Whether you’re looking for a cordless phone, a wall phone or a desk phone, let’s take a look at some of the models best suited to your needs, available immediately in super large quantities on auction.
Opis 1921, Model C
This German manufacturer, specialising in the reconstruction of objects from past decades, is enjoying moderate success with its line of vintage telephones. This EUR 99 model, inspired by the early 20th century, is held with two hands: one to bring the handset up to the mouth after dialling the number on the disc switch, and the other to hold the receiver. The dial is made of wood, but the brass-painted parts actually conceal simple plastic; the final effect is nevertheless impressive.
Socotel French Vintage S63
Beautiful vintage French telephone, brand SoCoTel (Société des Constructeurs de Téléphone) model S63 with keypad. It is ivory in colour and works with reception! The rotary dial is even with ADSL and Fibre, just buy a connector. It got stars on the shop, EUR 5.00 2 Auction 6d 7h.
Brondi Vintage 10
As well as telephones dedicated to the world of senior citizens, Italian company Brondi also produces landline telephones reminiscent of the world of early disc selector telephones. The black Vintage 10 vintage model focuses precisely on this element, which occupies a predominant part of the bodywork along with the large, sturdy handset. The loop is completed by the spiral textile thread and gold inserts that enhance the look of the handset. This black corded telephone is available from stock at a price of EUR 29.
Gpo 746 Rotary
Perhaps the most evocative look for most people, this is a direct throwback to the 1970s and beyond. Gpo’s glossy plastic casing and choice of many colours mean it can be adapted to any room that needs to be decorated with a touch of retro charm, while the disc switch is also compatible with the multi-frequency coding system for navigating the electronic switchboards of corporate departments.