The 1950s began an era which changed the look of telephones forever. Telephones were offered in a rainbow of colors and heavily marketed by the telephone companies. Advances in technology, rubber and plastics radically changed telephones to become highly reliable, handsome, flexible and durable. Although millions of these great telephones were manufactured, relatively few of them remain available to the public. Click here for a Quick Quote.

Colored Rotary Telephones from the 50s though the 80s

Automatic Electric Telephones	Notes	Photo (More photos available)
Model AE80 Desk Telephone: This handsome telephone would have been found in homes served by independent telephone companies. It was introduced about the same time as the Western Electric 500 set and came in a variety of colors. This telephone features more curvy lines than the 500, a dial with a distinct 'whirring' sound, and a marvelous bold brass bell ring.	c1954-1975 Fairly common Hard-wired cords $$ Range: $15-$55 Frequently in stock Some colors rare
ITT Telephones	Notes	Photo (More photos available)
Model 500 Desk Telephone: These quality telephones were introduced to the retail market after divestiture of the Bell System in 1984. They feature the ITT logo on the handset, the case and the bottom. Even at close distances, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between the ITT telephones and the Western Electric 500 set. Uncommon colors include orange and bright red.	c1964-1980s Very common Modular cords $$ Range: $10-$55 Frequently in stock Some colors rare
Model 554 Wall Telephone: This is the wall version of the 500 desk set and shares that same familiar ring. The Model 500 narrative above applies to these telephones as well.	c1964-1980s Very common Modular mounting $$ Range: $15-$55 Frequently in stock Some colors rare
Kellogg Telephones	Notes	Photo (More photos available)
Model 500 Desk Telephone: Similar in style to the Western Electric 500, it is distinguished by an elegant body contour audience the dial plate and is very heavy. This is a unique, popular mid-range telephone and becoming fairly hard to find.	c1954-1956 Fairly scarce Hard wired $$ Range: $55-$95 Rarely in stock Black only
Stromberg-Carlson Telephones	Notes	Photo (More photos available)
Model 1543 Desk Telephone:  This fabulous telephone has a great Deco design influence with it s 'cut corners' and larger-than-life rubber feet. It went into service in the early fifties in independent telephone territories, has an excellent brassy ring, and was offered in a variety of colors. This telephone has as a 'crab-claw' hookswitch option that allows wall mounting.	c1950-1960s Displays well Coil cords $$ Range: $45-$95 Frequently in stock Colors are rare
Western Electric Telephones	Notes	Photo (More photos available)
Model 500 Desk Telephone (Black Steel Fingerwheel): This telephone became the staple in homes across the nation in the early 1950s. Baby boomers learned how to dial and communicate on this telephone as kids. Early models had leather feet, and were very heavy.	c1947-1955 First of the 500s Metallic dial sound $$ Range: $25-$55 Frequently in Stock Only in Black 2-line version avail
Model 500 Desk Telephone (Clear Plastic Fingerwheel): This is the telephone familiar to millions of baby boomers and their parents. Manufactured from 1949 through the early eighties, this workhorse created color telephones to become a decorator's dream. Amazingly, this telephone is said to have been available in 30 colors!  Click here for more information about this great telephone than you could ever use.	c1954-1980s Very common Later models with modular cords $$ Range: $15-$95 Always in stock Some colors very rare
Model 554 Wall Telephone: This familiar telephone can still be found in many homes across the nation. This is the wall version of the 500 desk set and shares that same familiar ring. Early black models feature the black steel fingerwheel. These telephones are available in a variety of colors.	c1956-1980s Very common Later models with modular cord and mount  $$ Range: $15-$95 Always in stock Some colors very rare
702 Rotary Princess Telephone: This highly collectible popular telephone always attracts attention when they are in stock. Early models had no ringer; later models are fully modular. Some still light up. The popular colors include red, pink, aqua and black.

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The Western Electric 500 Desk Set is said to have been available in 30 colors...

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Revolutionary Design Line Telephones

The Late 1970s brought a revolution to the telephone with the introduction of 'Design Line' telephone sets by Western Electric.This line featured telephones in a box, in a circle, as a candlestick, as an antique, as cartoon characters, as a chalkboard, in leather, in gold trim, in wood, and in plexiglas, and even commemorating the Olympic Games. See the Bell System Memorial web pageto be amazed at the depth of this product line and the challenge of collecting even a small number of them! Click here for a Quick Quote.   

Design Line Telephones are characterized by their high quality look and feel, handsome designs, and a real brass ringing bell or two! Early models featured the rotary dial, and later models were introduced with Touch Tone pads.  In good condition, these telephones can command high prices and should definitely be considered investment opportunities. Click here for a Quick Quote.

Western Electric  Design Line Telephones	Notes	Photo (More photos available)
Model 881 Rotary Chestphone Telephone: These handsome telephones feature wood-grain cabinets (some wood, some plastic) and a hinged top that hides the receiver. Models include a dog hunting scene, padded black 'leather,' contemporary walnut and mediterranean styling. The receiver cord retracts into the box; Some rotary models, mostly Touch Tone.	c1970s Becoming scarce Fully modular    $$ Range: $25-$95 Occasionally in stock Several designs
Model 900 Rotary Exeter Telephone: This handsome desk telephone design was a departure from the common telephone of the time. It featured various textures including a grass cloth, leather, and colors.	c1970s Becoming scarce Fully modular    $$ Range: $20-$35 Occasionally in stock Several colors and designs
Model 2900 Touch-Tone Exeter Telephone: This telephone was available in TouchTone models as well.	c1970s Becoming scarce Fully modular    $$ Range: $20-$35 Occasionally in stock Several colors and styles
Model 902 Rotary Sculptura Telephone: Also known as the 'donut' phone, this 'mod' design was very popular during its time and is enjoying a resurgence. It was available in white, brown, yellow, and other colors.	c1970s Becoming scarce Very popular Fully modular    $$ Range: $25-$95 Occasionally in stock Several colors
Model 2902 Touch-tone Sculptura Telephone: The Touch Tone model is becoming even more popular among Generation X buyers	c1970s Becoming scarce Very popular Fully modular    $$ Range: $25-$95 Occasionally in stock Several colors
Model 911 Rotary Telstar Telephone: This scarce but popular telephone was a significant design departure for Western Electric. Its smoked plexiglas cover barely hid the handset and dial underneath, presenting a bold futuristic look. THese telephones are very difficult to find inf good shape because the cover and faceplate can be easily damaged.	c1970s Hard to find Very popular Fully modular    $$ Range: $35-$95 Occasionally in stock
Model 2911 Touch-tone Telstar Telephone: THe Touch Tone model is the most plentiful, and is very popular.	c1970s Becoming scarce Very popular Fully modular    $$ Range: $35-$95 Occasionally in stock
Rotary Coquette Telephone: This fine telephone features a heavy telephone set, a stylish "French" handset, a brass ringer, and an older #6 Western Electric rotary dial. We've seen it in a marble red (pictured) and eggshell colors.	c1970s Rotary only Available in ivory, aqua, others? Trimmed in gold or silver
940 Rotary Celebrity Telephone:  This pretty telephone features a contemporary "French" influence. It is a petite telephone popular in the bedroom. Its receiver has a solid feel and it rings like a Princess.	c1970s Becoming scarce Very popular Fully modular    $$ Range: $35-$95 Occasionally in stock