Early
Desk Telephones
Through the 1920s
The first telephones were
put into service in the 1880s. These strange looking
devices represented huge advances in technology for the
time. These are the great phones you see in your favorite
vintage movies and in the homes of discriminating
collectors. Many of these
telephones, which include crank wall telephones (not currently
carried by LoweTech) and non-dial candlestick telephones, make
excellent investments.
The early years of telephone expansion
were active with patent litigation and fierce competitive
positioning not unlike the early days of computers. Brands of the
day like Western Electric, Stromberg-Carlson, Kellogg and
others were designed and built to the highest standards. Even after
95 years, many of these great telephones can still work
today...frequently better than new 'high technology' telephones. We
update the electronics where necessary, and offer a 1-Year
Limted Warranty on these fine telephones.
Description |
Notes |
Photo
(More photos available) |
| Western Electric 20AL: This workhorse
of the early 20th Century was the first telephone in many
family homes. It features glossy black paint over metal, a
round base covered in felt, matching cloth cords, and
comes equipped with the LoweTech 829 Subset Box unless
otherwise noted |
c1915-1926
Some reproduction parts
likely
$ Range:
$250-$320
Frequently in stock
Various
subsets
|
|
| Western Electric 20AL:
Same as above occasionally available in brass finish |
c1915-1926
Some reproduction parts
likely
$ Range:
$250-$320
Occasionally in stock
Various
subsets
|
 |
| Kellogg
Candlestick: These fine telephones were typically
found in rural communities served by independent telephone
companies.
It features glossy black
paint over brass or other metals, a round base with felt
pads, matching cloth cords, and comes equipped with the
LoweTech 829 Subset Box unless otherwise
noted |
|
|
|
Kellogg Candlestick: Same as above but
with a "bulldog" transmitter. These were far less susceptible
to brakage than the "daffodil" mouthpiece
|
c1915-1930s
Some reproduction parts
likely
$ Range:
$240-$300
Frequently in stock
Various
subsets |
 
|
Please contact us if the telephone you are looking
for is not featured here. Other telephones may become available or
can be found by LoweTech. | 
