Rotary Dial Telephone Appraisal

Vintage-Style Rotary Dial Candlestick Telephone

This item is a decorative vintage-style candlestick telephone, possibly a reproduction, featuring a classic rotary dial design. The telephone comprises a deep, glossy black main body, which is rounded and bulbous at the base, and tapers upwards to support the central brass column. The handset is distinctly 'candlestick' in style, with a black cylindrical grip connecting a brass ear-piece and mouth-piece. All visible metal components, including the decorative elements on the column, the receiver, and the rotary dial plate, are finished in a polished brass or brass-tone metal, which exhibits some light patina or age-related superficial wear, consistent with either genuine age or an intended antique finish. The rotary dial features standard numeric markings (1-9, 0) along with '#' and '*' symbols, suggesting it may be a functional reproduction rather than a purely ornamental piece, or at least designed to mimic a later rotary dial pattern. There is a visible coiled black cord extending from the side of the main body, indicating an attempt at functional realism. The overall aesthetic points to an early 20th-century telephone design, likely from the 1900s to 1920s, but is most probably a modern-era reproduction intended for decorative purposes or with updated internal electronics. The craftsmanship appears to be of decent quality for a reproduction, with clean lines and a polished finish on the non-black components. No distinct manufacturer's marks or signatures are visible in the provided image, precluding precise identification of its maker or exact age. The telephone is placed on a dark, glossy circular table with a golden trim.