Telecom Equipment Appraisal

Vintage Wall-Mounted Rotary Telephone

This appears to be a vintage wall-mounted rotary telephone, likely from the mid-20th century, possibly the 1930s to 1950s. It features a robust, matte black housing, presumably made of bakelite or a similar early plastic, common for telephones of this era. The main unit is rectangular with a slightly arched top, designed to be affixed flat against a wall. The most prominent feature is the large, central rotary dial, which has finger holes for each digit and a clear plastic or glass center cover. Within this cover, there's a circular paper label with text, indicating instructions for dialing ("DIAL TONE..." and other details that are not fully legible but relate to operation). The numbers around the dial are white against the black surface, and there's a metallic finger wheel for dialing. Below the main dial unit, the handset rests horizontally in a cradle. The handset itself is also black, with a classic, streamlined shape, and features shiny metallic bands at both the earpiece and mouthpiece ends, likely chrome or nickel-plated, which adds a decorative and functional accent. A coiled black cord connects the handset to the main unit, indicating good flexibility and typical design for the period. The phone appears to be in relatively good, used condition for its age, showing some signs of wear such as minor scuffs or dust, consistent with age and use. There are no obvious major cracks or significant damage visible. The craftsmanship suggests durable construction, typical of utilitarian objects designed to last for many years. The visible mounting screws indicate it was bolted directly to a surface, highlighting its fixed, wall-mount design. The overall aesthetic is functional and sturdy, reflecting the industrial design trends of its time.