Vintage 3-Slot Rotary Payphone
This is a mid-20th-century wall-mounted public payphone, featuring the classic three-slot coin entry system for quarters, dimes, and nickels at the top. The unit is constructed from heavy-duty cast metal with a black enamel finish and is mounted on a wooden backboard. It features a center-mounted clear plastic rotary dial with white number/letter inserts and a black handset attached by a stainless steel armored cable on the left. A prominent instruction card under a plastic cover provides dialing codes and rate information for area code 151, appearing aged and yellowed. The lower section includes a chrome-plated 'Coin Return Pull' lever and a locked coin vault door. Condition is used but appears largely intact with significant surface dust, minor scuffing on the black finish, and some oxidation on the metallic components. The handset cradle shows wear consistent with frequent use. This model likely dates from the 1950s or 1960s, reflecting the industrial craftsmanship of American telecommunications from the Bell System or Western Electric era.
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Estimated Value
$450-$650
Basic Information
Category
Antique Telecommunication Equipment
Appraised On
May 14, 2026
Estimated Value
$450-$650
Item Description
This is a mid-20th-century wall-mounted public payphone, featuring the classic three-slot coin entry system for quarters, dimes, and nickels at the top. The unit is constructed from heavy-duty cast metal with a black enamel finish and is mounted on a wooden backboard. It features a center-mounted clear plastic rotary dial with white number/letter inserts and a black handset attached by a stainless steel armored cable on the left. A prominent instruction card under a plastic cover provides dialing codes and rate information for area code 151, appearing aged and yellowed. The lower section includes a chrome-plated 'Coin Return Pull' lever and a locked coin vault door. Condition is used but appears largely intact with significant surface dust, minor scuffing on the black finish, and some oxidation on the metallic components. The handset cradle shows wear consistent with frequent use. This model likely dates from the 1950s or 1960s, reflecting the industrial craftsmanship of American telecommunications from the Bell System or Western Electric era.
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