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Vintage and nostalgic, the Old Bakelite Payphone Penny Grab Table Coin 55b Postal Device 50s brings a piece of history into your space. This unique telephone, also known as a penny grab or table coin, served as a means for guests to make local calls in pubs, restaurants, or hotels during the 1950s. It was connected to a telephone line that ran on the landlord's account, and by inserting two 10 pfennig coins the cost of the local call could be covered (the local clock allowed calls of any length for 20 pfennigs). By pushing the lever when the person called answered, the microphone was activated and the coins fell into the drawer. A mechanically complex blocking number switch ensured that only local calls could be made.
The fork is pneumatically damped so that selection cannot be made via fork strokes. The phone has a TAE plug and can be used immediately.
Key Features
- Historical Significance: This payphone represents a bygone era of communication and social interaction.
- Mechanical Operation: Insert two 10 pfennig coins to cover the cost of a local call, activate the microphone by pushing the lever, and watch the coins drop into the drawer.
- Functional Design: Features a blocking number switch to restrict calls to local numbers only, adding a layer of authenticity to its operation.
- Condition: Despite its age, this payphone is in good condition with minor signs of wear, preserving its vintage appeal.
- Tested and Working: Tested in Germany before arriving in our warehouse, ensuring its functionality and usability.
This Old Bakelite Payphone Penny Grab Table Coin 55b Postal Device 50s is a rare find that bridges the past with the present. A must-have for collectors, vintage enthusiasts, and those with an appreciation for historical artifacts. Transport yourself back in time with this iconic piece of communication history.
Circa: 20th Century
Origin: Purchased in Berlin, Germany
Measurements:10.0" Length x 9.5" Width x 6.25" Height
Shipping: From USA
Note to Buyers: The key does not come with the phone - missing key.
