On offer is Gorgeous OLD G.P.O. party line wall phone in oak and metal This is a very attractive, and an exceptionally rare oak wall telephone manufactured by Ericsson, Sweden. It has a brass and Bakelite hand piece. All parts seem original including the correct outside Ericsson handset on a brass hanger. The bells are solid brass with a ringer in-between them, and the bells 'ting' when struck. All appears intact with a magneto inside that still turns with the outside crank handle. There are various wires that need to be soldered together inside, and the handset does not have an original cord. But, with a knowledgeable Telkom technician, I am sure he can get it working again. I cannot see how it could be used on the modern lines as it is a party line piece, and therefore does not have a dial out facility. The oak joins are by close dove-tail joints, again giving credence to its age, which I estimate to be about 1908. On the back of the hand piece, it has the letters GPO stamped on the ear piece, and the voice part has the maker's name and country. There is also a writing slope on the front too. All the wood and outside bits appear in a very good condition, and no cracks or other faults are noted. The the oak box size is 39.5cm high, 24cm wide, and 14.5cm deep. However, the unit weighs about 8kg, and so it is very heavy.
Postage and packaging will be at cost to the successful bidder. Please be aware that the telephone is quite heavy. The cost by Speed Courier counter to counter is R225.00 Ordinary Post Office counter to counter is R60.00. |