Automatic Electric Type 50 - Black - Brass Trim

History

The Automatic Electric Type 50 Wall phone was introduced in 1938. This combined phone includes all the components required to operate within the casing, eliminating the need for an external network subset and ringer. Like it's cousin the Type 40 desk phone, the Type 50 is a graceful example of art deco design. These rugged phones were made of solid Bakelite and engineered to last a lifetime. The body of the phone measures 9.5" high by 5.75" wide. The cradle comes out 5.5" from the rear. The handset is 9" wide. A modern line cord has be added to this unit for your convenience.

The Restoration Process

Dial – The dial has been fully disassembled, cleaned, lubed and timed to ensure years of trouble free service. The outer edge of the dial has been stripped and repainted with a gloss black enamel. Unless the dial is removed, this is something you will rarely ever even see, but this is how it would have come from the factory. The number plate has been cleaned and a perfectly matching overlay has been applied. The brass finger wheel and dial card ring have been buffed back to its original beautiful shine. A brand new die cut dial card and acetate has been added as well.

Cords – The phone has been outfitted with brand new cloth covered cords that are made in house on the same type of equipment originally used by the phone companies. They look amazing. You can choose from either black or brown cloth cords. The line cord has a modular connection to facilitate a modern connection to your wall jack.

Shell – The shell has been painstakingly put through a multi-step restoration process which includes sanding with 400, 800, 1000, 2000 grit.  The shell is them carefully buffed on our two step buffing wheels. This process takes out the fine abrasions, minimizes the signs of everyday wear,  removes most blemishes, and leaves the Bakelite with a smooth factory-like finish. 

Handset – Handset has been ultrasonically cleaned to get all embedded debris out. It is then sanded through a 4 step process (400, 800, 1000, 2000 grit) and buffed back to its beautiful original shine. We then trim the handset with brass handset rings to complete the look.