Automatic Electric Type 1a Deskphone with Chrome Trim

When the Type 1 was introduced in 1925 it was the first Monophone produced by Automatic Electric where the transmitter and receiver were both located in a common handset. The phone was available in 9 different colors with either chromium or gold metal fittings. For operation, it required a separate subset that contained the ringer, coil and capacitor.

This Type 1a Desk Monophone has been restored to our high quality specifications. The Bakelite finish on both the phone and handset has been lovingly buffed back to its original luster and sheen. The dial has been cleaned, lubricated and timed to give years of faithful service. To ensure compatibility with the modern telephone system, we have installed a network in the base. As a finishing touch, we've added cloth covered handset and modular line cords. This phone is ready to connect to a modular phone jack in your house.

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 finger wheel has been freshly chrome plated. A brand new die cut dial card and acetate cover have been added as well

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

Shell & Handset – The body and Type 38 handset has been ultrasonically cleaned to get all embedded debris out. It is then sanded through a multi-step restoration process which includes sanding with 400, 800, 1000, 2000 grit and buffed back to its beautiful original shine.

Network and Ringer – The 1A is outfitted with an external subset that contains the necessary components for proper functioning, and a ringer to notify you of incoming calls. The phone connects to the subset, and the subset plugs into a phone jack that is provisioned with telephone service.

Base – The base is carefully sand blasted and clear coated to prevent rusting and corrosion. We have also added a brand new rubber gasket to ensure it does not damage the table it proudly sits on.

Do you currently have any rotary phones? If the answer is no, it is always a good idea to call your local phone company and check if they still support “pulse” dialing. If they do, you are all set to go. If they do not, your phone will not be able to place calls without a converter. We have internal converters available for $79.95 (installed during assembly)

As an alternative, we provide an option to use this phone as an extension of your cell phone. The XLink Bluetooth gateway is an device external to the phone that gets it’s power from a standard AC outlet. The cord from the phone will then connect to a phone jack on the gateway. When you pair the gateway to an active Bluetooth enabled cell phone, you will be able to use the vintage phone just like it was connected to a traditional landline. When someone calls your cell phone, the vintage phone will ring. When you dial the vintage phone, it will dial and connect to the called number. With the addition of the pulse to converter you will also be able to dial * and # when using the Bluetooth gateway.

Note - due to the extensive preparation work required on this phone, please allow 30 days for us to ship it.

The phone goes extensive testing before to ensure it is in perfect working condition prior to shipping.