How to Collect Vintage Telephones
Vintage telephone come in many types, styles and sizes. Early telephones are often bulky and harder to collect because of their size. Many antique dealers have quite a collection of vintage telephones as display items due to the larger number created. Collecting vintage telephones is a great choice for the beginning collector as there are so many on the market at reasonable prices. Follow the steps below to start collecting.
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Instructions
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Consult with antique dealers and local curiosity shops. These resources might offer a great jumping off place to begin purchasing vintage telephones. Ask if the dealer may know of any other sellers of these telephones.
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Look for good investment telephones. Odd or rare pieces from the early years of telephones can command a higher premium. Keep an eye out for rare promotional advertising telephones.
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Buy telephones that are complete and in good condition. Buying damaged vintage telephones is not cost effective.
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Keep an eye out for vintage telephones made of Bakelite. Bakelite is a material similar to plastic in weight and feel. These telephones are more in demand with collectors and the general market.
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Stick with a style, period or particular kind of telephone. Markets exist for vintage pay telephones, Princess-style telephones and even vintage hotel telephones. Collecting an entire make of telephone will set the collection apart from other collections.
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Tips & Warnings
Take time to collect quality pieces. So many vintage telephones were manufactured that collecting pristine models is not uncommon.
Because of the number of telephones available, don't expect to pay large amounts of money for them. Shop with reputable dealers for the best prices.
Beware of reproductions. Demand for early model telephones has lead to a flood of aftermarket reproductions made to resemble actual vintage models.
