The Best Retro Phones

Remember the good old days? That clanging bell that signaled a phone call and sent teens scrambling for the phone? How many phone cords ended up kinked and knotted as they were mindlessly twisted during a lengthy call? Even getting mad at someone and slamming down the receiver was immensely satisfying. With the advent of the technological age, phones evolved into portable extensions of ourselves. Gone are the days of being tethered to the wall. But there is no debating the fact that those old phones had a certain charm. Many are now searching for the older models to bring back a bit of the memories and add a bit of nostalgia to their homes. When looking for a retro telephone, there are a few things you should consider. Here are some pointers to aid you in your search for the perfect addition to your home.
Style:
The first thing to think about is which style would fit your tastes. When searching retro telephones, you will find a wide array of styles from the antique candlestick phones with the cup earpiece and voice horn, to the later trimmer styles with buttons in the handset. There are also plenty of the classic two-piece, curly cord, rotary dial tabletop phones. Classic black is the most popular choice as this was the main color offered in the phone’s heyday. These were the ones with the bell ringer that could be heard even from outside.
You can also find the older style vintage phones. These are the ones that were almost bell-shaped with the wrapped style handset. This style has found popularity in a more elegant setting such as manor style homes or Victorian decors due to their more delicate features.
A novel idea comes in the style of a retro payphone. With a built in coin bank, these phones do not actually require coins to place a call, but the kids do not need to know this, do they?

Features:
While shopping for a retro telephone, pay close attention to the details. While having a familiar look to them, many of the phones offered today have functions not characteristic of the style. For example, some models of the classic rotary dial phones simply have a plate made to resemble the old rotary, but there are actually push buttons in the dial holes for modern convenience. Anyone looking for the authentic version needs to be especially detail oriented and read the specs in the description carefully. Other styles that feature the dial plate, however, do offer other features such as receiver volume, ringer volume and redial. The redial being a feature anyone who has ever dialed a rotary phone over and over will definitely appreciate. Most of the retro telephones do not need batteries or any other power source to function like modern phones today. This makes them very reliable, and in some cases, a lifesaver in times of power outages.

Cost:
While most of the retro telephones you will find will cost under $100.00, there are higher end models as well. There are versions, like the last list entry, that take SIM cards and have cell phone capabilities. There are also genuine phones from the era that have been refurbished. As with any other purchase, the more features you opt for, the more expensive the item will be. Authenticity does come with a price. If you are working within a budget, the less expensive models available today will suit your needs. They are plentiful, and all are beautiful replicas with an eye to detail that will please the pickiest shopper, while not leaving your credit card in shock.
Taste:
The purchase of a retro telephone ultimately comes down to personal preference. While the best selling style on Amazon is the Trimline, others may prefer the older black classic. A wall mounted rotary dial will bring back fond memories of lying on the floor for hours on end for the 70’s child, while the push button styles will be more familiar to the 80’s kids. Who remembers discovering that if you pushed two diagonal buttons down together, it muted the phone? If you prefer a more elegant look, the vintage bell-shaped phones will bring a bit of style to your desk, perfectly complimenting a Victorian or Elizabethton theme. Do you make frequent calls that end up with an automated system on the other end of the line? You will want to opt for the push button version of the phone you choose. Take the time to browse the different styles offered, consider what your needs and wants are, then you will be ready to select that piece of nostalgia with confidence.
There is no doubt about it. Shopping for a retro telephone is not only fun but it brings back fond memories of days gone by. While we can not relive our glory days, these wonderful phones will surely bring you years of joy and perhaps a bit of that youthful spirit that lies within us all. Your home will be richer with the addition of one of these phones. Happy shopping.

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This page about Retro Phone was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2024-04-16 08:11:18 and has been viewed 5966 times.