History in Your Hands, Classic Sound
A rare portable RTT rotary dial telephone, a must-have for collectors
Product Description:
This is a classic rotary dial telephone from the 1950s, made in Belgium to RTT (Belgian National Telephone Company) specifications. It's a rare model featuring a sturdy metal handle, designed for portability or mobile use within telephone exchanges or facilities. The front features an RTT metal logo plate, and the top houses two internal bells. The center of the rotary dial is imprinted with the number "4601.59", indicating its operational history. Of particular note is the white button located under the handset. This was likely used to silence the incoming bell or clear a call, suggesting its utility for communication within exchanges or facilities. The engraving "RTT 56 B" on the bottom of the telephone confirms it is an RTT model "Type B" manufactured in 1956. (R080203)
Specifications:
・Country of Manufacture: Belgium
・Manufacturing Period: Circa 1956
・Model Number: RTT 56 B
・Materials: Handset (Bakelite), Body (Metal), Handle (Metal), Cord (Resin)
・Size: Approx. W20cm × H22cm × D17cm
・Weight: Approx. 3.2kg
・Features: Built-in bell, Rotary dial, With handle
・Condition: Scratches and signs of use due to age. Operation unconfirmed (recommended for display)
Recommended Uses:
Ideal for display and decoration in retro cafes, cafes, select shops, boutiques, department store events, hotel lobbies, hair salons, photography studios, etc. It adds individuality and a nostalgic atmosphere to any space.
Highlights:
・Collector's Item: RTT products are extremely rare in Japan, and good condition items are scarce.
・Excellent Interior Design Element: Its classic appearance is perfect for creating an atmosphere in cafes, studies, and vintage shops.
・Design with Practical Beauty: The rugged yet refined form is captivating.・
A Piece with a Story: Enjoy tracing its history through numbers and engravings.
Special Notes:
While telephones are generally associated with the color black, other colors existed even back then. Black required less dyeing effort, which reduced manufacturing costs. Furthermore, dirt was less noticeable, making it practical for use in offices and public institutions. Telephones from the 1930s-1950s predominantly used "Bakelite resin," which was difficult to dye in colors other than black or dark shades, contributing to the prevalence of black. This particular telephone, with its metal (brass) casing and portable design with a metal handle, is highly likely to have been a special order for business, government, or military use. Such models are presumed to be "special-use" models employed in specific professional fields or scenarios.
*Based on AI research.
