A fascinating slice of communication history is coming to Fradley Park this October, as Richard Winterton Auctioneers prepares to sell an extraordinary private collection of vintage telephones.
Around 1,000 telephones, spanning nearly 100 years of design and development, will go under the hammer on Monday, October 6, at The Lichfield Auction Centre. From the elegance of 1930s candlestick phones to the playful novelty of 1980s and 90s designs, the sale is expected to attract collectors, telecoms enthusiasts and fans of retro style.
Among the highlights are classic Bakelite models, GPO rotary dials, stylish Trimphones, and quirky shapes like a Jaguar car mascot and a Pepsi drinks machine. There are also military field phones, warehouse and office models, engineer’s testing kits and even two full-sized telephone exchanges.
The collection was lovingly assembled by Reverend John Charles Baines, a vicar from Longnor in the Staffordshire Moorlands, who sadly passed away earlier this year at the age of 56.
His brother, Michael Baines, shared, “He was fanatical about telephones. It is still a mystery why he started collecting them, but he should have worked for British Telecom. He absolutely loved it.”
The archive includes over 100 lots, featuring both domestic and industrial telephones, as well as spare parts and accessories. It also contains international pieces from Belgium, Denmark, Italy and the USA, with recognisable names such as GPO, Bell, Ericsson and Siemens Brothers.
Other items in the auction include a small set of early 20th century photographs of telephonists, a number of typewriters, a 1950s copying machine, and various pieces of vintage computer equipment.
A spokesperson for the auction house said, “We expect this wonderful collection to have a great reception. It captures a full century of communication and design, and it is bound to appeal to collectors, interior stylists, set designers and anyone with a passion for tech history.”
The auction takes place at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, WS13 8NF, from 9am on Monday, October 6. Public viewing is open on Friday, October 3, from 10am to 4pm.
The catalogue will be available online one week prior to the sale at
www.richardwinterton.co.uk/auctions/auction-calendar
Bidding is available in person, online, and by phone with prior arrangement — a fitting tribute for such a telephone-themed event.
To find out more, arrange a free valuation, or discuss house clearances and collectable consignments, contact the team via office@richardwinterton.co.uk or call 01543 251081.
Time to phone a friend and dial into this one-of-a-kind auction.