Police Telephone on eBay

[hb88banzai]

There appears to be a vintage Police Telephone on eBay of the type used in early Police Boxes and Pillars (after the candlestick phase).  It's a GPO No. 244 with blank dial and a screw-down mounting bracket.  Looks right for mid-30's to mid-40's.

URL -

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GPO-Telephone-No-244-Police-Telephone_W0QQitemZ140015662884QQihZ004QQcategoryZ985QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Starting bid of £50 plus £12 shipping in the UK (much more for us poor Americans) - and auction ends on the 12th.  I shudder to think what it will finally go for, but sure wish I had the money anyway.  

[hb88banzai]

Perhaps because it's too heavy?

Well, back when it only cost an arm and half a leg (a mere five years ago) I had a couple of phones shipped from New Zealand (300 Series types with hand cranks!), so don't think that's the problem - or at least not a valid one.  They are heavy, but not ridiculously so.  The fact that he is charging only £12 for UK shipment should testify to that.  Guy probably just doesn't want the added troubles.

As you say, does seem odd if the buyer is willing to pay extra, though.  If I had the money (or a credit card not within an inch of its limit) I'd probably try to talk him into it.

[hb88banzai]

Here are pics of the phone in question (click pics for larger images) -

[hb88banzai]

Well, for whatever reason, it seems the seller won't even ship to the US (I asked).   

[bach4me]

Well, for whatever reason, it seems the seller won't even ship to the US (I asked).   

Perhaps because it's too heavy?  (What were those telephones made from?)  I know some sellers in the UK won't ship the new console room playset to the US because of its weight.  Seems kind of silly to me though.  I mean, if the buyer is willing to pay the shipping, who cares were they are!

But, like you said, if only I had the money.  He accepts PayPal, so there's always credit cards! 

- Benjamin

[starcross]

This weeks research also turned up drawings for the Police Box & Pillar Phones. No.244.

Here are some of the drawings that make up this unique variety of Phone.
The Dial Dummy plate, the base Bracket, and its unique wiring. 

[domvar]

The one from the ebay auction is now in my garage.

[russellsuthern]

Lucky S.O.B.....


Russ

[Davros Skaro]

I have one of the crank handle ones somewhere, I'll take a photo when I next come across it & post it up here! 

Chris.