Antique phones come in various styles, reflecting the evolution of telephone design over the decades. Some of the notable styles include:
Candlestick phones were popular in the early 20th century and featured a tall, slender design with a receiver mounted on top of a vertical stand resembling a candlestick.
Wall-mounted telephones were common in homes and businesses from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. They typically featured a boxy design with a handset hanging from a hook.
Desk telephones, also known as tabletop telephones, were designed to sit on a flat surface like a desk or table. They varied in style from sleek Art Deco designs to more ornate Victorian styles.
Rotary dial telephones became popular in the mid-20th century and featured a circular dial for selecting numbers. They came in various styles, including desk, wall, and standalone models.
Some early telephones featured wooden casings, often intricately carved or adorned with decorative elements. These phones were typically found in upscale homes and offices.
During the 1920s and 1930s, phones were often designed in the Art Deco style, characterized by sleek lines, geometric shapes, and luxurious materials like chrome and bakelite.
Bakelite was a popular material for telephone casings in the mid-20th century due to its durability and ability to be molded into various shapes and colors. Bakelite phones came in a range of styles, from simple to more decorative.
A variation of the candlestick phone, these were mounted on the wall but featured a design resembling the candlestick phone with a separate receiver and transmitter.
Although not exclusive to antique phones, payphones have a distinct style, often featuring a rugged metal casing and a coin slot for payment.
