atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems Antique Telephones A phone question! (duh)

Hi,

I have a photo which is a screenshot from an old Ma Bell 16mm movie titled "Telstar" that is on our favorite auction site. I have no interest in the movie, but the photo intrigued me, so now my question. (Photo below)



As you can see, the telephone that the gentleman is using has a straight handset cord. My question is this... Was that a normal option on that model telephone or keyset? I have never seen one like that IRL, but have seen some phones that have a coiled cord both on the handset and the back cord. Just curious why someone (even at Bell headquarters or NASA) would want a non-coiled cord on a 'modern' telephone.

Thanks for your thoughts and insites!

Joe

Ahh. The Kelly Green model 500 phone! I can still see my mother's delight when we finally got rid of our old Lucy phone for that new modern colored one! I don't recall ours having the non-coiled cord but they were quite common prior to the 500 series.

I guess when you're the Prez, you can have whatever you want.

Yup.

I thought that when LBJ was on 'tour', that he usually had one of those phones with the red buttons (autovon?) next to him.

Just wondering.

Joe

I do recall when I worked for Ma Bell back in the late 60's that the locker still had "straight" handset cords for C or CM sets (Black only).

It would not have been hard to take a moss greem mounting cord and use it for the handset.

LBJ used to travel with his own shower head. The guys in dark glasses would install it for him, and God help the hotel, etc. if there wasn't enough water pressure to drive it. LBJ was a very interesting fellow.

I realize this has nothing to do with the phone...

Jim
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