Western Electric - 20AL - Brass

History

The Western Electric Number 20 series Candlestick telephones made their debut in 1904. The metal parts of the phone were made of brass. Early models were generally nickel plated, while the majority of the phones produced after 1910 were painted with a black finish. The natural brass finish was occasionally seen, but it was not generally favoured due to the high maintenance requirements.

After World War I, the Model 40 was introduced. This candlestick is identical in appearance and function to the Model 20, but the base and the tube shaft were made of steel.

Interestingly, the Candlestick desk set was considered to be a premium product and subscribers were often charged an additional 25$ per month to upgrade from a wood wall phone. The production of Candlestick phones was discontinued in 1940, however the manufacture of modern reproductions continues to this day.

The Restoration Process

Cords – The phone has been outfitted with brand new cloth covered brown cords that are made in house on the same type of equipment originally used by the phone companies. They look amazing. The line cord has a modular connection to facilitate a modern connection to your wall jack.

Shell – The metal body has been stripped down and the brass body professionally buffed back to a beautiful shine. Over time, the brass will naturally tarnish leaving the surface with a gorgeous patina. However, with some metal polish, you can easily bring the shine back.

Receiver & Mouthpiece – Due to scarcity, our candlesticks will now be paired with a premium reproduction receiver and mouthpiece,

Subset - If you want this phone to function, it will require a subset that contains the components necessary to connect it to the phone line, and also the ringer necessary to notify you of incoming calls.  We have provide 3 subset options.  A wooden subset that is designed to sit on a table, a bakelite subset from the 1930s or 40s that is designed to be mounted on the wall, or a plastic subset from the 1960s 0r 70s that is also designed to be wall mounted.

A cord will run from the phone to the subset, and another cord will run from the subset to your telephone jack.

Base – The base has been sand blasted and sealed with a clear coat to prevent rusting. It is then wrapped with super soft pig skin suede leather to ensure it does not damage the table it proudly sits on

The phone goes extensive testing before to ensure it is in perfect working condition prior to shipping.