Tyler Brooks
Candlestick telephones, also known as upright desk stands, first became popular in the 1880s. They are one of the most popular antique telephones and were commonly used in Britain from 1900 until the 1950s. They are also referred to as pedestal or tulip telephones due to the shape of the mouthpiece. Collectors of antique telephones seek out candlestick phones, with some willing to pay high prices for them. Candlestick phones with a rotary dial are particularly sought after.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Candlestick telephone, upright desk stand, pedestal telephone, tulip telephone |
| Base | 13 cm in diameter |
| Height | 32 cm |
| Parts | Base, stem, mouthpiece, receiver |
| Materials | Nickel-plated brass, Bakelite, hard rubber, wood |
| Colours | Black, brass, red, bronze, lime green, racing green |
| Price | $67-$420 |
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What You'll Learn
- Candlestick phones are collectable if they're made from wood, nickel-plated brass, Bakelite or hard rubber
- They should be pre-1910, with a dial, and a working magneto
- Avoid cheap plastic replicas with buttons and curly cords
- They can cost less than $300, but some are priced over $400
- They were popular from 1900 until the 1950s, and featured in films
Candlestick phones are collectable if they're made from wood, nickel-plated brass, Bakelite or hard rubber
The candlestick telephone, also known as the "upright desk stand", first became popular in the 1880s as the telephone rose to prominence in businesses. Over time, the materials used to make candlestick phones evolved. The earliest models had wooden receivers and bases, while later versions were primarily made from nickel-plated brass, Bakelite, or hard rubber. These later models are now highly sought-after by collectors.
Known for their distinctive shape, candlestick phones feature a base, stem, mouthpiece, and receiver. They were widely used in Britain from 1900 until the 1950s and were immortalised in films from the US and the UK. Their popularity in cinema has likely contributed to their enduring appeal among collectors.
The base of a typical candlestick phone measures 13 cm in diameter, while the phone itself stands at 32 cm tall. Their elegant design and visual appeal have made them a popular choice for collectors of antique technology.
Collectors seeking wooden candlestick phones should be aware that these models are particularly rare due to wood's susceptibility to damage over time. As a result, wooden candlestick phones in good condition are likely to be highly valued by collectors.
In addition to their construction materials, the collectability of candlestick phones may also be influenced by their colour. While black and brass models are the most common, other colours, such as red, green, and lime green, are also available and may be more desirable to collectors seeking unique variations.
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They should be pre-1910, with a dial, and a working magneto
If you're looking for a pre-1910 candle phone with a dial and working magneto, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand the role of a telephone magneto. These were hand-cranked electrical generators that used permanent magnets to produce alternating current, powering early telephones and telegraphs. While their use declined after 1900 with the introduction of remote current generation, they continued to be used into the mid-20th century.
Now, onto the options:
Antique Candlestick Phones:
Candlestick telephones, also known as "candlestick phones," are iconic and highly sought-after by collectors. They were among the first desktop phones and are easily recognisable by their shape, resembling a candlestick with a mouthpiece at the top. While many of these phones are pre-1910, it may be challenging to find one with a dial, as early models often lacked dials and used a hand-crank magneto to generate current. However, with diligent searching, you may come across a rare model with a dial, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
Early Magneto Phones:
Before the widespread adoption of dial systems, telephones with attached hand-cranked magnetos were common, especially in rural areas. These early telephones used the magneto to ring bells and signal other telephones on the same line. While they may not have the aesthetic appeal of candlestick phones, they are historically significant. Keep an eye out for antique Leich hand-crank magneto phones, which can be found on sites like Etsy.
Vintage Rotary Phones:
Although a bit later than the pre-1910 era you're specifically interested in, vintage rotary phones with working magnetos can be found. These combine the classic aesthetic of early telephones with the functionality of a dial. Etsy, for example, offers a vintage rotary telephone described as an "Antique Victorian Nautical Full Brass Working Telephone." While it may not be as old as the other options, it could still be a desirable collector's item.
In your search for these rare and unique candle phones, exploring auction sites, antique stores, and specialist collectors' websites will be your best bet. Happy hunting!
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Avoid cheap plastic replicas with buttons and curly cords
If you're looking for a collectable candlestick telephone, it's important to be aware of the market for cheap plastic replicas. While these replicas may be tempting due to their low price and availability, they lack the authenticity and craftsmanship that make vintage candlestick phones desirable.
True collector's items will be made of high-quality materials such as nickel-plated brass, Bakelite, or hard rubber. Wooden components were also common in the earliest models. Avoid anything with modern plastic parts, buttons, or curly cords, as these features were not present in the original designs.
The base of a standard candlestick phone is typically around 13 cm in diameter, with a height of approximately 32 cm. This distinctive size and shape earned them the nickname "pedestal telephones" or "tulip telephones". Candlestick phones were commonly used in Britain from 1900 until the 1950s and were often featured in films, adding to their iconic status.
When shopping for a collectable candlestick phone, look for models from well-known manufacturers such as Western Electric, Stromberg, or Kellog. These companies produced high-quality telephones that are now sought-after collector's items. Websites like eBay and specialist antique dealers are great places to start your search, but be cautious of replicas and do your research to ensure you're getting an authentic, high-quality candlestick telephone.
Finally, pay attention to the condition and functionality of the phone. Working models in good condition, with minimal wear and tear, will naturally be more valuable and desirable. Keep in mind that collectable candlestick phones can vary widely in price, so be prepared to invest accordingly if you're seeking a true vintage piece.
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They can cost less than $300, but some are priced over $400
The price of collectable candlestick telephones varies depending on the model and its condition. On eBay, for example, the price of these phones ranges from under $75 to over $400. One pre-owned Western Electric candlestick phone is priced at $420, while another pre-owned candlestick phone is listed for just $32.
The price of these phones can also vary depending on the retailer. Walmart offers a range of retro and vintage-style candlestick phones, with prices ranging from $67 to $80. These phones are primarily decorative items, with some models also functioning as landline phones.
The antique black and brass English GPO (#150) candlestick telephone and bell box, dating back to the 1910s to 1920s, are likely to be more expensive due to their rarity and age. Similarly, older models with wooden receivers and bases, made from nickel-plated brass, Bakelite, or hard rubber, may be priced higher.
The popularity of candlestick telephones as collectibles may also influence their price. As one of the most well-known antique telephones, featured prominently in films, the demand for these collectibles is likely to remain high, potentially driving up prices for well-preserved or rare models.
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They were popular from 1900 until the 1950s, and featured in films
Candlestick telephones, also known as upright desk stands or pedestal/tulip telephones, were popular from the 1900s to the 1950s in Britain. They were also featured in films in Great Britain and the United States, helping to immortalise this type of telephone. The standard candlestick phone included a base, stem, mouthpiece, and receiver. The base of the candlestick telephone is 13 cm in diameter and 32 cm tall.
The earliest candlestick phones had wooden receivers and bases, but over time, phones started to be made from nickel-plated brass, Bakelite, and hard rubber parts. They were first popularised in the 1880s as the telephone became a crucial piece of technology for businesses.
Today, candlestick phones are sought-after antiques and vintage items, with some replicas being produced for decorative purposes. They are often available in a variety of colours, such as black and brass, red and black, black and bronze, lime green and black, and racing green and black.
Some online retailers, such as eBay and Walmart, offer vintage and replica candlestick telephones for sale, with prices varying depending on the phone's condition, age, and aesthetic features.
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Frequently asked questions
Candlestick phones, also known as upright desk stands, first became popular in the 1880s. They were commonly used in Britain from 1900 until the 1950s. They are referred to as pedestal or tulip telephones because of the shape of the mouthpiece.
The earliest candlestick phones had wooden receivers and bases. Later models were made from nickel-plated brass, Bakelite, and hard rubber.
Candlestick phones are available for purchase on eBay and Walmart.com.
