TELE No. 150


With Solid Back Transmitter with exchange number label	With Solid Back Transmitter housing but without the number label

In 1924 the Telephone No. 150L was introduced, which superseded the Telephone No. 124. Similar to earlier telephones in that it was a candlestick model, it was innovatory in introducing the dial to most subscribers for the first time. Reflecting the progress of automatic switching, the dial operated the automatic exchange switching mechanism by sending out a series of electrical impulses corresponding to the number being dialled. It was no longer necessary for the operator to connect all calls. Where a No. 150 was still connected to a manual exchange, the space in the base of the telephone for the dial was covered by a dummy insert (used as a number label holder) which could be replaced by a dial when the exchange went automatic.

This picture above shows the two styles of transmitter head which could be found on a Telephone No. 150. To the left is the later style Bakelite 'Transmitter No. 22' which accepted the 'Transmitter Inset No. 10' and later the 'Transmitter Inset No. 13'. The transmitter head to the right is the older style solid backed 'Transmitter No. 1'.

All models were fitted with Dial No. 10 and used with Bellset No. 1 or 25. Some of the early Dial No. 10's had a smaller dial label holder.

Many Telephones No. 150 were converted from Telephones No. 2 by the GPO. The number 2 is crossed out and a number 150 stamped nearby on the top of the microphone swivel posts.

Telephone No. 150B was supplied with a Dial, Auto No. 10BA for use in the Brighton Area.
Telephone No. 150S was supplied with a Dial, Auto No. 10FS and superseded Telephones No.s 82 and 124S. (Used on Siemens systems in Grimsby, Hurley, Ramsey, Southampton and Stockport areas).
Telephone No. 150W was supplied with a Dial, Auto No. 10FW and superseded telephone No.s 76, 82W and 124W (used on S.T. & C's (late W.E. Co.) exchanges at Darlington and Dudley).


Left hand side of swizzle This shows that the head came originally from a Telephone No. 72. This was crossed out and it was then used on a Telephone No. 150.	Right hand side of swizzle This shows the manufacture code (H in this case), the year (1920).

Right view	Left view

This pillar-type telephone for central battery operation is the one familiar to nearly all collectors as the classic ‘candlestick’ telephone. Designated Types 38AT (automatic), 38MT (magneto) and 38CBT (central battery) in Australia. Reproductions of this telephone, made in some cases from the original tooling, are common and in Australia all piece parts are available separately. Collectors may consequently encounter many convincing examples that are in fact made entirely or partly from reproduction parts.

Introduced in 1924, it was the PO’s first standard design of dial table telephone. When the telephone was to be used on manual exchanges the space for the dial in the base of the telephone was covered by a dummy insert (used as a number label holder) that could be replaced by a dial when the exchange was converted to automatic operation.

Colours: Black was the standard colour although subscribers could theoretically pay to have these telephones painted another colour (so long as they also paid to have them restored to black afterwards).

Variants: The solid-back microphones originally fitted were mostly replaced with a Bakelite moulding containing a standard carbon microphone inset (these assemblies were made by Siemens Brothers). In Australia these refurbished telephones were known as Type 138.

In consequence a telephone with its original solid back transmitter is relatively rare item. This applies both in Britain and in New Zealand. Ron Kay notes that some collectors there assume that their Western Electric style candlestick is a Siemens phone because the new replacement microphones have the name Siemens Brothers moulded on the bakelite mouthpiece. Similar modifications were also made in the USA, where the Bakelite replacements are known as ‘Bulldog transmitters’; some British collectors incorrectly use the name for the Siemens transmitters as well.

Question: Should the bakelite earpiece cap have a notch moulded on to the face and why is it there on some and not others?
Answer: "Earpieces No 2" the correct earpiece for a 'Receivers Bell No. 1A' has the 'cutout' to hear the howler. Other earpieces are either modern repro's or incorrect ones fitted years ago such as No's 5, 9, 13 or 14 etc most of which would fit but were for use on other telephones i.e. Tele's 28, 80 etc.

Question: Why do some of the switch hook arms have solid plates and others hole cut in and what does the F stamp stand for?
Answer: Different manufacturers and the 'F' because they are "Hooks, Receiver, F - detachable hook (oxidised) for use with Receiver Bell No 1A. Used with 'Switches, Receiver No's 1, 2 and 3' " (Ian Jolly).

Question: Can anyone tell me what the original paint finish is on the stem and base of a Telephone No. 150?
Answer: Enamel oven baked. The Stove enamel is believed to be mixed with a silica based paste and is probably too thick.

Question: Do you need to split the stem and the base?
Answer: That's how it was done in the factory but don't forget to HMP grease and cover the thread on the tube. Don't refinish at all if you can avoid it.

Question: How do you remove the bakelite grommet on the base in one piece?
Answer: Its not Bakelite, its a hard rubber compound. Make a mandrill from wood or metal, gently warm with a hot air paint stripper and when it begins to smell push it through. Refit with same heat and the ball of a ballpean hammer pressed from the inside.

Question: Why do some of the switch hook arms have solid plates and others hole cut in and what does the F stamp stand for?
Answer: To save precious metal in the time of need we were close to or at war even just after. "F" is the type (designation) of hook there were also Z and AB as I recall.

Question: Should the bakelite earpiece cap have a notch moulded on to the face and why is it there on some and not others?
Answer: Yes, it should for the reason of attracting the subscribers attention should they inadvertently leave the bell receiver on a flat surface. The ones which were not notched and usually came with a set of small holes rather than one large one are believed to be from private or non GPO systems.

Question: Is it possible to get replacement rubber rings for the base ?
Answer: Google search of the internet might find 1/4 square or oval rubber as used in catapults. USA is the land of the Inch now, other wise its metric. The grommet is made of "Pellolite" the same as the Bell earpiece coating. I was lead to believe it was a compound of India rubber and weak mix of the Bakelite compounds giving a flexible (only slightly) but hard to the touch material that could be deformed by mild heating. Ever noticed how the earpiece covering peels off, sad isn't it. (Ron Sewell)

Question: Do I need a separate Bellset for this phone to work ?
Answer: Yes, you must have a Bellset No. 1 or a Bellset No. 25. These Bellsets include an induction coil which is an essential part in the transmission circuit. A Bell will not suffice e,g. Bell No. 1. Follow this link for a description of the difference between a bell and a Bellset.

TELEPHONE No. 150

Last revised: March 23, 2008