Australian Post Office
Telephone No. 891

Another Australian design to replace the ageing 400 series Bakelite wall phones. Electrically it was similar to the 802 series, with electromechanical bells. It was initially issued from 1972 in Appliance White, Black and Powder Blue in the PMG days. When Telecom Australia was formed out of the Australian Post Office they updated the range from 1976 with three extra colours, Ebony Brown, Maize Yellow, and Driftwood Beige. The black colour was rarely shown in the brochures but was surprisingly popular. The colours were selected after extensive public surveys, and the style proved extremely popular. Unfortunately the blue and yellow plastics suffered a little from the old problem of fading and discoloration if located in strong sunlight.

The development of the model parallels the 800 desk phone as regards new dials and cordage. Like the 800, the modifications were quite minor, proving the success of the original design. There were two main modifications. Once again, the clear plastic switchhook was replaced with a white nylon one, slightly larger to give better contact when the handset was replaced. On the early models there were sometimes complaints that the mechanical bells were too loud, so in later models (1981 to 1984) a small nylon lever at the base was connected to a "clamp" that damped the bells slightly.

As usual a very small run of transparent models was produced for display and training.  Sample models made up in other colours are also known.  These were used for public evaluation trials.

Click here for more information on the Type 800 series of telephones

Click here for an article on the Type 891

891 S1/249. Made by STC in 1980

Last revised June 14, 2025

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