"Chestphone" Design Line Telephone, 1974

Artifact Overview

In 1973, AT&T partnered with Henry Dreyfuss & Associates to create a collection of specialty "Design Line" telephones--allowing customers to tailor their technology to fit their home decor. The Chestphone could be hidden from view by closing its box lid. Advertised as a perfect fit for dens, it was available in simulated walnut, leatherette, or an abstract "optique" pattern.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Telephone

Date Made

1974

Creators

Place of Creation

United States, California, El Monte

Creator Notes

Designed by Henry Dreyfus Associates with housing by the American Telecommunications Corporation of El Monte, California; transmission and signaling components by Western Electric Company.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

97.50.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ameritech Corporate Archives.

Material

Plastic
Felt (Textile)

Color

Beige (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 5 in
Width: 10.313 in
Depth: 7.875 in
Length: 9.5 in

Inscriptions

Inside case: DECO-TEL / Personal Telephones / AREA / CODE 311 555-2368 On bottom: 2881A100D / 5-74 LOUD SERIAL# A10332042 / THE TELEPHONE HOUSING IS/ YOUR PROPERTY. TO ASSURE / QUALITY OF SERVICE, ALL / WORKING PARTS, e.g., DIAL, / CORDS, AND ELECTRICAL COM- / PONENTS REMAIN THE PROP- / ERTY AND RESPONSIBILITY / OF THE TELEPHONE COMPANY / Western Electric LOUD AMERICAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION / D / 148001 DECO-TEL / Personal Telephones / EL MONTE, CALIFORNIA patent pending / MODEL NO. T-B 2110-T

Keywords	Telephones Communication