FAQ's

Here is our position on some of the frequently asked questions that have been posed to us in the past.

 "Original": It is impossible for us to warrant whether or not the parts that are currently found on each of our phones or other antiques are "the ones that came on the phone originally."  Many references are available which show the evolution of phone parts that were used on wooden wall phones over the years; often, the original equipment failed, and repairs had to be made "in the field."  Often, these phones were acquired into our collection in this "repaired" condition of which I speak. Our phones and other antiques are for sale as pictured on the website and as put forth in the text description which accompanies each phone.   Please acquaint yourself with the “expected features” on each item before making an offer. 

 "Good working order": When each antique telephone was acquired into our collection, each "ringer circuit" was tested and put into order (or back into order); each phone "rings" when the crank is operated.  None of the voice circuits on the antique telephones have been tested, and we do not have the necessary equipment to test them.   The only phones that we have that would be an exception to this policy statement would be some of the newer “modern” phones.  In these cases, it will state in the text description that the phone has been tested and that it rings and works for both incoming and outgoing calls.

"Can I come and see the warehouse":  We are not conducting “tours of the warehouse” at this time.   You are welcome to browse the website, pick out some phones in which you are interested, and send us your list; we will be happy to "fish them out of the warehouse" so that you may inspect them to your satisfaction, at our “viewing salon” (another location besides the warehouse).   It is logistically impossible to invite visitors to the "warehouse."  

"Would there be any possible way to bend the rules about customers 'touring' the warehouse?": One problem that we have encountered, is that once visitors have entered "the warehouse," they usually forget all about what they came to look at in their amazement at the number and quality of items on display.  A second problem, is that we must then engage a "Warehouse Proctor" (usually my busy-self or overworked-sister Jan) to give this guided tour of "The Warehouse" (which usually lasts for a number of hours).  A third problem is that not all of the items are accessible and viewable at this time; we call the warehouse "the stacks" for a reason...... Visitors are invariably drawn to the phones which are least accessible. 

This is our policy:

1.    You specify the phones that you would like to preview.

2.   These phones will be transported to an "off site location" where you may preview the items.

3.     We accept cash, cashier's checks, or money orders for these "walk in" sales.

If you fly here, and don't desire to take the phones back on the plane with you, we can box the phones and ship them to you via UPS ground service, again at your expense. (this has proven to be a fairly reasonable method; maybe (this is estimation, obviously,) $30 or so per phone to ship it)