Unusual and historically interesting vintage telecommunications service equipment lot, featuring two Northern Telecom rotary dial Lineman’s Butt Set test phones housed in an American Express–marked wooden storage box, with original paper ephemera included.
(2) Northern Telecom rotary dial Lineman’s Butt Set test phones, marked 1967
(1) wooden storage box marked American Express Co., Lake Oswego, N.Y.
(1) laminated typed document related to the Knights of Columbus, included as found
The handsets appear to be Northern Telecom Lineman’s Butt Set test phones (often simply called “butt sets”). These are not consumer telephones, but professional telecommunications test instruments used by linemen and field technicians to test, troubleshoot, and diagnose telephone lines and networks.
They feature a classic rotary dial design and were commonly used to:
Check line connectivity
Verify dialing and signal presence
Assist in troubleshooting telephone systems during installation or repair
The units are marked Northern Telecom and dated 1967, representing durable, professional-grade telecom equipment from the mid-20th century.
⚠️ Functionality is unknown. These units are untested and are being sold as collectible, display, research, or restoration items only.
The wooden storage box shows age, wear, and patina consistent with long-term industrial or institutional use. It bears an American Express Co., Lake Oswego, New York, marking. The exact relationship between the box, the telecom equipment, and the documents is unknown. The lot is offered exactly as found.
A laminated typed document related to activities within the Knights of Columbus is included. The document appears biographical and organizational in nature and is included solely as accompanying ephemera found with the equipment. It is not authenticated and is not being sold as personal memorabilia of any individual.
Sold as-is, untested
Handsets show cosmetic wear consistent with age and professional use
Cords, clips, and components present (see photos)
Wooden box shows wear, patina, and age-related marks
No cleaning or restoration attempted
Please review all photos carefully — they are part of the description.
Vintage telecom and industrial equipment collectors
Lineman / telephone history enthusiasts
Corporate or communications history collections
Film, television, or theater prop departments
Display, research, or restoration projects