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VINTAGE GPO TELEPHONE NO. 328CB -
IVORY BAKELITE - CONVERTED FOR BT PLUG - WORKING.
On offer is a beautiful and increasingly hard-to-find British GPO Telephone No. 328CB in an attractive ivory Bakelite finish, professionally converted for use on the older BT telephone system with a standard BT plug.
This is an original 300-series GPO telephone dating from the mid-20th century. Ivory 300-series GPO telephones are noticeably scarcer than black examples. The 328 was introduced in 1937 and was designed for use on extension plans and private branch exchanges (PABXs), with provision for up to three push-buttons above the dial. This particular phone was issued in 1957.
Sitting in front of the handset
cradle is the ‘
There is a pull-out translucent-fronted directory tray which is another desirable feature. During parts of World War II, the tray was omitted as a material-saving measure and replaced by a blanking plate so having the proper drawer fitted is a positive point.
It also retains its original braided handset cord which is appropriate for the period. The handset is correctly marked 164-57. At some point, the speaker casing has been replaced with a slightly different coloured one and there is a small chip (as shown in pics.14 & 16).
Internally, the phone is exceptionally clean with the twin mechanical bells present as are the induction coil and condenser (fitted in the expected locations). The terminal block wiring is professionally executed and consistent with GPO practice. The circuit diagram on the inside of the base is labelled for 'Telephone No. 328 … minus cord'.
The telephone has been converted for use on a B.T. landline and is fully functional for incoming calls including the classic bell ring. However, for outgoing calls it requires an analogue line that supports pulse dialling. This typically isn’t an issue as most owners use these phones for incoming calls only.
If you would like to make outgoing calls, you can easily resolve this by purchasing a pulse-to-tone converter. These devices convert the phone's pulse signals into tone signals making it compatible with modern systems.
Cosmetically the phone presents extremely well, with a lovely gloss finish and no obvious cracks or chips apart from what has been mentioned above re the handset speaker casing. This issue is reflected in the selling price.
Dimensions: H 15 cms x W 24 cms x D 20 cms.
Weight: 2.6 kgs.
An excellent and desirable example of a classic British Post Office telephone that would make a superb addition to any collection, office, study or period home.
Please view photos carefully and consider them part of the description.
We have a very large collection of Vintage and Novelty telephones which we will list in due course so please keep calling back.
If the item arrives not as described, we will gladly refund your payment.
Will be securely packaged to ensure safe delivery.
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We would be grateful if payment could be made within two days of listing completion.
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