retro phone, vintage phone

Retro Phones

Consumer electronics today may be rather bland design-wise, but back in the day they had flare! Televisions, radios, kitchen appliances and telephones are just a few of the machines that experienced some major design revolutions over the years. Made in an array of materials including metal, Bakelite, porcelain, and plastic, retro phones come in a variety of styles to compliment any retro decor. For the early 1900s until 1930s retro home, candlestick phones (also called pedestal phones or tulip phones) may be the most period-accurate design for you. From the 40s onward many vintage phone styles were in use, including wall phones and desk phones, so you have many more options. One of the most searched for retro style phones is the princess phone, with it’s simple, sleek lines that are so telling of mid-century American design. Many novelty phones such as the circular Sculptura donut phone and Swedish designed Ericofon match 60s and 70s decor.

Here are a few more snazzy, retro inspired phone suggestions:

1940's retro desk phone

Retro desk phone – 40s style desk phone available in black, ivory, silver.

1930's retro desk phone

Ultra retro desk phone – 30s style desk phone available in black, ivory, chrome, red.

retro princess phone

Retro princess phone – Smaller kid’s sized princess phone available in baby blue, pink, yellow, chrome.

retro princess phone

Retro Princess phone – Standard sized princess phone available in blue, pink, yellow, chrome.

Bluetooth Retro Phone Handset

Bluetooth Retro Handset – A ThinkGeek exclusive, this wireless Bluetooth retro phone handset looks rad and sounds great.

1950's retro payphone

Retro payphones – 50’s classic payphone style available in red, black, and chrome.

If a retro cell phone is what you’re after, Hulger (formerly called "Pokia") is the original. You can even build your own DIY retro cell phone handset. Retro cordless phones (for landlines) are also available, but styles are pretty limited. Like most non-clothing vintage items, retro and vintage phones are easiest to find online. There are a few online stores that sell refurbished and reproduction retro phones at a hefty price (some at $300+), but eBay is always the leader as far as selection and value go.

You can get the best deals on Retro Phones on eBay:
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Job Lot 475 Badges 25mm Button/Pin Mobile Phone, Retro

US $16.70 (2 Bids)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 14:09:56 PDT
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VINTAGE INARCO E-1020 BABY GIRL HOLDING PHONE HEADVASE

US $2.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 14:23:18 PDT
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VINTAGE WOOD DUCK PHONE MTV JERSEY SHORE

US $40.00 (6 Bids)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 14:32:30 PDT
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Western Electric vintage black wall phone,rotory dial

US $9.88 (1 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 14:33:24 PDT
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VINTAGE BARBIE UNDERPRINTS # 1685 WITH HTF PHONE

US $5.99 (1 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 14:43:56 PDT
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Vintage Princess French Provincial Rotary Phone Ivory

US $9.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 14:48:18 PDT
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Western Electric 1930’s Vintage Space Saver G1*2 Phone

US $29.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 14:58:35 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $65.00
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MOBIRA SENATOR VINTAGE BRICK CELL PHONE – VERY RARE

US $102.50 (3 Bids)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 14:59:07 PDT
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Vintage Easel Valentine’s Day Card Phone Operator

US $2.99 (2 Bids)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 15:05:29 PDT
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MOTOROLA DYNATAC 8000X VINTAGE BRICK CELL PHONE RETRO

US $60.99 (13 Bids)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 15:10:08 PDT
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VINTAGE SIGNAL CORPS US ARMY PHONE-NORTH ELECTRIC MFG

US $9.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 15:10:35 PDT
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VINTAGE BLACK ROTARY PHONE MONOPHONE NICE

US $9.99 (1 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 15:12:54 PDT
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MOTOROLA DYNATAC 8000X VINTAGE BRICK CELL PHONE RETRO

US $58.00 (12 Bids)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 15:17:12 PDT
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4 Art Prints Antique Vintage Photo/Typewriter/Phone

US $14.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 15:19:02 PDT
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SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS i PHONE/TOUCH CASE RETRO FLOWERS

US $195.00
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 15:23:01 PDT
Buy It Now for only: US $195.00
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MOTOROLA DYNATAC 8000S VINTAGE BRICK CELL PHONE RETRO

US $20.45 (11 Bids)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 15:29:32 PDT
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OKI CDL-100 VINTAGE BRICK CELL PHONE RETRO AMPS RARE

US $5.51 (4 Bids)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 15:36:14 PDT
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VINTAGE ROTARY DIAL FRENCH PROVINCIAL PHONE

US $9.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 15:39:58 PDT
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VINTAGE MOTOROLA SCN2462A MOBILE BAG PHONE / MANUAL NR

US $9.95 (1 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 15:45:05 PDT
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RETRO Motorola T720i FLIP MOBILE PHONE + CASE UNLOCKED

US $1.49 (2 Bids)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 16:04:00 PDT
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