atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems Antique Telephones Old Switchboard

I have a relative who has an antique switchboard. I haven't seen it first hand, and don't want to waste my time if it is not worth anything. I was told it is the kind you would see where the operator answers the call and transfers by plugging in cords (similar to a guitar cord ) to different ports on the board. Would this be something worth putting up for sale? If it is something of interest to someone, I could drive out to the country and take some pictures of it. I just don't want to waste a lot of time and energy if it's only worth a few bucks. Thanks for any replies

There are two clubs, the Antique Telephone Collectors Association (ATCA) and the Telephone Collectors International (TCI) that have members all over the country. They would be very interested in the switchboard.

If your relative can talk to you over the phone and give you some basic information, that would save you a trip.

On the front of most, if not all, models of Western Electric switchboards, there is a card with operating instructions. On these cards, there is the model number of the board. The numbers always start with the digits 55x, unless it is a very old (700-series) or very recent (1970's ...608 model) board. For instance, 550, 551, 552, 555, 556, 557, etc.

If it's not a WE board, it would be good to know who made it.

If you can, also find out how many jacks for trunks (usually along the bottom of the jack field) and how many extensions (above the trunk jacks). That would also help identify it. Knowing where it was installed, if possible, also can help. Was it from a hotel, factory, old telephone company central office, answering service...etc?

Is there anyone in the area who can take and transmit a digital photo to you via email?

Not to get your hopes up (or down)...these boards are not as rare as some people assume, but they can fetch prices in the $250 to $500 range for not-so-rare ones.

I have several boards, (my opinion is "several"... my wife's opinion is unprintable) so I'm not personally interested in getting another one, but feel free to send me an email (address in my profile) and we'll talk about it.

Thanks for the info Arthur. $250 - $500 is worth making a trip to take pictures and get model numbers, ect. I will update this post once completed. Thanks again

What blunts the top value of this sort of thing is the cost to ship it.

If the ups guy cant put his arms around it and lift it, its gonna be more expensive to send. I've jumped in the truck to go pick something up a state or so over a few times myself.

Thats why, for instance, tabletop antique radios have a much more vigorus trade than floor model radios unless it's particularlly rare one such as a Zenith Stratosphere.

That said, I have little doubt that you will have any problem selling it at a reasonable price. If you are in SC, I'd be interested myself, I live near Columbia. Go Cocks!