GPO Telephone No.162

(Siemens)

1935

This model, the Telephone No.162, was the first 'Hand Combination Set' (the Post Office term for the handset telephone). Made by Siemens Brothers (and called the 'Neophone' by them), it was a breakthrough when introduced in 1929, being very comfortable to use. It was also the first all-plastic telephone to be made (Phenol Formaldahyde, or 'Bakelite' to you and me).It was provided in a mottled walnut brown (extremely rare), then black finish. Chinese red, Jade green and ivory colours were also available but these are not strictly 'Bakelite', being made of the slightly more modern Urea Formaldahyde.

The Tele 162 could replace a Tele 150 (Candlestick) directly, but still required the wall-mounted Bell Set No.1.When provided from new, they were fitted with a wall-mounted Bell Set No.25, or had the bell set moulded beneath the main phone.Some models had a sliding 'cheeseboard' tray in the base for keeping dialing instruction sheets. The final versions had an Anti-Sidetone Induction Coil (ASTIC) fitted to reduce the effect of background noise, and was designated the Telephone No.232.

My example (see picture) is fitted with a black 'Director' dial, distinguishable by the use of numbers and letters, as opposed to numbers only on a Non-Director dial. Director exchanges were for use in large cities (eg. London, Manchester etc.), whereas smaller towns used Non-Director exchanges.