This fine and original Heemaf type 1931 was advertised for not too much money. I saw at once that this was an example with a PTT logo on the side, instead of the more usual RT logo of the Rijkstelefoondienst. Well, I did not have one of those yet!
Once it arriver it turned out that this telephone was in complete and original condition. Usually some parts have been replaced over the years with more modern ones, but this one still had everything original: capacitor, dial, handset, caps, even the handset cord.
That makes this telephone a great study object and a good candidate to describe on my website.
The handset is of the sort with a decorative ledge on the top, in the shape of an hour glass. It is made by Siemens & Halske, who provided more parts for Heemaf telephones in this period.
The receiver cap and retaining ring for the transmitter cap also have a decorative ridge along the side. Older variants of these have smooth sides. The receiver has a date code for 1935.
The dial has a fingerwheel made of nickel plated brass, underneath which is the number ring with circels around the numbers. The dial was made by Siemens & Halske too.
The insides are complete and original too. The capacitor even has the year 1936 on it. Please note the original cloth cord with original rubber protection sleeve. This rubber part is shaped in such a way that it also acts as a strain relief. Older versions with a braided cord, have a small metal bracket as a strain relief.
To my regret there is a lot of corrosion and the original paint is too far gone to restore. I will have to decide whether I am going use this phone as a source of parts or if I am going to respray it.
The back of the telephone is still in very good condition. Please note the line cord. It is an old, 2 wire, twisted cloth covered cord. Probably not original to the phone, but will come in very handy to restore a desk telephone.
Leave a Reply