During the early 1900s the technology and cosmetic designs for the telephone were advancing at a rapid pace, but some people thought the new high-tech machines were unattractive.
Manufacturers addressed these concerns and offered the public Hide-A-Phones‚ in an attempt to conceal the new and “too modern” looking candlestick telephones in decorative cases. This example – modelled as a classic Art Deco motif depicting two figures supporting a globe – rose to a premium inclusive DM9013 (£3100).
Phones ’aint what they used to be
GERMANY: Telecommunication items sold at Auction Team Breker in Cologne included another great rarity: a Telefon-Globe Hide-A-Phone‚ manufactured c.1928.
