The beginning of “express yourself” phones…

Submitted by MyFunCloset November 13th, 2010
Certifikitsch Winner

Just after the standard black rotary phone came this lemon yellow touch tone button phone, dated 1968. It was the beginning of “express yourself” in the telephone world. “Not for sale” was imprinted into the receiver. The ATT monopoly had control over our limited colors to choose from. Yes, I bought this yesterday. Just needs a bit of clean up. Now it glows.

5 Responses to “The beginning of “express yourself” phones…”

  1. Allee Willis

    I LOVE these phones. I have the exact same one in bright orange and still in the original box.

    I remember how excited I was when pushbutton phones first came out. We had a bunch of them. My favorite one was turquoise. I do love it in lemon yellow and I’m so happy you brought it.

    I still wish phones had a place for the phone number like this one does.

  2. Nessa

    Ahhh, I miss phones like this. I went to buy a new phone and they were all hideous. I left with a cheap ugly phone and feeling very disappointed… I have one like this but alas it’s only boring beige. I had a yellow wall phone but it broke =(

    (Also can I complain about how annoying phone rings are now? These things sound much better)

    • MyFunCloset

      Nessa, keep a keen eye out for these old phones at rummage sales. To the folks who run these sales, it’s just an old useless piece of junk. Why would anyone want a clunky land phone in bright yellow? Ah, that’s what makes it so special when we find one in color!

      • Nessa

        Yeah, I haven’t seen too many at yard sales, I do see them at antique shops (!), but if they are any kind of interesting color they are usually ridiculously overpriced… I’m sure I’ll find some good ones sooner or later..