Telephone Network

Bell Model 500

This is The Telephone. You butt-dial your slab of glass and your confused friend hears a "ring" because this thing has an actual dial and two big, swinging, brass, bells. For decades, there was one phone company, and there was one phone, this one. That weird little icon for answering or hanging up calls on your smartphone or on Zoom? It's the handset on this. That phone in an old movie? Chances are, it's this. Originally available in any color you wanted as long as it was black, they eventually brought out other options, like this ivory example. This one was made in 1983 by ITT Inc. under license from Ma Bell. eBay find.