A striking vintage black Bakelite rotary telephone with classic British mid-century styling, a chrome alphanumeric dial and a wonderfully sculptural desk form. The centre dial card still carries the old emergency call instruction for fire, police and ambulance via 999, and the handset is stamped 164 49, giving it a great period feel and making it a strong decorative piece as well as a nostalgic talking point.

This is the sort of object that instantly adds character to a study, hallway, office, shop counter or filmic interior. It works especially well in dark academia, old money, retro office and more collected interiors, where one authentic piece can do a lot of the work. The braided cord, glossy black finish and weighty silhouette all add to that proper original look.

Condition is good vintage overall with age-related surface wear, light marks and rubbing consistent with use and age. This example has not been tested by me, so it is being sold as a decorative vintage telephone rather than as a guaranteed working modern-use phone.