The popular 300 series bakelite telephone with its built
in bell, was the standard telephone issued by the GPO from 1937 to
1959.
It continued in production for export and private systems until the mid
1960's.
Historical Information
The self contained 332 bakelite telephone design by Ericsson of Beeston
Nottinghamshire, England, was first seen in this country in 1932.
A few were made for private systems, but the breakthrough came, when the
general design was adopted by the GPO in 1937 as a replacement for the 232.
Production ceased for The GPO in 1959, but continued for other customers until
the mid 1960's.
The GPO version incorporated the drawer in the base as used in the 232.
This was potentially a problem as papers in the drawer could
interfere with the bell mechanism. Towards the end of their life, the
drawers were routinely removed and replaced by a blank front.
In the fifties a mark 2 version was introduced with an improved dial,
and slightly modified internals and hand set.
As with the previous GPO telephones, a number of manufacturers made
these to a common design.
Indian 332
It is interesting to note that the Indian version by Indian Telephone
Industries of Bangalore, was still made until
quite recently. They are being imported into this country in large
numbers and are often passed off as British 332's. Externally they look much the same, but the
performance, internals and
quality of construction is
very inferior. I do not buy, sell, restore or maintain Indian
telephones.
There is some controversy, especially among enthusiasts as to whether or not
they are genuine or reproduction telephones. My view is that they are
reproduction as they are made in the style of a British 332. Very few of the
parts are interchangeable with those of a British 332. I also believe that it
was not the intention of Indian Telephone Industries to create a telephone that
would deceive the public here, but the desire to develop an inexpensive
telephone for their local market. Unfortunately, they are frequently passed off
as genuine British telephones on eBay and in many antique shops and antique
fairs. They obviously have a value in their own right, especially some of the
coloured examples which were made in colours and colour combinations unheard of
from British manufacturers.
An analogy would be that a genuine Chippendale chair is just that. A copy made
later could look almost identical but can only be classed as a reproduction as
it can never be the real thing.
Technical Information
The 332 was the successor to the telephone type 232 and bell set 26.
Electrically it was almost identical using many of the same parts. The
only difference was the addition of a 0.1 MFD capacitor in parallel with
the microphone to reduce the risk of radio interference.
The 2.0 MFD ringing capacitor was now connected to the rest of the telephone by very
short leads. This meant that its other function as part of a spark
quench circuit across dial pulse switch was more effective. This
lengthened the life of the dial and reduced interference to nearby radio
sets.
The improved case shape enabled other features such as 'Call Exchange'
button to be fitted. Up to 3 buttons and switches could be installed for
various models and systems.
A more versatile screw fixing terminal block was fitted inside.
The one piece Bakelite case was much more robust and cheaper to make
than the multipart 232.
The Mark 1 continued in production almost unchanged until the 1950's
when the Mark 2 was introduced. This had a roller bearing gravity switch
to alleviate the sticking problems of the previous model. A more
reliable type 12 trigger dial, which was less prone to stick, or
gradually run slow. A type 2P receiver and matching ear cap, was fitted which had
much better acoustic properties than the earlier 1L.
Those made for private systems, and those exported to Portugal were
mostly the Mark 1 type
I prefer payment by all the
usual Credit/Debit Cards.
If you wish to place an order,
or have an enquiry, please read all of this section before trying to contact me.
I much prefer it you to call me (Gavin Payne) by telephone if
you wish to place an order, or have an enquiry. I can be reached during
normal office hours seven days a week. Calls in the evening are not appreciated
and could make me very grumpy. The number is 01245 400601, or if calling
from outside the United Kingdom (44)1245 400601.
Emails to
gp@theoldtelephone.co.uk .
Due to the high levels of spam mail I receive, the spam
filter is at maximum followed by automatic email deletion. Some genuine emails
are being detected as spam and deleted. If you do not receive an answer to an
email in a day or so, please call me on the telephone number above.
By post to
The Old Telephone Company, Battlesbridge Antiques Centre,
Battlesbridge, Essex SS11 7RE.
If you have a telephone in your possession that you want to know
more about, or have repaired or converted, please have it right next to you when
you call. It is not sufficient just to have a note of any markings or to rely on
memory. It may be useful to have a selection of small flat bladed screwdrivers
to hand.
