Vintage GPO Linesman Test Telephone, Model 250A
This lot is a vintage GPO Linesman Test Telephone, Model 250A, issued by the General Post Office for use by telephone engineers. It is presented as a portable test unit housed in its own carrying case, with a handset and rotary dial mounted on the top.
The telephone has a black handset with a moulded design and a clear rotary dial set into the centre of the unit. The brown case has a hinged lid, metal latches, a carry strap and a rectangular label marked 250 A and GPO, which identifies the unit as a General Post Office issue. Loose coloured leads in red and blue are stored in the open lid. This type of equipment is of interest to collectors of British telecommunications history and to those who value utilitarian engineering tools from the GPO era.
Condition and Collector Appeal
The case shows general wear, including scuffs and marks to the covering and worn metal fittings, consistent with age and use. A small white paper label with a partly legible date and reference is attached to the lid. The leads are loose and the unit is offered as seen, with no guarantee as to its completeness or operation. Its original GPO markings, case and handset make it a characterful item for collectors of post office equipment, telephone memorabilia and vintage workshop or industrial pieces.
