Bakelite 232 Telephones Insides missing

WARNING, with reference rare 232 British Bakelite telephones like the one in the photograph below there has been a recent trend in a very worrying practice performed by some telephone restorers in the UK. This can be expensive to put right, potentially costing in excess of £60 in labour costs alone. Please see Bakelite 232 Telephone Problem Details

Bakelite 232 Telephone (No Bell Set)

I would urge you to check with whoever you are buying your telephone from that they are not doing this to the telephones as part of the restoration process.

If the speech quality of your 232 telephone is not as good as you think it should be check inside your telephone to make sure you don't have this problem first.

This removal of vital components degrades the speech quality of these telephones by approximately 75%. The telephone will still appear to work however the sound quality, usability, and compatibility with the telephone exchange is significantly reduced.

UPDATE--

It has also been pointed out to me by a colleague that this removal will also cause permanent damage (over time) to the original telephone ear receiver, due to constant DC polarization.

Fitting a British Ericsson Bakelite Black N1071 model Wall phone

Fitting old British Bakelite wall telephones from the 1940's and 1950's can be tricky if you don't know how. This article has been put together to explain the easiest way to fit these classic N1071 model old telephones.

Step 1: Using a flat bladed screwdriver loosen the Bakelite telephone case retaining screw (it only needs loosening not removing). See below.

Step 2: The Bakelite case of the telephone should now hinge out from the metal base of the telephone as shown below.

 This gives easy access to the metal base.

The Base (or wall plate) has three mounting points.

Step 3: Using a pencil mark the wall through these three holes (one at the top and two at the bottom). Making sure the wall plate is level.

Tip: This is a lot easier if you use help, get one person to hold the weight of the Bakelite telephone while you position and mark the holes.

Step 4: Drill the marked holes and use the appropriate screws and if needed raw-plugs for the type wall you as fastening it to.

Step 5: Once the wall plate is securely fastened to the wall, you can simply close the case (making sure you do not trap the wires) and gently re-tighten the case retaining screw as in step1.

You can now make test calls to your Vintage Telephone and make sure it rings correctly etc.