706

The telephone 706 first introduced in 196x.  It came in seven colours which became the GPO standard colours until the early 80’s.  Probably the first affordable range of colours for subscribers.

A robust instrument that had provision for one button, which could be for bell on/off, call exchange, call main, recall etc.

It had a matching dial with an almost impossible to get at dial insert, the cover being easily damaged unless you knew how to get them out.

Black still being the standard colour in the beginning, but  two tone grey soon took on the business market, with most business apparatus following the two tone grey theme.  This remained so right up to the early eighties.

Wall conversion was possible, but not usual and a carrying handle was later available, though the plastic handles where not as robust as the chrome ones.  Some models came with a metal dial in the early years of the 706 and the later refurbished models came with the clear plastic dial.

One of my pet hates for telephones is the receiver being place with the cord to the right.

It’s simple, you answer with your left hand leaving your right hand free to dial and take notes.  This saves you the bother of changing hands and also stops your receiver cord from getting tangled up.

Your only excuse is being left handed....

Telephone 706 available in the following colours.

Black - Ivory- Two Tone Grey - Laquer Red - Topaz Yellow - Concord Blue and Two Tone Green.

The early models made of DIAKON (polymethyl methacrylate) have held their colour well, but they are far to easily damaged, ABS plastic, used later, being much more durable.