This 1968 Northern Electric Deep Blue Contempra field-trial phone #1096 is one of approximately 1,000 early sets produced for field trials before full production began. These early phones were made using temporary tooling while the high-production tooling was still being developed.
Several details distinguish this example from later production models. The base components are dated 1968, the body carries a Northern Electric logo registered in 1967, and the metal base features a copyrighted Contempra logo. It also has a notched ringer-volume control rather than the lever-style control used on later models.
The phone was signed by John F. Tyson, the Contempra designer, inventor and patent holder, on August 25, 2026. The Old Telephone Room page includes detailed photographs comparing the field-trial phone with a production model, along with dated components and a May 1968 Telesis magazine article.
This 1968 Northern Electric Field Trial Contempra #1096 is one of those early production sets and has no patent dates. The base components are dated 1968, while the handset plastics have no date codes or other markings on the inside.
The metal base features the copyrighted Contempra logo, unlike the Northern Electric logo moulded into the bases of later production models.
A Northern Electric logo, with a registered date of 1967, is embossed on the face of the body rather than the Contempra logo found on later versions.
A tiny 1967 date is also moulded into the inside of the body.
Another distinguishing feature is the ringer volume control. On this early field-trial model, the control is notched, whereas later production Contempra Phones used a lever-style control.
Photos of differences on this Field Trial phone vs Production phone.
Dated Parts
Metal Base Comparison: Field trial left vs Production right
Signed by the Designer
This 1968 Field Trial Contempra Phone was signed by John F. Tyson on August 25, 2026 the designer, inventor, and patent holder of the Contempra Phone.
My sincere thanks and appreciation goes out to John Tyson for taking the time to sign this Contempra phone.
In The Display Case.
Below information taken from article in the May 1968 Telesis Magazine.
Link to Contempra Phone PDF article below.
