1977 Northern Telecom Alexander Graham Plane

1977 Northern Telecom Alexander Graham Plane Early Pre-Production Field Trial Prototype.

A low-production of 1000 phones or less built in 1977 on temporary soft aluminum tooling line before full production changes were made.

Designed by BNR Industrial Designers Cliff Read & John F. Tyson.

As Received August 30th 2025
From the private collection of BNR Industrial Designer Cliff Read.

This early sample differs from production models:

  • Single switch hook plunger vs. dual
  • No number card window
  • No counterbalance weights in the tail
  • Unmarked lower body
  • Glossy paper dial card vs production matte paper
  • Lower front body moulding fitment off

Canadian Patent # 42979 July 20th 1977.
All the parts are original and are date-matched:

  • Dial: 1977
  • Handset (upper & lower): 1977
  • Handset cord: 1977
  • Transmitter: May 10, 1977
  • Receiver: May 11, 1977
  • Ringer: May 1977
  • Network: 1977
  • Line cord: 1976

Dismantled

Pre-Production Dates

Cleaned and Refurbished

Canadian and USA Patent for the Northern Telecom
1977 Alexander Graham Plane Phone.

1977 Pre-production Field Trial / Prototype
VS
1979 Final Production Model

Gloss VS Matte

Fit and Fitment