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

Cliff Read signing the Alexander Graham Plane prototype telephone on November 4, 2025.
This prototype was from his personal collection.

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