The Ambassador Telephone

BT's next generation telephone concept was to produce a standard telephone for the 1980s. It was marketed under the name Ambassador and was the first telephone design to work with the new plug and socket telephone connection. The idea was to produce a modern equivalent of the 700 series which could be easily adapted into a range of different versions and applications.

Ambassador 8100R

This is one of the first Ambassador models produced and features a rotary dial with recall button. This yellow example was manufactured PYE, Aidre (GNA) in 1981 (81/1). The side recess designed to make the telephone easy to hold and carry can be readily seen in this photograph.

Ambassador 8204R

This example of the Ambassador in brown is a mark 2, reduced cost version and was manufactured by PYE, Aidre (GNA) in 1983 (83/1). Viewed from this angle the recess intended to make the telephone easy to handle and pick up can be seen.

Ambassador 8204R

This cream version of the Ambassador is a Mark 2 - reduced cost version - manufactured by Pye, Aidre, (GNA) in 1984 (84/1).

Ambassador 8204R

This grey version of the Ambassador is a Mark 2 - reduced cost version - manufactured by Pye, Aidre, (GNA) in 1984 (84/1).

Ambassador 8551

The version of the Ambassador was designed to be used on the BT Ambassador telephone system. This example in cream was manufactured by GEC-AEI Telecommunications, Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham (GEN) in 1985 (85/1)

The Viscount Telephone

The Viscount range of telephones were developed by STC as their new electronic telephone and introduced in 1982.

9501 Viscount Telephone

This is an early version of the Viscount - identifiable by the 10 number keypad without any extra buttons. This ice grey version was manufactured by the Standard Telephone Company, Belfast, Northern Ireland (STM) in 1982.

9511R Viscount Telephone

A later model of the Viscount featuring a 12 number keypad. The additional buttons provided a secrecy (S) button that cut-out the microphone and a MR button which provided a last number re-dial function. This orange version was manufactured by the Standard Telephone Company, Belfast, Northern Ireland (STM).

9511R Viscount Telephone

Another example of the 9511R, 12 number keypad Viscount; this time in red. Manufactured by the Standard Telephone Company, New Southgate, London (STC).

9511R Viscount Telephone

This example of the 9511R in beige is also supplied with a wall mounting bracket. Manufactured by the Standard Telephone Company, New Southgate, London (STC).

9511R Viscount Telephone

Another example of the 9511R, 12 number keypad Viscount, this time in green. It was manufactured by the Standard Telephone Company, Belfast, Northern Ireland (STM), in 1985 (85).

9631AR Viscount Telephone

This is a Viscount Super 4 Telephone which offered additional features. The button at the top of the telephone provided an on-hook amplifier. A four number memory could be stored by pressing the MS button followed by a number 1-4 and then activated by using the MR button. The N button provided a last number redial function. This memory is retained through the use of internal batteries. This beige model was manufactured by the Standard Telephone Company, Belfast, Northern Ireland (STM).

The Viscount Telephone

Shown here are three examples of the Viscount telephone. On the left is the basic 9501 model with the 10 digit numeric keypad. In the middle is a model 9511 with the added secrecy and last number re-dial buttons. Finally, on the right is model 9631 with the full 15 key keypad.

The Statesman Telephone

The Statesman started out life as the Inexpensive Telephone developed by GEC, Plessey and Pye. It was a simplified version of the Ambassador and became one of the most successful customer telephones of the 1980s.

Statesman versions

Shown here are three examples of the Statesman telephone in brown. On the left is a model 9001 with its basic numeric keypad; in the middle is model 9003R which provides the additional Recall button; and finally on the right is model 9101R which has the additional star and hash keys.

Statesman 9001

This is the most basic version of the Statesman with no additional features other than a standard ten digital keypad. This brown model was manufactured by Pye, Aidre (GNA) in 1983 (83/1).

Statesman 9003 R

This blue version of the Statesman is a model 9003R which was manufactured by Plessey at their Beeston factory in Nottinghamshire (EET) in 1983 (83 Nov).

Statesman 9101R

This brown version of the Statesman is model 9101R fitted with the additional star and hash keys. It was manufactured by Pye, Aidre (GNA) in 1983 (83/1).

Statesman 9003R

This cream version of the Statesman is a model 9003 which included a recall button for use on private exchanges. It was manufactured by Plessey at their Beeston factory in Nottinghamshire (EET) in 1984.

Statesman 9003 R

This maroon version of the Statesman is a model 9003R which included a recall button for use on private exchanges. It was manufactured by Pye, Aidre (GNA) in 1985.

Statesman 9003R

This brown version of the Statesman is a model 9003R which was manufactured by GEC-AEI Telecommunications, Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham (GEN) in 1985 (85/1)

Statesman 9003R

This grey version of the Statesman is a model 9003R which was manufactured by Plessey at their Beeston factory in Nottinghamshire (EET) in 1985 (85-09)

Statesman 9040 R

This grey version of the Statesman is a model 9040R which is a basic model with the added feature of a last number re-dial (LR). This example was manufactured by GEC-AEI Telecommunications, Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham (GEN) in 1986 (86/1)

Statesman 9040 R

This cream version of the Statesman is a model 9040R which is a basic model with the added feature of a last number re-dial (LR). This example was manufactured by GEC-AEI Telecommunications, Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham (GEN) in 1986 (86/1).

The Genie

The "Genie" Telephone

This version of the Genie is in Peach. It was manufactured for BT by A.P. Besson Ltd - Hove, Sussex (DAE) in 1983 (83/1). It also carries the Telephone Special Range marking TSR8022A.

The 'Genie' Telephone

Originally manufactured by the American Telecommunications Corporation (ATC) of El Monte, California. It was released in the UK as part of the Telephone Special Range as number 8023, Genie, in 1983. Although the keypad is arranged in the form of a dial, it actually a push button telephone with last number re-dial and had electronic tone ringer, not a bell.

The Tribune Telephone

The Tribune range was introduced by BT in the mid 1980s. Its compact design featured a push button keypad and a traditional bell ringer or tone caller. It was offered in three main ranges 94xx, 98xx and 99xx.

9804AR Tribune Telephone

The Enhanced Tribune Telephone provided a neon light to show incoming calls and an amplified receiver with adjustable volume control. They were also fitted with an adjustable bell. This grey version was manufactured by Denis Ferranti Meters Ltd (DFM) and became available in 1988.

9810AR Tribune Telephone

This Enhanced Tribune Telephone is a modified version of the 9804AR offering a higher degree of receiver amplification. This white version was manufactured by Denis Ferranti Meters Ltd (DFM) and became available in 1988.

The Tremolo Telephone

9701 Tremolo Telephone

Manufactured by Northern Telecom, the Tremolo was introduced in 1988. It provided a last number re-dial and secrecy button.

9701 Tremolo Telephone

The Tremolo was introduced in 1988 as a standard residential telephone. This model in grey was manufactured by STC Consumer Electronics, Cwmcarn, Wales (FWG).

The React Telephone

BT Tele 5012AR React Push Button Telephone

This is the basic model in the React range. It provides secrecy and last number re-dial plus private exchange functions such as recall. The React range was introduced in 1990.

BT Tele 5013AR React Push Button Telephone

This is a model React 120 with 20 address buttons for pre-stored numbers. It was introduced in 1990.

The Vanguard Telephone

The Vanguard model was introduced in the early -1990s as the main customer rental telephone. They provided last number re-dial and secrecy functions and could be switched between pulse or touch tone dialling.

4001AR Vanguard Telephone

This basic model of the Vanguard is presented in charcoal grey and was manufactured by STC Consumer Electronics, Cwmcarn, Wales (FWG) in 1992.

4001AR Vanguard Telephone

This basic model of the Vanguard is presented in polar white and was manufactured by STC Consumer Electronics, Cwmcarn, Wales (FWG) in 1992.

4001AR Vanguard Telephone

Another example of the 4001AR Vanguard basic model in polar white. It was manufactured by STC Consumer Electronics, Cwmcarn, Wales (FWG) in 1992.

4003AR Vanguard Telephone

This 4003AR model of the Vanguard is presented in polar white and was fitted with an inductive coupler. This is compatible with behind-the-ear hearing aids when these are switched to the 'T' position. It was manufactured by STC Consumer Electronics, Cwmcarn, Wales (FWG) in 1992.

4005 Vanguard 10E

The Vanguard 10E provides the following additional features over a standard Vanguard, on hook dialling (with switchable Monitor volume), 10 dedicated memory keys (24 digits) and latching secrecy button in 1992.

The Relate Telephone

BT Relate 100

The Relate 100 was introduced in 1992. It featured a Secrecy Button (with LED), last number redial, ringer volume control (Hi/Lo/Off), and touch tone dialling. The Relate 100 provided the added feature of a pen tray on the right hand side of the case.

BT Relate 300

The Relate 300 was introduced in 1992. It featured a Secrecy Button (with LED), last number redial, ringer volume control (Hi/Lo/Off), and touch tone dialling. This model provided the additional features of full hands-free operation, 20 quick dial keys, and an LCD panel with clock and call timer.

BT Relate 2000 Videophone

This Relate 2000 videophone was the first one BT made commercially available, in the 1990s. It promised callers the chance to see, and be seen by, the person they were talking to. It features a flip-up screen on the right, where the video played. They were available for £500. The colour Liquid Crystal Display is a 2.9" screen which displays the incoming video signal at a rate of 8 frames per second. If the picture is unclear due to line noise or other interference, the rate may be slowed to 3-4 frames per second. Unfortunately picture quality generally proved to be poor and the videophone was not popular.

The Converse Telephone

BT Converse 100

The Converse range of telephones were introduced for this business market. This Converse 100 model was introduced in 1994. It features a recall button which allows incoming calls to be transferred to another user via a company's private telephone exchange.

BT Converse 100

The Converse range of telephones were introduced for this business market. This red Converse 100 model was introduced in 1994. It features a recall button which allows incoming calls to be transferred to another user via a company's private telephone exchange.

BT Converse 400

Launched in 1997 the Converse 400 was intended to replace the Relate and Vanguard ranges with the Converse being intended for business use.

BT Converse 120 Push Button Telephone

The Converse 120 is a basic function telephone for the business market. Introduced in 2001 it features an illuminated incoming call indicator, recall, redial and secrecy functions.

Converse 125

The Converse 125 was launched in 2003 and is a basic telephone with call indicator light and ringer volume control. It has the added benefit of a data port for the direct connection of a modem.

BT Converse 1200 Push Button Telephone

Introduced in 2007, the BT Converse 1200 is a desk telephone with hands-free operation, and the provision of ports for an external headset and data connection. It can store 10 numbers accessed via the individual buttons on the right hand side of the unit. This memory is able to retain its contents for 3 minutes without power. It also has recall, redial and secrecy buttons, a ring indicator and volume controls.

The Decor Telephone

Decor 200

The Decor range of telephones was launched with the Decor 100 in 1999. This is a Decor 200 in yellow which was released in 2000. It featured a 13 number memory, a LCD to show the number dialled, re-dial and batteries which allowed the number memory to be retained for 4 hours when unplugged from the telephone network.

Decor 310

The Decor 310 was released in 2003. It features an extended LCD that displays the time and date, the number being dialled including the name of the person if you have entered this into the memory, a voice message alert icon, battery status and the number of an incoming call if the user has subscribed to BT's Caller Display service. It includes re-dial, and hands free operation with separate volume control. A total of 30 numbers together with names can be stored in the memory and organised within directory groups, each of which can be differentiated by a different ringer tone. In addition it provides an alarm clock function and automatically records the time and duration of all calls.

Decor 1100

The Decor 1100 was released in 2005. It can store up to 13 numbers accessed through 3 one-touch memory buttons and the remaining 10 accessed using a memory button and numeric keypad. It has a last number re-dial and a "1571" button that flashes if a voicemail has been received on the BT 1571 service. It requires four AA batteries for power.