Analogue telephone (3) - a

Magnificent collectible and vintage telecommunications lot documenting the evolution of telephony in Italy between the 1970s and 1990s, from the domestic landline network to the first historic cellular mobile systems. The lot includes three historic telephones, accompanied by a rich, rare and intact collection of original paper documentation issued at the time by SIP and Telecom Italia.
The lot consists of exactly 3 telephones and their accompanying documentation:

1. SIP “Amico” Mobile Phone (TACS Network – 1996)

• Model: Italtel Amico (marketed under the SIP / Telecom Italia brand).
• Accessories: Original hard carrying case with protective fitted red velvet lining, mains power adapter/battery charger and two battery packs.
• Original documents included:
• Official printed user manual, “SIP Cellular Phone – Amico Model”.
• Official SIP warranty certificate, completed by hand and dated 20/09/1996, including the phone’s E.S.N. identification code.
• Official printed application form for the “TACS Business Mobile Telephone Service” subscription contract (printed May 1995).

2. SIP Car Telephone Handset (GSM Network – 1996)

• Details: Historic, glossy black handset for telephone systems installed in cars. It features the SIP logo printed on the back, an upper display, an integrated alphanumeric keypad and an original coiled cable with plug connector.
• Original documents included:
• Official purchase and activation receipt/invoice issued by Telecom Italia Mobile, dated 20/04/1996, specific to the 900 MHz Mobile Service (GSM Network), with period revenue stamps.
• Original card with the printed secret codes (PIN and PUK unlock codes) and the SIM card’s ICC-ID serial number.
• Official notification letter sent by Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM) in 1998 concerning the precautionary suspension of the line following a cloning incident (an exceptional historical document from the period).
• Original user manual, “EUROGOLD Personal Cellular Phone” (Motorola / Telecom Italia Mobile).

3. GTE Autelco “Starlite” Rotary-Dial Landline Telephone (1970s)

• Manufacturer/Model: GT&E Telecomunicazioni AUTELCO – Starlite model.
• Details: Iconic, elegant vintage beige/sand-colored desk or wall telephone, featuring a distinctive compact design with a transparent rotary dial positioned on top. Its original GTE Autelco production label (Via Bernina 12, Milan) is preserved beneath the metal base. Complete with handset and three-prong line cord.

Condition and notes for collectors

• Appearance: Exceptional vintage condition. The plastic housings have no cracks and the coiled cords are intact. All the paper documentation is remarkably well preserved, clean and perfectly legible, ideal for archival collecting or display.
• Functionality: The items are offered as collectibles and vintage design pieces. The phones have not been electrically tested or tested with current SIM cards; please note that the old mobile frequencies used at the time have been switched off. The lot is therefore being sold for its very high historical, design and documentary value.