I own an advertising specialty company - now in our 45th year I am happy to report - and worked in the industry for many years prior to establishing my own firm.   For many years my best client was what was formerly known as "The Bell System".   Of course after Judge Green's ruling, divestiture occurred and it was later broken up into what was generally called the "Baby Bells" - and later morphed into many variations.

So over the years we worked very closely with Western Electric, AT&T, Southern Bell, Bellsouth,  Lucent Technologies, OFS, Avaya, etc.   I collected many over-run samples, one-or-a-kind spec samples, and the likes.   I am now selling much of that collection via eBay.  

I have been searching through old samples and over-runs of orders I sold to various Bell System entities.    And I do have many such samples.

Here are 6 different such examples of coffee mugs we sold to Southern Bell in the 1980's.

What the fortunate purchaser will receive:
*   Southern Bell was big on attendance awards, especially for directory assistance.  In the 1970's we did a program for them that incorporated a very nice white porcelain mug and a cast metal medallion.   Creating the cast medallion was a bit pricey, and not feasible to do a design with different years.   To solve the problem, the medallion was created with a small raised area where an individual year could be engraved.   We - and by we I mean me - had the mugs shipped to our office.   As attendance mugs were needed, S.B. would call with years and numbers.   I would then use our little Hermes hand engraving machine to add the correct year.   Frankly, it was very time consuming, but the finished mug was impressive.   Here is one awaiting the year inscription.   The porcelain mug is 8 ounces with a full three finger handle.
*   Yet another Perfect Attendance mug was done for a division called "GNOC / FMAC".   I don't recall what that stood for.   Southern Bell was as bad as the military when using acronyms.  (See related military story below).  The ceramic mug is of the 8 ounce version, two finger grip.
*   Another example using an acronym was done for Southern Bell's Major Accounts Reporting Center.   It is 10 ounces and two finger grip - with different two side copy.
*   And one more sample using an acronym is the mug we did for Southern Bell's "MICUP".   And no, I do not recall what it stood for, but you must admit it really lends itself to using the coffee mug to promote.   It is a 10 ounce version with a cute and functional handle.
*   This Directory Assistance Attendance award was presented to employees with two years perfect attendance.   This nice mug is in fine English porcelain and kiln fired for permanency.  It is a 10 ounce size mug.
*   And one last Southern Bell mug using an acronym is this example in Cobalt Blue English porcelain.   "MPS3" stood for something, but I no longer recall just what.   As indicated by my photo, this mug was presented in 1984 - December 9, 1984 to be exact - to kick off the program.   The decoration is fired in 23kt gold and therefore should not be used in the microwave.   The size is 10 ounces.

As indicated, these were order over-run samples from long ago.   However, while old, all are in outstanding condition as you can see from my photos.   None have ever been used.   A very rare find for sure.

A great opportunity for anyone who was affiliated with Southern Bell or perhaps collects old telephone memorabilia.    They will be well packed to insure safe arrival.

From a smoke free, pet free climate controlled environment.

Only $36.00 for everything and you will also receive a few additional telephone related advertising surprise samples to boot!!!   PLUS you will receive a free personalized hand drawn in ink cartoon "Thank You" note!

I will be listing more of my telephone related items along with other old advertising pieces.

With 1550+ feedback's and 100% positive responses you can buy from me with confidence!   For my international buyers, contact me for details.

Thanks for looking...

P.S. - Somewhat military related story ///   
In addition to acronyms, the military was big on employing code names for operations.   In 1970 as a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant I was assigned to Fort Riley Kansas to serve as the S-4 for an Engineer Group.   At the time former President Harry Truman was still alive and living in Missouri.   Several military installations in the area were to be tasked with the funeral of President Truman should he pass away.   Fort Riley was one of the primary facilities to be used.

As expected, there was a comprehensive, detailed strategy in place to serve as a contingency plan for when this occurred.   The operation order was code named "Operation Garden Plot" - and I swear this it true!   Every incoming officer to Fort Riley was provided a copy of the order and expected to memorize it so all would be immediately prepared should this event occur.

And I think I can say on behalf of every officer at Fort Riley that we certainly hoped that President Truman would not expire while we were there.   Such an event had the possibility of harming a person's career should you screw something up...

Fortunately the Prez did not succumb until I had departed Fort Riley for the "safety" of Vietnam...