I own a specialty advertising 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 most of our time in business my best client was what was formerly known as "The Bell System".   Of course after divestiture 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.  

Here is a collection of over-run samples of items I sold to Western Electric in the 1970's - 1980's.   All have never been used, and in virtually as new condition.   Here is what the fortunate buyer will receive:

*   The first interesting item is a very nicely designed pocket knife.  This knife is by Imperial Schrade, and manufactured in the U.S.A.  It has two blades, but the unusual feature of the longest blade is that it is actually a stainless steel razor blade!   There is also a smaller regular blade.   The imprint is the Western Electric Bell logo on one side - and the back has "Account Management", a special department within W.E.   Copy is in blue - of course.  Length closed is 2.875".   It is still packaged in it's original two piece gift box.
*   We sold a variety of headwear to Western Electric.   Here are two over-run samples we did for the Atlanta Works in the 1980's for their Western Electric Service Council.    The Service Council was an internal organization at The Works.   You will receive a standard ball cap, as well as a ladies design.
*   Another popular advertising piece was a nice luggage tag.   My favorite one was this style in genuine suede russet leather.   Features include full edge stitching, leather attachment with metal buckle, owners card, and privacy window.   The purpose of the window is that in the 1980's authorities discovered criminals would troll airports reading luggage tags.   They could get a name and address, and knew that person was not home, hence a good possible target.   With this design, at least an overt action was needed to read the information.   The size is 4" x2.5" exclusive of the strap.   They were made in the U.S.A.   You will receive two of these handsome luggage tags.
*   Western Electric Atlanta Works was big on employee moral.   A program called Quality of Work Life, or "QWL" was established.   Here is a celluloid button promoting QWL.   QWL fostered goodwill and cooperation between the company and CWA Local 3262.   Size 2.25".   The button was made in the U.S.A. as required by the union.
*   Iron on Bell System Seal patch.   The size is 2.5", with adhesive back.   We sold these to both Western Electric and Southern Bell.
*   Reflective stickers, set of four.   Adhesive back.   These too we sold to both entities.
*   Bottle cap seals featuring the Bell System Seal in blue.   Set of two.   Again, sold to both entities.
*   Unusual lapel pins.   We did a series of lapel pins with this "world" in background theme.   They had differing numbers for some reason.   The two samples are with "120", and the art photo is "1774".   I have no idea what this represents, but perhaps a W.E. employee can tell me.
*   We sold balloons imprinted with the Bell System Seal to both Western Electric and Southern Bell.   The vibrant blue balloons with white seal are striking.   You will receive 6 of them, and believe it or not, but even though these are now approaching 40 years old, they still inflate!   Probably due to the fact they have been properly stored all these years - and were manufactured in the U.S.A.
As an aside - here is a bit of trivia / at the time, to custom imprint a balloon, it had to be inflated and then individually hand rolled over the inked printing plate - deflated and packaged for shipment.   Of course production techniques have since been greatly improved.

Although quite old, all items are in great condition, as shown in the photos.      As indicated, they have never been used, and have been kept in sealed containers in one of our climate controlled rooms.   

ONLY $32.00 for all items!!!   PLUS - I will include a few ADDITIONAL telecommunications related surprise samples as well!

And  - With every order you receive a free hand-drawn in ink personalized cartoon "Thank You" note! 

An excellent addition to anyone who worked at Western Electric, collects old Bell System memorabilia.    A very rare find for sure.

I have other Bell System advertising items listed - assuming they are not yet sold / and will be listing more soon.

From a smoke-free, pet-free climate controlled environment.

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..