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 divestiture, it was 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.  

Long ago, through my connection with AT&T Atlanta Works, I was asked to create a limited number of unusual displays featuring a section of cable.   The chosen method of display was for me to have one of my suppliers of Lucite embedments to create this.   The original plan was for AT&T Fitel to provide me with a section of cable that had been cut back to expose the various strands.   This was inserted into a special capped plastic tube, and that then be encapsulated in Lucite.   That way, the cable would move back and forth inside the hard Lucite.  The tube is 11", and the cable 10" long.

There was actually two slightly different sections of cable provided.   I just listed the other one, and it immediately sold before I had an opportunity to list this one.

I sent several such pieces to my supplier to test as not everything was suitable to be embedded.   At the time, Lucite was a hot liquid poured into a form.   At differing levels, an item or items would then be gently laid and then more pouring.   Then using a proprietary technique, the Lucite was hardened and buffed, resulting in the finished product.

Unfortunately the first experiment did not work as the Lucite melted the plastic tube.   We then found a glass tube, and that worked.

Only a few of these were created, I think 12.   AT&T also wanted us to have embediments made with just the cable section alone, no glass tube.   However, these just did not work in the process for several reasons.   First, the black sheathing was made of such a material that the Lucite would not bind, and the result was what was called "break-away".   The effect was to create shinny silver spots.   Also, there were many void areas within the individual strands of wire that just did not look good.   Hence, other than the few experimental pieces, none were made.   AT&T kept all of those, although I wish I kept them.

So I am offering one of the cable displays in the plastic tube.   This has just been among my assorted AT&T samples for many years, and just now found.

Although probably close to 30 years old, it is in as NEW condition.   Never used, washed, etc.   It has been kept in a sealed container in one of our climate controlled sample rooms.

An excellent addition to anyone who worked at AT&T or collects old Bell System memorabilia, or particularly for a telecommunication museum..    A very rare find for sure.

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

Only $50.00 !!!    Plus, you will also receive several free telecommunications advertising samples AND a hand-drawn in ink personalized "Thank You" cartoon note!

I have many telephone related items listed and will be listing more - 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...