W48

Here we see a 1997 W48. After over 50 years, the W48 has not disappeared from the market. In the ’90s the W48 revived. The German Post Office in collaboration with Deutsche Telekom has created a replica of the successful W48 model. It continued to have the glamor of the past but with modern technology that would allow connection to the public network. By the end of 2005 the W48 was on the exclusive order lists.

Externally it is exactly the same as the old W48. Only an experienced eye could notice the details that make it different. The rotary dial is one of the newest models FeTAp 751/791, (manufacturing company is BASA). The finger wheel is made of black plastic and not Bakelite. The number plate is made of plastic and not metal as it was on the old phone. The finger stopper is also made of plastic and not metal.

Internally all components have been replaced by the FeTAp 751/791 board. The ringtone and bell are similar to those of the FeTAP 611/612 model. The shell is made of Bakelite, (we can see in relief the date of construction, 1997). The handle covers are also made of Bakelite, (and here we observe the date of manufacture, 1997 and the construction company KRONE). The handle is empty inside of ABS plastic and not solid made of Bakelite as it was in the old device. The installed headphone and microphone caps come from the FeTAP 751/791 model. Finally, the weight of the device is a little less than half the weight of the legendary old W48.