GPO Telephones - Type 746

Type 746

This was an updated version of the 706L type. It was introduced in 1967 and looked very similar, although it had a slightly different case design. The 746 "carrying handle" was now an integral part of the moulded 'cow horn' switchhook cradle, whereas the 706 had a removable plastic or metal carrying handle. Unlike the 706 type it had a built-in regulator, which could not be removed. When factory modified for the 'New Plan' plug and socket system an 8 was added to the numbers, hence a 746 became an 8746. Strangely, a brown case colour was then also added to the range.

• For comparison, a Tele. 706L Red, an early version with coloured dial and lettered outer bezel. Pre. All Number Dialling

• Tele. 8746 Ivory, manufactured in 1984 and still in use today, having been converted to use the 'New Plan' plug and socket system.

• Tele. 8746 Brown, an unusual colour which was added to the range at the introduction of the 'New Plan' socket wiring system. This colourway was known as The Yeoman.

• 746 Inside showing built-in regulator, which can be identified by the green centipede-like diode pack, beside which are the thermistors

The 746 telephone was initially available in seven colours: black, red, two tone green, two tone grey, topaz yellow, concorde blue and ivory.

• Black

• Red

• Two tone green

• Two tone grey

• Topaz yellow

• Concorde blue

• Ivory

In the 1980s a brown option was added know as The Yeoman.

• Brown

With modern exchanges the regulator is not required, but, although it can be removed from the 706, as shown above with the 746 the regulator is permanently wired in-circuit and cannot be removed.

• 700 type, Amplifying Handset 214A, for the hearing impaired, with thumb-operated volume control on the side. Supplied as an optional extra for any 700-type instrument, this handset was also available with 'Lamp Signalling': a neon lamp, mounted in the top centre of the handle, flashed whenever the bell rang.

• The lower cost Bell Type 79A used in the later 746 telephones. With the dial de-mounted, the chassis clearly shows the bracketry for fitting up to five locking or momentary-operated auxiliary switches. This feature was carried over from the Tele. 710.

The 700 series was able to have between one to six additional buttons fitted; these could be used for many purposes, of which the earliest was for seizing the line and getting Dial Tone for subscribers on Shared Service (party lines). The one shown in the picture was commonly used on bedside extensions, Plan 1A, to turn the bell on and off. If no button was required, the blank was left in place.

• A very well used Tele. 746, manufactured in 1971, which spent its working life at a scrap merchants. Again an extension, with a bell on/bell off button. The main telephone may not have a switch as one bell must always remain in circuit.

• Inside the green 746L, showing the single switch, centrally mounted on the five way bracket.

The 746 style telephone was also produced for non GPO subscribers by many of the same manufacturers that produced telephones for the GPO. These telephones can be identified by having no "746" reference on the underside and will usually have the manufacturer's own reference instead.

• Underside of a 1971 TMC telephone showing the non standard manufacturer reference.