Henry Dreyfuss: Telephones

The 500 desk set was designed by Henry Dreyfuss. (1904-1972)

It replaced the model 302 which he also designed.

The model 2500 is the same basic design, but with "Touch-Tone". (DTMF)

Beside introducing the "Streamlined" look in the 1930's he also pioneered "Anthropometrics", now mostly referred to as either human factors or as "ergonomics".

Bell Labs	Model 302 Telephone	1937
Bell Labs	Model 500 Telephone	1949
Bell Labs	"Trimline" Telephone	1965
Honeywell	"The Round" Thermostat	1940
Polaroid	SX-70 Camera	1972
Hoover	Upright Vacuum	1935
Westclox	Big Ben Alarm Clock	1931

Although the 500 has been obsolete for about 50 years, it's "G" series handset is still the standard for all elevators and payphones. Equipped with a push-to-talk button, it is also commonly found in ambulances, fire trucks, and was used in the original radio-telephones.

The indestructible G series handset was eventually replaced by the K series, a 2 part design much cheaper to manufacture. All "quality" versions have a big hunk of steel in the body so that it doesn't feel "cheap".

Henry Dreyfuss