But back in the, perhaps slower paced every day life of five or six decades ago, making or receiving a telephone call was a sensory event. Firstly, the unmistakable ringtone of an incoming call, and then the lifting of the receiver, most often a solid piece of bakelite, to the ear. It was usually appropriate to sit down in order to concentrate on the caller, if the call developed into a lengthy one.

As the telephone was physically connected to a fixed cable to a wall socket, you usually knew where to find it, and that a comfortable chair would be strategically placed near it.

The benefits of the vintage phone worked equally well when making a call. Pick-up the hefty receiver, listen for a satisfying dial-tone, and then dialling-in the number of the person you wished to speak using the rotary dialling mechanism, you listened to the whirring as the dialler returned to rest after each digit was chosen. The task of replacing the receiver on the telephone rest with a gentle ‘clunk’ had a degree of gentle finality about it. So making or receiving a call in those far of days was somewhat of an event.

If you hanker for the days when telephone numbers were prefixed by name of the exchange in the caller’s area, like CENtral, ROYal, and BLAckfriars, for instance, you can easily enjoy for the first time, or once again, the timeless experience of using a vintage telephone handset. For great website for refurbished vintage telephones and retro classic copies of such phones, you can go to Abdy Retro for a large range, including the classic 300 series 1950s black bakelite models beloved of all the self respecting detective TV series of the day, you can also probably still find a 1920s ‘candlestick’ phone .
The sister site to Abdy Retro is Abdy Antiques which is a family firm which repairs these wonderful British instruments, restoring them to their former glory and adapting them so that they can be used as proper phones today.

EASTWOOD - Classic Retro, Indie Baracuta G10 Jersey Harrington - The new Mod!

New in for Summer 2010, EASTWOOD Mens Baracuta Vintage Fit G10 Jersey Harrington in Classic Navy. Fantastic for warmer weather, in lightweight Jersey cotton fabric, a modern super slim, shorter fit version of the classic Baracuta G10 Jacket. The traditional Baracuta G10 Jacket look has been preserved with the classic Harrington style pockets, collar and waist with the usual G10 reverse. Stylish white embroidered Baracuta logo to left chest. Baracuta branded buttons. Double zip fasten with elasticated waist. Fab for cool evenings or when its too warm for a big jacket or coat. Unique Mens Mod and Indie Clothing from Baracuta.

Additional information: EASTWOOD BARACUTA MENS VINTAGE FIT G10 JERSEY HARRINGTON JACKET/TRACK TOP - Baracuta Mens G10 style lightweight Jersey Jacket in Navy. Vintage fit (Slim, shorter fit). 2 Harrington style button down pockets. Double zip fasten. Classic Harrinton style collar. Elasticated waist and cuffs. G10 finish to reverse. White embroidered Baracuta logo to left chest. Baracuta branded buttons.

Brand: Baracuta Mens Clothing.
Colour: Navy.
Composition: 100% cotton.
Care: 40°C machine medium wash. Do not dry clean, do not bleach, do not tumble dry. Warm iron.
Not to be missed at atom retro clothing

This year tennis will be celebrating the centenary of the birth of tennis legend Fred Perry.

Fred Perry born Stockport ,England,in 1909 won three consecutive Wimbledon titles, the first in 1934. An outstanding athlete- he planned on always being fitter than his opponents and was a winner all the way- Fred Perry was on top of his game in the 30s and 40s, but was also winning trophies in the early 50s. Perry who died aged 85 ,in 1995,had a superstar status and lived the full celebrity lifestyle,and for a time in Hollywood.
But Perry was prepared for the time when he would have to give-up competitive tennis. Apart from being in regular demand as a media commentator for his sport,he was an extremely successful entrepreneur establishing his own sportswear business and brand (the laurel logo), which is now more than 50 years old and continues to prosper. If you would like to see some excellent gallery images of this the greatest British tennis player to date click here for the Fred Perry site

As well as wearing the famous laurel motif on his tennis shirts, Andy Murray the current top British player and one of the very best in the world, will hope in this Centenary year to emulate Fred Perry by winning the Wimbledon title. Commentators believe he stands a real chance of success.

For a wide range of sportswear,including harrington jackets, the Fred Perry site is well worth a good look.

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Classic mod revival jacket. With fold-down high collar and straight (but not elasticated) sleeves this Harrington exhibits most of all the other features of the G9. A discreet peak of the famous tartan lining which is the Baracuta mark of quality helps set-off the jacket. This is a wonderful variant of the iconic design, made in England. Go for it. For sizes and further detail:retro clothing:g4 harrington

One of the easiest ways to create some cash in these difficult times is to look at “stuff” in a spare room or attic which is of no real use to you and sell it. Sometimes long forgotten items can be just what someone else is seeking to acquire, and they may yield a surprising amount of quick cash to you if sold.

So,it was with pleasure that we recently bought for inretrostore.com a superb fun guide to collectibles that may be worth cash.
Haynes Publishing,often better known for publishing car manuals, has produced : Collectables Manual by TVs Jamie Breese. This hardback book of 160 pages is brimful with facts,prices, and fascinating details of items from days gone by. Many items represented are beautifully full-colour illustrated, and all are sensibly catalogued for ease of reference. For example, there are main sections covering toys,models,pottery and ceramics,music memorabilia,TV and film collectibles. Within these sections,you will find reference to postcards,home computers,postage stamps,autographs,cameras,fountain pens,and flying ducks…!

Maybe you have stashed away in some corner, a long forgotten Sinclair ZX80, or a Valentine typewriter,a piece of Moorcroft pottery,Doctor Who books and toys,Barbie dolls,HMV gramophone,classic designer luggage (Henry Gregory or perhaps Louis Vuitton), and/or…

Your first point of reference could be the Haynes Collectables Manual, once you have unearthed an item you are prepared to sell. The book may inspire you to take a closer look at what you may have of value in your closet. Also, of course, you may be a collector for whom this beautifully produced guide will likely be of huge value to you as a place to find many collectibles of particular interest to you.

Author, Jamie Breese is a well-known and authoritive wtriter and presenter of such TV programmes as The Antiques Roadshow and Everything Must Go! He has spent many years putting together this essential information.

If you want the cash this book could be your golden ticket, or it could provide you with a source of riveting information on collectibles and retro of all kinds. If you would like further information
click here.

Navy blue bomber jacket with signature navy and golden eagle motif. Jacket has front slant pockets, two internal pockets and fastens at the front with a zip. Jacket has ribbed hem with button fastening collar. 100% cotton with 100% polyester lining. Machine washable.
my-wardobe.com

As stylish as ever… bringing you the best style from the past wherever we find it…
do try here at my-wardrobe.com for your harrington jacket

This iconic zipped outerwear, tight fitting, and now coming in many styles,linings,and colours, is here to stay.

It is still incomparable casual wear with polo shirt, jeans and trainers (or even sneekers,if you remember what they were!).

Going to try to bring you a huge selection of your favourite jackets and just, maybe, surprise you with one or two. So watch this space for atomretro.com retro clothingand many other sources.

The Volkswagen range of merchandise has been a hit with you when you visit this site.
We have no business relationship with any part of the Volkswagen group, but we do love the whole retro concept that much of the Volkswagen range of merchandise represents. It is, therefore , with great pleasure that we bring to your notice the limited edition, 1:43 scale model of a unique 1965, split-screen Volkswagen Transporter van with special The Who Magic Bus branding that is available to order online at Volkswagen merchandise websiteor from the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles network of dedicated Van Centres. Apart from reminding us of those great 60s and 70s days of rock ‘n’ roll this promotion has a truly worthwhile cause to support.

The Who Magic Bus Volkswagen Transporter van was created for a fundraising competition last year organised by UK charity Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) and legendary British rock band, The Who.

Only 1,000 of the 1:43 scale die-cast models of this vehicle are being produced, of which 100 will be available in the UK, at a retail price of £40. A donation of €2 from each model sold will go to TCT for children and young people suffering from cancer.

The Who Magic Bus is one of a range of models and toys available from Volkswagen’s Retro Collection of merchandise. Other items include scale models of the current Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range such as the Crafter or Caddy vans, the California campervan (from £13.70), key rings (from £3.90), 1GB USB campervan memory sticks (£15) and a cuddly campervan soft toy (£15). The range will expand again later this year with the addition of a classic T1 Samba-Bus.

TCT focuses on the needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer, who often fall between facilities designed to cater for children or the elderly, by providing specialist units in NHS hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities and an environment where teenagers can meet others in a similar situation. TCT also funds a team to teach young people in schools, colleges and universities about cancer, prevention and healthy living. Further information is available from www.teenagecancertrust.org.

For more information, please contact John Rawlings, Press and Public Relations Manager, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles on 01908 601478, 07872 379544 or john.rawlings@vwcv.co.uk.

Final note: For all you Who fans Tom Wright (who according to the Times newspaper put the who into The Who, and put them on to the road to fame) and Susan VanHecke have published their book: Raising Hell on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Highway published by Omnibus at #19.95. To buy it visit timesonline.co.uk/books.