01
Iconic Spanish Design
The quintessential mid-century telephone installed by Telefónica throughout Spain during the 1960s and 1970s.
Curio Gallery
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01 / 05CITESA Heraldo Rotary Dial Telephone (Red) — photograph 1
Highlights
Why this object
still matters.
A classic Spanish CITESA Heraldo rotary desktop telephone finished in vibrant red molded thermoplastic with a contrasting black base. The front slope features a transparent rotary finger wheel over a numbered plate, complemented by a transversely resting curved handset. The rear incorporates an integrated recessed handle with molded finger scallops above dual cable exit grommets.
02
Vibrant Red Colorway
Finished in highly collectible red molded plastic offset by deep black base and trim elements.
03
Transparent Rotary Dial
Classic rotary pulse dialer with clear finger wheel and under-dial numbering disc.
04
Transverse Handset Cradle
Handset rests horizontally across twin sculpted cradles equipped with a clear plastic actuator plunger.
05
Molded Carrying Handle
Ergonomic recessed carry handle with finger scallops integrated seamlessly into the upper rear casing.
06
Original Cordage
Includes the vintage black coiled handset cord and rear-mounted dual-grommet cable exits.
Specifications
The useful facts,
clearly recorded.
Measurements, construction, identity, and seller-supplied details are kept together for direct comparison.
Reviewed · Curio catalogue
Maker
CITESA / Standard Eléctrica, S.A. (Málaga, Spain)
Origin
Spain
Year
1967
Department
audio
Packed shipment
5 kg · 45 × 32 × 30 cm
Model
Heraldo (Sobremesa)
Manufacturer
CITESA (Standard Eléctrica, S.A. / ITT subsidiary)
Dialing Mechanism
Rotary pulse dial with clear acrylic finger wheel
Housing Material
Molded thermoplastic (red) with black baseplate
Cord Type
Coiled black handset cord and straight black line cord
Line Termination
Bare stripped wire leads (wall plug absent)
Details
Close inspection,
recorded in photographs.
Detail № 01 · CITESA Heraldo Rotary Dial Telephone (Red) — photograph 2
Detail № 02 · CITESA Heraldo Rotary Dial Telephone (Red) — photograph 3
Heritage
A traceable life,
carefully recorded.
Provenance documentation was not supplied for this specific CITESA Heraldo Rotary Dial Telephone (Red); this listing is based on the supplied photographs only.
National Icon
The Voice of Modern Spain
Spain's mid-century modernization was epitomized by the Heraldo on every countertop. Visible in the front view, its vibrant red housing and rotary dial became an indelible cultural touchstone throughout Spanish daily life.
Functional Design
Thoughtful Spanish Ergonomics
Seen from the rear, the Heraldo featured an integrated recessed carrying cavity with finger scallops, allowing users to effortlessly transport the unit from room to room across homes and offices.
Timeline
An object in time,
one continuous story.
1967
Development of the Heraldo
Designed by Standard Eléctrica (CITESA) in Málaga for the Spanish national telecommunications operator Telefónica (CTNE).
1968
Nationwide Deployment
Became the standard rental telephone supplied across Spanish residences and commercial businesses.
1972
Expanded Color Palette
Production ramped up to include bold accent colors such as red, blue, and green alongside standard grey and ivory.
1980
Transition Era
Gradually succeeded by modern push-button telephones like the Teide and Forma as electronic exchanges spread.
Condition
Honest wear,
documented clearly.
The telephone is in good cosmetic vintage condition with authentic patina. The red plastic casing displays fine surface scratches, mild scuffing, and dust in the crevices and handle cavity. The line cable has been cut to bare wire leads, while the coiled handset cord remains elastic and complete.
✓
InspectedCasing & Finish
Scattered fine surface scratches, handling scuffs, and dust accumulation inside recesses; no structural cracks observed.
✓
InspectedRotary Dial Assembly
Clear plastic finger wheel shows minor surface clouding and age-related wear; central label insert shows slight discoloration.
✓
InspectedHandset & Cradle
Handset shell has minor surface rubs; internal transparent plunger switch remains intact inside the left cradle rest.
✓
InspectedCables & Wiring
Handset coiled cord retains elasticity; rear line cord is cut short with exposed stripped leads and lacks a plug.
Logistics
Inspected, insured,
door to door.
Step 01
Delivery
Inspected, photographed, and packed with its condition report.
Step 02
Shipping
Custom-fit protective packing with tracked, insured courier service.
Step 03
Returns
Return requests are accepted within fourteen days of confirmed delivery.
Step 04
Dispatch
Prepared for courier handoff within three to five business days.
Acquisition
Make it part of
your collection.
Contact the seller for more information or to discuss this object.
✓ Insured Shipping✓ 14-Day Returns✓ Condition Report✓ Reviewed Listing
CITESA Heraldo Rotary Dial Telephone (Red)