Vintage phone card Télécarte 50 Émile Baudot collector chip

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This smart card telephone card, known as a Télécarte 50, features a colorful illustration of Émile Baudot, a prominent figure in the history of telecommunications, accompanied by a stylized telegraph machine. The visual shows a bust portrait against a blue-green background, with careful details on the face, beard, and hair, typical of late 20th-century illustrations. The golden electronic chip is clearly visible on the left side of the card, immediately recognizable by its rectangular shape and metallic contacts. The inscription "TELECARTE 50" is printed in white on a blue band at the bottom left, while the name "Emile Baudot" is indicated at the top right in white letters. The card stands out clearly against a plain yellow background, highlighting its vibrant colors and crisp graphics.

The front of the card is in good apparent condition, without noticeable scratches or visible defects on the illustrated surface. The edges appear sharp, and the card retains a beautiful shine under light. No signs of excessive wear or alteration are observable on the exposed side. The illustration of Émile Baudot, with the stylized telegraph machine, evokes the inventor's historical importance in the field of coded transmissions.

The overall design is in keeping with the tradition of French telephone cards from the 1980s-1990s, a period when this medium was used for public telephone calls and often featured historical or scientific figures. Its "collector" appeal is enhanced by the scientific theme and the reference to a telecommunications pioneer, making it a sought-after item in the vintage smart card category.

The golden chip and crisp inscriptions indicate industrial manufacturing typical of the late 20th century, with a smooth finish and precise graphics. This type of card was originally intended to be inserted into French telephone booths and was used to count communication units. The item presented here retains all its original visual attributes.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Visible side in very good apparent condition, without major defects.

Did you know? Émile Baudot (1845-1903) was one of the major inventors of the modern telegraph: he designed the Baudot code, a data transmission system that served as the basis for computer coding. His name was given to the unit of measurement for transmission speed, the baud.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping. Professional seller specializing in vintage and collectible items.

Keywords: old telephone card, smart card phone card, vintage chip card, Emile Baudot, telecommunications, phonecard France, 90s collector, télécarte 50 units, chip card, French telephone card, scientific illustration card, vintage telecom