Vintage 50 unit phone card – retro black and white telephone card

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This old phone card, known as a "Télécarte 50," features a black and white image of a man in a pinstripe suit using a corded telephone. The visible side displays a golden electronic chip on the left, typical of French phone cards from the 1980s-1990s, with "Télécarte 50" inscribed on the bottom left. The clean and high-contrast graphics highlight the card's retro style, reinforced by the choice of a black and white photograph, evoking a classic and institutional aesthetic. The background of the shot shows interior decoration with molding, characteristic of official or historic venues.

The rectangular format with rounded corners conforms to the standard for chip phone cards used in public telephone booths in France. The visible surface does not have a colored pattern but a silver/grey finish, accentuating the vintage effect. The mention "50" indicates a capacity of 50 communication units, standard for daily use at the time of their distribution. No brand logo is visible on the photographed side, but the design and technology are emblematic of France Télécom productions or institutional partners from the same period.

The golden chip, integrated on the left side, is clearly visible and shows no significant signs of wear. The edges of the card are clean, with no apparent chips. The black and white portrait, as well as the man's posture on the phone, give the card a utilitarian yet representative aspect of the era of wired communications. No additional text or commercial references are observable on the displayed side.

The surface on which the phone card is placed is a yellow/orange velvet armchair or cushion, which highlights the contrast of the card without providing additional information about it.

This type of chip phone card, now obsolete, constitutes a tangible testament to the history of telecommunications in France and an iconic design object from the late 20th century.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side appears clean, with no significant scratches or signs of wear. The electronic chip is intact, and the card's surface shows no obvious defects in the provided photo.

Did you know? Chip phone cards were introduced in France in the 1980s, gradually replacing telephone tokens. They marked the rise of public telephony before the mobile explosion, and some limited editions or those with historical visuals have become highly sought-after items in the French retro and design market.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping and careful packaging by a professional seller. We ensure the quality of each shipment to guarantee the safe reception of your item.

Keywords: vintage phone card, old phone card, chip card France, retro chip card, 80s communication, public phone card, Télécarte 50 units, retro collection card, French phonecard, historical telephony, telecom design object, black and white card