Vintage Ansafone 6A answering machine made in Great Britain by Ansafone Ltd., representing an unusual surviving piece of early automated telephone and magnetic-tape technology. With its substantial black textured casing, wood-effect side trim, mechanical controls and visible tape mechanism, this machine has a distinctly industrial appearance that immediately separates it from the small plastic answering machines that became common during the 1980s and 1990s.
The identification is supported by the original information plate on the unit, which is marked Model Ansafone 6A, Ansafone Ltd. and Made in Great Britain. The plate also records a 240V AC supply, 12.5 VA rating and 45–65 Hz frequency. A separate rear identification label carries serial number 856882.
Vintage Ansafone 6A Answering Machine and British Telephone History
The Science Museum Group catalogues an Ansafone Mk 6A telephone answering machine as a 1968 model, placing the design firmly within the early period of commercially available telephone answering equipment. The exact manufacturing year of this individual serial-numbered example has not been confirmed, so it is described conservatively as a vintage Ansafone 6A rather than claiming that this particular machine was manufactured in 1968.
Period electronics literature shows that the Ansafone 6A remained commercially relevant for many years. By 1980 it was still being described as a machine capable of telephone answering and announcement duties, while also offering dictation and cassette playback functions. This multi-purpose approach reflects a period when magnetic tape was still central to office communication and recording technology.
The upper section of this example contains the exposed mechanical recording area beneath a hinged cover. The front control panel includes clearly labelled functions such as Stop, Rewind, Fast Forward, Play/Answer and Eject, together with additional recording and answering controls. Indicator positions are labelled Message, Answer, Running and Power, while a rotary volume control is positioned at the right-hand side.
Condition, Controls and Original Markings
This is a genuine pre-owned vintage electronic item and shows visible signs of previous use and age. There are surface marks, scratches, dust, rubbing and small areas of wear across the casing and controls. The wood-effect side sections also show edge wear and small marks. These details are clearly visible in the supplied photographs and are consistent with a machine that has survived several decades rather than a restored or cosmetically refinished example.
The tape mechanism remains present beneath the upper cover, and several period cables and connectors are shown with the machine. Their exact original configuration and completeness have not been independently confirmed, so only the components visible in the photographs should be assumed to be included.
The operational condition has not been confirmed. It is therefore offered as an untested vintage electronic collector’s item. No guarantee is made that the answering, recording, playback or telephone functions currently operate. Because this is older mains-powered electrical equipment, it should be inspected and electrically tested by a suitably competent person before being connected to the mains or placed into regular operation.
- Item: Telephone answering and recording machine
- Brand / maker: Ansafone Ltd.
- Model: Ansafone 6A
- Origin: Made in Great Britain
- Model period: Late 1960s design; exact production date of this example unconfirmed
- Serial number: 856882
- Electrical marking: 240V AC
- Power rating: 12.5 VA
- Frequency marking: 45–65 Hz
- Colour: Black with brown wood-effect side trim
- Operation: Mechanical tape-based system
- Working status: Untested
- Quantity: One individual item
- Dimensions: Not supplied
Retro Technology Collector and Display Piece
The Ansafone 6A has strong visual appeal as an example of early office and telecommunications equipment. The large push-button controls, analogue tape mechanism, indicator lights, period typography and wood-effect trim give it the unmistakable character of early electronic office technology.
It would be particularly suitable for a collection of vintage telephones, magnetic recording equipment, British electronics or communications technology. It could also work extremely well as a period display or prop for an office, studio, television production, film set or retro interior where authentic-looking telecommunications equipment is required.
Unlike later mass-market digital answering machines, examples of early Ansafone equipment appear relatively infrequently on the present second-hand market. This does not automatically make the machine rare or highly valuable, but its identifiable model, British manufacture and distinctive mechanical construction provide greater collector interest than an anonymous later answering machine.
Please examine all photographs carefully before purchasing. They show the actual item, including the controls, open recording mechanism, underside identification plate, serial-number panel, connectors and overall cosmetic condition.
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