How to Restore a Western Electric Non-Dial Candlestick Phone

Take a fleece cloth and rub the entire Western Electric candlestick telephone in a fast circular motion. This will get rid of superficial dirt and grime.

Create a rust remover solution by combining 1/2 cup of ammonia and 1 1/2 cups of water into a shallow dish. Let this stand for 20 minutes to allow for proper dissolving. The Western Electric non-dial candlestick telephone is made of nickel and brass, and these two metals rust easily, decreasing the value of the phone.

Take a scrubbing pad and dip it into the rust remover solution that you prepared. Scrub the body of the candlestick in a small circular motion, using light pressure. Scrubbing too hard can chip off the original paint and thus decrease the value of the phone.

Take the fleece cloth and slowly wipe off any excess rust remover from the phone. Wait 45 minutes to let the telephone completely dry. Allowing time to dry ensures the solution gets rid of all the rust present.

Pour black lacquer paint in a spray can and lightly spray the body, base and receiver of the candlestick phone. Let the candlestick telephone dry for two hours before proceeding to Step 6.

Pour clear lacquer on a cotton cloth and coat the brass transmitter and mounting cup of the phone. Wait one hour for the coating to dry. This will give it a smooth and shiny finish.

Pour five drops of metal polish onto a sponge and rub it quickly onto the Bakelite receiver and transmitter to give it a buffed and brilliant shine.

Dip the paintbrush into the cyanoacrylate. Brush the outer rim of the felt base and press it with the glued side up onto the base plate of the telephone.

Pour eight drops of carnauba wax onto a terry cloth and rub the entire telephone in a fast circular motion to polish the candlestick phone.