My mate Lindsay gave me a Motorola 4800X mobile phone about three years ago. I was so impressed by the build quality of this phone that I decided I would start to collect Motorola phones. There are so many different types of mobile phone around that specialising in one manufacturer seemed to be the only way to go. I learned quite a lot about the history of Motorola in the process. Following is a list of Motorola communications equipment in my collection starting from 1940...

For more information on the history of Motorola see the Motorola Timeline. There is an excellent book available on the history of Motorola - click here for details.

OK, this is not actually a mobile phone. It is the first ever hand-portable radio transceiver. It was developed by the Galvin Manufacturing Corporation (later to become Motorola) for the U.S. Signal Corps in 1940. They called it the Handie-Talkie. Click the picture for much more information.

After the war (in 1947) Galvin changed their name to Motorola. This was because

of the phenominal success (and consequent brand recognition) of their Motorola in-car radio receivers.

This FM version of the Handie-Talkie (Motorola still use the Handie-Talkie name to this day) dates from 1956. Note the "bat wing" M logo on this radio. Motorola call this the "Emsignia", and it was first adopted in 1955.

This is a 4800X portable phone. It dates from 1989. As mentioned above, I was given this phone and it is what started my Motorola collection as I was so impressed with the quality of the thing.

I have the manual for the 4800X and I also have a complete example of the in-car version.

This was a real trend setter. It is the analog predecessor of all the modern flip-front phones. It dates from the early 90's.

This is a Micro TAC GSM phone dating from 1996. It has the familiar flip-front. The credit card sized sim card is inserted in the bottom, and can be ejected with a slider on one side.

This is an International 7000 series GSM phone. It has an 8W transmitter and works well on the edge of cells.

This is a novelty radio in the shape of a Motorola "Brick" phone!

There is a great book on the history of the Motorola company. It is called "A Journey Through Time and Technology" ISBN is 1569460051, but it does not appear to be available through the UK book trade. It is published by the Motorola University Press, and is available direct from them for $25 + postage. You can contact them on: +1 847-5763142.