It’s funny the way everyday objects of the past morph into “vintage” models of good design. We marvel at what used to be because it reminds us how quickly things change. When I see a “classic” telephone like this ITT rotary dial model in someone’s home or a collectibles shop and hear the ring of its bell, I think, “How cool is that?” It has heft, maybe a pleasing color, and none of the features we’ve become accustomed to, such as Caller I.D. and speed dial. The market for retro phones appears to be quite healthy. Plenty of models have been cleaned up and retrofitted with a modern cord, and there are loads of replicas, too. Rotary Dial Phones has mint condition, never-used phones made decades ago — in fabulous colors such as lime green (extremely rare, $150) and bright orange ($130). The only problem is nabbing one before someone else gets it. But at Everything Furniture, there are loads of reproductions to choose from. For $49 you can get a Princess phone, circa 1959, in blue, pink (pictured), or yellow and a late-1930s Dreyfuss-designed desk phone (think of Humphrey Bogart). For $69, you can own an early 20th century candlestick phone in brushed chrome, no less. Ebay might just be the best place to pick up an authentic phone of bygone years. When we visited, the bidding was on for an Ericsson Ericofon “Cobra” telephone (bid was at $50 when we checked) and a vintage Western Electric phone ($85 bid). And for those who cannot part with their cell phones, check out the retro phone handset at Think Geek ($5 to $30). It’s a replica of a classic Western Electric handset that works when plugged into the headset jack of your cell phone or Blackberry.