A rare 1930s Bell System New York Telephone porcelain on an iron plaque sign. The sign is made in white and deep blue colors and features the central image of an iconic bell. Inscriptions encircling the bell reds: Bell System, New York Telephone Company, American Telephone and Telegraph Co. The Bell System was a system of telecommunication companies, led by the Bell Telephone Company and later by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, AT and T, that dominated the telephone services industry in North America for over one hundred years from its creation in 1877 until its antitrust breakup in 1983. Early American Advertisement For Collectors. Home Decor And Gifts.