Heck, I was using one, bought new, in the early 90's. Didn't have a gas powered one until the late 90's.
First phone I remember using did not have a dial or push buttons. We had a private line and to make a call you had to pick up the receiver and wait for the operator to come on and have her place the call. This was in the era of party lines and wooden box phones hanging on the wall.
I did a lot of milking like that but I never used the kickers. My dad did and I knew a few others that did but I never thought I needed them...and didn't.
I still have a set of those at the cottage! Incidentally, 99 usually tries to throw them out every two years or so..... I guess it has something to do with the dried blood and hair stuck to the tips of those jarts that she doesn't care much for!
