WE302? The standard desk phone. The 500-series phone that followed was just the same thing slicked-up for the sixties.
I've got one. If you call Roseholme Cottage (CLifford 3-....), that's what gets picked up. Blogger Keads has one, too -- with the original number card!
Treated well, a Western Electric 302 is nearly indestructible. Most phone systems will still accept pulse-dialing, too, and for the ones that don't, you can get magic pulse-to-touchtone widgets. The cloth cords can fray over time; Phoneco will sell you new ones, with all the proper lugs and anchors.
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I was just looking at both the 302s and the 500s last week. It would fit nicely sitting on my desk next to my Olympia SG1.
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked for Western Electric long, long ago in a city far, far away, we were told that the phones were designed for a FIFTY YEAR service life. We even got to see some films showing how they were refurbished when they came back from the field, and went back out to be used in new installations.
ReplyDeleteRoberta X,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link and post! Question for you on this phone. I have done nothing to it and the case is somewhat dull. I have heard that Flitz polish can be used to brighten it up, is that true? Would you polish it?
Thanks!
If I had a landline I would get one of those big old phones, because they're so much more satisfying if you have to hang up on someone in a huff.
ReplyDelete"We're through!" SLAM.
I have a red WE 500 with a production date of 4/56, which I bought at a church sale for $4. I replaced the transmitter with NOS and replaced the worn-through handset cord.
ReplyDeleteIt is a *great* telephone.
I had one of those, but I have no idea where it is. I've got one of the newer 500 models in the garage.
ReplyDeleteHere is my first Blog post with some more Landlineinfo!
ReplyDeleteFlitz does a great job on Bakelite phones.
ReplyDelete@ Roberta- Thanks! How about "other things" or do I need to throw that one on Tam?
ReplyDeleteNovus Plastic Polish also works well on Bakelite. I've used it to restore Bakelite knobs and dial estucheons on old Collins Radio equipment.
ReplyDelete@drjim, Thanks for the tip! I need to replace some knobs and push-buttons on a Firestone radio, I will get around to posting on it soon.
ReplyDeleteKeads,
ReplyDeleteHuh. I thought it was only for use on old nickel-plated Smiths. Who knew it had 1,001 uses? :D
Novus is nice because of the multiple grades. Fltz is not so much on scratches but results in an excellent sheen.
ReplyDeleteWith any of these products (Simichrome, etc.), try them in an inconspicuous place *first!*
I *think* Roberta already knows this, but I have a red, USAF alert model 502 from former aircrew career that's now the daily-use office phone. They're damned near bulletproof, IMHO.
ReplyDeletehttp://neuralmisfires.blogspot.com/2011/01/western-electric-red-alert-phone.html
I need to polish or wax the set, it's getting a chalky oxidized appearance to it. I'm thinking Turtle Wax or Mother's?
What have you tried cleaning it with? A lot of times that chalky-looking stuff will come of with vigorous cleaning.
ReplyDeleteTHEN wax it good!
@ Tam- Ha! I read the back of the package for Flitz and it said it would not harm Bluing! Just curious if break free is not enough!
ReplyDeleteThere may be another Smith around that needs some TLC!
@ Roberta- Seems that I need to throw a WE candlestick phone out next on Retro Sunday as opposed to a old beat up thing that throws projectiles at high velocity! I get virtually no interest on the radios, how sad!
ReplyDelete@ Tam- Its a dessert topping, right?
ReplyDeleteGewehr98, try Flitz in an inconspicuous place, then use a good wax. I have had good luck with J-Wax, YMMV.
ReplyDeleteKeads: Radios depend on getting the radio folks to notice it. Try some outward links?
I put a variable speed dewalt buffer in the vise in the garage. then i plug it in. i put a few drops of mcguires cleaner wax on the pad. i start the buffer slowly so as not to throw cleaner wax all over. whem i'm up to speed say 1000 rpm, i lock the buffer on and hold the phone firmly and start my buffing. phone ass apart. after half an hour the phone lookas brand new!! have to know how to use your tools. otherwise all hell breaks loose.
ReplyDeletebill fox