Western Electric Model 302So here it is, my first “project” phone! Many will recognize this as a Western Electric Model 302, the first W/E telephone to have the ringer contained within the body of the phone itself. (The previous designs, the 102 and 202, required a separate ringer box) The 302 was introduced in 1937 and remained in production until… I don’t recall. It might have been through the early ’50s, but it doesn’t matter. I’ll dedicate myself to doing historical research another time, but one should know that 302s were made with both metal bodies (I think a zinc alloy) and with plastic bodies. The metal bodies were phased out following the outbreak of WWII, replaced by the thermoplastic that would be used from that point onward. This particular phone, dated 10-46, is plastic. Fresh from eBay, it seems complete and the condition is pretty good, although the cords are shot and it presumably doesn’t ring. Job one will be to make it work, followed by cosmetic restoration. Can I turn this neglected classic into a functioning thing of beauty? Stay tuned!