Western Electric model 302 non-dialBesides my visit to a favorite local flea market this past weekend I also hit a previously unexplored venue, the Mid-Cities Antique Mall in Hurst, Texas. Antique malls aren’t generally noted for their bargain prices, but every now and then a good deal will surface. I picked up this early non-dial 302 (I believe this to be a model 302EW-3) for $20. Given its condition I don’t believe I would have bid that much for it on eBay, but not having to pay an additional $20 or so for shipping strongly influenced my decision to buy. As you probably know, these early examples have a zinc alloy housing, and this one is in desperate need of paint. I’m also a little nervous about the handset, as it has a bad case of the pitting that is often found on bakelite.
Something I found particularly interesting about the phone are the “instructions.” Over the number card is a sticker (reinforced by yellowed cellophane tape) that says, “Local Calls 25¢ Ea.,” and written on a large sticker below the fingerwheel is, “Local Calls 25¢ Ea., Switchboard Hrs. 8:AM to 10:30PM.” All this is hand-written in ballpoint, you understand. Part of me looks past this rough exterior and sees what could be, but I can’t help but wonder if I should leave it alone. This phone was used for decades, and has a history that is written all over it, however crudely. This is a topic I’ve touched on before: should the years be erased or preserved? My personal view is leaning more often towards repair rather than restoration, but I suspect that what this well-worn 302 might deserve is detailing. Somewhere in that murky area between simple repair work (fixing) and restoration (making as new) lies detailing. Yep, that’s going to be the ticket.