An interesting WE500 oldie...

[Dan]

I know the date of the 1950's is on the reverse at the bottom. This is the first 1951 I have seen dated in this location. Anyone ever seen a '51 dated here?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170768929507

PS props to the seller for a great presentation

[Dennis Markham]

Yes, my 12/1950 model has the date stamped in that location.  The early ones were.

[Tom B]

I've seen photos of a 2/51 stamped in the same place. My 4/51 is stamped in the area near the loud wheel.

[paul-f]

I have seen both stampings dated 3/51.

[Dan]

I thought only 1950's were dated at the bottom, not '51's. Thanks for the clarification.

[McHeath]

Nice phone and it will be a good catch for someone.  So it looks like March of 51' was the transition month for the date stampings to move from the bottom edge of the base plate to up by the volume control wheel.  This also looks to have the early dial bezel with the clear overcoating and painted on letters underneath.  And the finish on the handset looks great, hardly any wear.  This phone is quite the survivor, I'd guess it was installed and never refurbed or even used much. 

[McHeath]

It went for 202 dollars.  Wow.