Silver Imperial 202

[MMikeJBenN27]

check out my new Western Electric Silvr Imperial.  These are super rare.  The Gold ones are fairly common, but the Silver ones are not.  Most of the chrome/nickel plated D mounts are silver Continentals, with the standard brown suede foot. I have been looking for a Silver Imperial for a few years now.  Finally found one that is decent.

Mike

[Jim Stettler]

Open the handset'

It may have  G-type elements vs F type.
That will tell you the proper subset.
Jim

[MMikeJBenN27]

It does.  I should use a 685 subset, but I have 2 684 units.  I will try them, but if I don't like it, will have to buy a 685.

Mike

[poplar1]

Open the handset'

It may have  G-type elements vs F type.
That will tell you the proper subset.
Jim

I disagree. A large percentage of Continentals and Imperials have F4 handsets (HA1 receiver unit and F1 transmitter unit) and D4U (4-conductor) mounting cords. These were used with 684- or 634-type subsets.

A 211 or 202 with a 685A subset would require 5 or 6 conductors between the mounting and the subset. I have never found a 202 with a 5- or 6-conductor mounting cord.

The last 302 (1938 reissued in 1959) I purchased -- currently in use on my 5ESS landline -- has an F4 handset.

[MMikeJBenN27]

I have a Gold Imperial with an F4, and I do have it hooked up to a 684, and I think it works fine, but some people feel that it would be better with a 685.  Maybe my ears are too old to tell the difference!

Mike

[HowardPgh]

My Gold Imperial came attached to a 684 subset that was painted the same color white as the handset.

[Pourme]

~

Congratulations on your find!

I have always loved Continentals. I love the story of the Continentals. I too searched high & low to add a silver to my collection (Still don't have a Peking Red). My silver is not in good condition, was in moisture and has some rust. I display it beside the Gold version with it's F handset, on top of it's 684a subset. It isn't in working condition but it exists & in my collection. I assumed these were the original parts, we can never be certain.

I do have a question on your Continental. I have never seen one with a dial blank. A Continental is defined by the pieces assembled to re build the phones. The 6d dial is a intricate piece of that 'formula'. Perhaps a special accommodation for a matching extension by a tech?

Very interesting piece, you did good. I'm jealous!

*The silver is on right. The gold looks silver in the photo.

~

[Pourme]

I tried to delete the duplicate picture but couldn't. Not sure how I achieved that. Sorry.

[RDPipes]

I tried to delete the duplicate picture but couldn't. Not sure how I achieved that. Sorry.

Its because after you hit upload you also hit "INSERT" and it puts a photo inside the post while if you just hit "Upload" it will just put one below the post. Quirky software here. I just don't ever hit Insert anymore to avoid the double photo post.

[MMikeJBenN27]

...I do have a question on your Continental...

Mine is an Imperial, as are those two of your's.  A Continental has the standard brown suede foot.  I have a green Continental that I will be sprucing up and selling.

Mike

[TelePlay]

I tried to delete the duplicate picture but couldn't.

Deleted it for you.

[Pourme]

Thanks John!