Red W.E. C/D 500

[FABphones]

This red Western Electric C/D 500 has sneaked it's way alongside the monochrome collection. It will sit in the naughty corner and will add a nice pop of colour.

Looks like it has a refurb stamp. Does anyone know what 'R471U' (?) might refer to?

We think this one dates from the early 1960s but as yet cannot confirm any dates, which shade of red it is, or whether it is soft plastic. Photos of the inside will be added asap, but it appears to be all original and hardwired.

I'd like to know what was written under the blackened area directly underneath the 500 stamp but am guessing the paint over it is tough and there to stay.

[LarryInMichigan]

The "R4-71U" probably means that the phone was refurbished in Apr of 1971.  The shell is not soft plastic, but the dial bezel might possibly be.

Larry

[FABphones]

... The shell is not soft plastic, but the dial bezel might possibly be.

Thanks for that Larry.

Would you please explain how you can spot that from a photo. It would be of help for any future purchases.

[poplar1]

I'd like to know what was written under the blackened area directly underneath the 500 stamp but am guessing the paint over it is tough and there to stay.

The original assembly date was blacked out when the set was remanufactured in 1971. More than likely, the date would be the same as the one on the side of the network.