5H dial introduction?

[cchaven]

When was the 5H dial introduced?  Since the earliest 302's had 4H dials, was it after 1937?

[Phonesrfun]

Larry Wolff's book says that the 5 series dials (not just 5H) were introduced in 1937.  Western Electric probably phased them into the 302 production and used up the 4H dials they had on hand first.

[wds]

Here's one that seems to match your description.  After I clean it up I'll post a better picture.  37 at the top of the picture, 5H at the bottom.  Clearly a recycled #2 or #4.

[poplar1]

Notice that the pulse pawl is phenol, not metal. This probably means you have an early 5H, not a 4H or 2-type converted to 4H. The early 5H dials have the W contact next to the governor just like the 4H dials.

If a 2A is converted to a 4H, the W stamped in the metal (next to BB) is restamped "R." (If it is a 2H conv. to 4H, then no restamping of the terminal is necessary.) Also, there will be 2 holes where the finger stop used to be.

[poplar1]

Early "silent" 5H dial IV 37: much quieter than a 4H or later 5Hs: