Trimline sets shipped with cords until...

[paul-f]

While researching a recent Find of the Month nominee, we observed a 220A box marked "NO CORD."

   http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=20354.msg208797#msg208797

Researching the reason led to the following, indicating that cords were included in 220A handset boxes from announcement until late 1967 or 1968. Perhaps future sightings can help pin down the date and determine how long NO CORD appeared on the boxes.

220A Trimline handsets were initially shipped with 5 1/2' cords (H5AA). From 502-320-200, issue 1, May 1965, Sec. 2.04.

   http://www.telephonecollectors.info/index.php/browse/bsp-bell-system-practices-by-doc/bsp-categories-by-later-division-number-by-doc/500-529-station-equipment/502-division-station-sets-common-battery/2771-502-320-200-i1-220a-trimline-tl/file

9- and 13-foot cords were optional.

We can suppose that the MBAs determined that subscribers wanting longer cords created a pool of loose short cords in the trucks that created a potential inventory problem and changed the policy to stop including cords in the boxes.

If the handsets always were shipped without cords, there would have been no need to mark this box "NO CORD." The marking was probably done for a relatively short time following the change to help all manage inventory, and make sure the installer knew to find a cord when stocking the truck.



Issue 5 of the BSP (October 1968) includes as a reason for the new issue that "handset cords are ordered separately."

   http://www.telephonecollectors.info/index.php/browse/bsp-bell-system-practices-by-doc/bsp-categories-by-later-division-number-by-doc/500-529-station-equipment/502-division-station-sets-common-battery/2769-502-320-100-i5-220a-1220a-2220b-trimline-tl/file

   http://www.telephonecollectors.info/index.php/browse/bsp-bell-system-practices-by-doc/bsp-categories-by-later-division-number-by-doc/500-529-station-equipment/502-division-station-sets-common-battery/2769-502-320-100-i5-220a-1220a-2220b-trimline-tl?highlight=WyIyMjBhIiwidHJpbWxpbmUiLCIyMjBhIHRyaW1saW5lIl0=

[paul-f]

Sightings:

Box Date

12-67    (phone base date: 4-68)  http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=20406.msg208862#msg208862