My parts phone

[andre_janew]

I bought this phone for parts.  It was advertised as a 1950s phone.  Even so, I have yet to find a part on it made in the 1950s.

[Dan/Panther]

Unfortunately most sellers just say from the 50's because that is typically where most people recall seeing them first. I always ask, or make sure I see the bottom of the phone for date.
Some things will automatically tell you 60's or later.
Some are,
Goldtone metal base.
Modular cord.
Made by SC or ITT.
Usually much lighter.

Not all firm rules, but rules of thumb.

D/P

[andre_janew]

I didn't think it was a 1950s phone anyway.  The gold tone base and the fact it was modular made me doubt that claim.  I bought it to fix a phone that didn't work 75% of the time.  I put a handset and handset cord on it from another phone and tested it.  It does work, so I can use it to fix the other phone.  The other phone is a 1970s phone.  Here is the link for the parts phone:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/361448475298