Long Loop Telephones

[Babybearjs]

I was reading in another thread about a BSP for the 500 series phones and it mentioned a "509". so I went into the library and found the BSP for the 509 phone.... and the information was concerning "long Loop" telephones.... obviously concerning rural phone service. Knowing that the 509 was for long loop service, then was the 307 and the 309 designed for the same service? I'd love to get my hands on a 507, 509 to set them side by side with the 307, 309's and show the difference in the technology.... now, having said that.... has anyone ever collected a 507, or a 509?? I didn't even know they existed.....until now....

[paul-f]

There are several long loop 500 sets in collections.

You can find info on these and other variations of the 500 series with BSP reference numbers here:

  http://www.paul-f.com/we500typ.htm


For example:

  http://www.paul-f.com/we500typ.htm#507
  http://www.paul-f.com/we500typ.htm#509
    http://www.paul-f.com/we507.html

  http://www.paul-f.com/we500typ.htm#557
  http://www.paul-f.com/we500typ.htm#559

[Babybearjs]

Cool information. does anyone know if these ever show up on Ebay?? I've never seen these type phone before... or is it like to 300 series, always marked as a common phone (500) until you open it up and actually see the difference...

[paul-f]

I think you've hit the nail on the head, John.

Most of these are probably not listed properly on ebay or elsewhere, unless being sold by a knowledgeable collector.  You have to hope for photos of the bottom that show the model number.  There are generally too many 300- and 500-series phones listed to ask the seller of each one for details.

Since starting to collect variations of both series, I've developed the habit of picking up every 300 or 500-type set I see at an antique shop or flea market to look for sets with different features.  I also look at the holes on the bottom to see if there are parts mounted that aren't reflected in the marked model number.  I've found some interesting sets that way that would have "gone in under the radar" otherwise.

[Babybearjs]

its really hard around here, most of the antique stores here in Boise have gone out of business.... other then the antique mall....and theres hardly any phones there.... but just like the 300 series... trying to spot the good and rare model are based on good pictures and being able to see the inside of the phone. the one thing I look for in the 300 series are the extra screws on the bottom of the phone if its marked as a 302 when its really a 307, 309... locally, there are not many phones... I mainly have to search Ebay for stuff....