WE102 - D1 - E1 ?

[FABphones]

I've wanted to add a 202 to my collection for a while now, but they aren't easy to find on this side of the pond BUT I've found a 102  and paid - I think - a bloomin' fortune for it. 

It's on it's way to me now, but in the meantime I'm keen to find out a bit more about what I've bought because I know zip about 102/202's, although I've tried to chose well.

I'll add a photo when I have the phone, but in the meantime I believe what I have is a black 102, oval base shape (is that what you call a D1?), with an E1 handset. I couldn't make out the writing on the back (another dark small photo but the two top letters might be D1).

I know without seeing it this is a hard question to answer, and I know I need to add a few bob onto the price on this side of the pond, but if you were selling, what approximate price would you be asking? I soooo think I've paid top whack.

oh dear... naughty Fab... 

*I should add seller said the phone is pre-war, totally unrestored and original. No damage.

[kleenax]

I've wanted to add a 202 to my collection for a while now, but they aren't easy to find on this side of the pond BUT I've found a 102  and paid - I think - a bloomin' fortune for it. 

It's on it's way to me now, but in the meantime I'm keen to find out a bit more about what I've bought because I know zip about 102/202's, although I've tried to chose well.

I'll add a photo when I have the phone, but in the meantime I believe what I have is a black 102, oval base shape (is that what you call a D1?), with an E1 handset. I couldn't make out the writing on the back (another dark small photo but the two top letters might be D1).

I know without seeing it this is a hard question to answer, and I know I need to add a few bob onto the price on this side of the pond, but if you were selling, what approximate price would you be asking? I soooo think I've paid top whack.

oh dear... naughty Fab... 

*I should add seller said the phone is pre-war, totally unrestored and original. No damage.

The oval-based D1 is actually known as the 202; the B1 is the 102, and has a perfectly round base and is smaller.

[FABphones]

Thanks. 

I've read and re-read this:
http://www.antiquetelephonehistory.com/we202.html

So that is about as much as I know. Something to do with side tone and anti-side tone:
'In 1930 the "B1" was redesigned with an elongated cast aluminum base made to compliment the long handset. This set was coded as the 102 for sidetone sets and 202 for anti-sidetone sets. The dial was also recessed into the front of the phone as opposed to sitting on the frame as was with the "B1". Placing the dial "into" the phone made redesigning the dial a necessity. The new dial (4H) had to have a recessed fingerstop. Many of the older number 2 dials were remanufactured into 4H dials'.

I really need to just wait until the phone arrives and take a good look at it, but due to the price I've paid for it am wondering if I'm in the dog house and it's bread n dripping for tea (in keeping with the phones age), for the next month...   

I looked a similar one up on a US dealer's webpage, it's a box of Twinkies short of $500 there. If I halve that as a value, I might be getting close to what it's realistically worth?

[HarrySmith]

The 102, 202 designation is for side tone or not. The round base which is the earlier model is the "B" mount, stamped on the stem B1. The oval base which is the newer model is the "D" mount, stamped D1. The prices are all over the place, the site you checked is a dealer and is probably totally restored. They can be found on eBay over here for a lot less. A seller who does not know phones will list it as "Old Black Phone" and sell it for under $100.00. Also it is not a complete phone without a subset so adding the correct subset will increase the value. Hope this helps

[FABphones]

Thanks Harry. Looks like the dog will be sleeping in front of the fire tonight then. No room for two of us in that kennel. 

[HarrySmith]

Don't get depressed yet. Let's wait & see what you have. Earlier ones with matching dates can be worth decent money. Once you get it take a bunch of pictures. Open it up, get the inside dates & the dial. Open the handset and get the dates from that too. You still have a phone that is not common over there!

[FABphones]

Thanks. I really must stop buying phones where the photos are so dark I can't see or read any detail. 

[Sargeguy]

About $150 is the going rate for a nice, original D-1/202 with 4H dial, E-1 handset and a 634 subset.  They are pretty common. 

[FABphones]

Thanks. I doubt I'll find the correct subset quickly over here, but never say never...   
I'm pleased to have found the phone, am very keen to see what I've actually got. I've been trying to scrutinise the dark pics, it looks like the handset might be seamless. Here's hoping.

[FABphones]

I'm really pleased - have found another this side of the pond. 

This one poss a 202 (no info re that), stamped D2 on reverse (with E1 handset). Still no subset but this one was a much more sensible price.

Will be adding photos and more info to this thread soon. Can't wait to take a closer look, have never actually seen any of these phones. I still don't really have much of a clue what I've found but love the styling of them and they will be taking pride of place on the shelves.

[HarrySmith]

Congrats!

[poplar1]

D2 (oval) and B2 (round) are handset mountings used for the 103 hand telephone sets.

[Sargeguy]

I have round/B-1s if you are ever interested. I can research shipping costs.