Almost mint 1956 Western Electric 500 black Bakelite handset

[AE40FAN]

Never came across a WE 500 black Bakelite handset in this excellent of condition.  No black polish or paint on this one that's for sure!  Haven't gotten around to cleaning rest of the phone with all parts from '56 and with a straight handset cord.

[TelePlay]

Can you post a picture of the emblem on the handset?

[Dan/Panther]

It looks a little too much like plastic, rather than Bakelite. Too glossy.
Here is a photo of a N.O.S. 1955 G1.
D/P

[poplar1]

If the handle is marked "G1", then it's Bakelite. If it's marked "G3" or "Bell System Property Not for Sale," then it's not Bakelite.

[Dennis Markham]

Looks like a G1 to me with the molding groove along the handle.  I've run across a few nice, shiny G1's before but this one looks very nice.

[WEBellSystemChristian]

Very nice looking handset!

I have only one or two handsets that have an original factory gloss in perfect condition.

P.S, even though I'm not a big AE fan, I'm curious to know the story on the dark blue 80 in the background!

[Kenton K]

This makes me wonder how nice the rest of the phone looks!

Ken

[WesternElectricBen]

This makes me wonder how nice the rest of the phone looks!

Ken

It probably looks like this.

Ben

[AE40FAN]

It looks a little too much like plastic, rather than Bakelite. Too glossy.
Here is a photo of a N.O.S. 1955 G1.
D/P

Hey Dan,

It is definitely bakelite and dated 1956.  Notice the grooves in the handset.  Like I said one of the nicest black bakelite 500 handsets I've ever come across.

Thanks,

Frank

[baldopeacock]

This makes me wonder how nice the rest of the phone looks!

Ken

It probably looks like this.

Ben

Nope, that's an AE.     

[Dan/Panther]

It sure is a purdy one.
D/P

[AE40FAN]

Phone itself is in great condition.  Very clean inside.  Some where to the tips of the cradle ears.  Have not had a chance to clean or polish it. 

Ben,

As for the Dark Blue AE80.  I am very happy to own it.  The early colored AE80's with the chrome finger wheels are actually really nice.
Dark blue AE80 seem to be much more rare than the WE500 Med Blues.  It took me years to find this.  It does have a fade and It's missing both handset and line cords.  They were cut/rotted away?  I have yet to clean this up but, I love it.

Thanks,

Frank