Flea Market Western Electric Haul

[njh621]

A few weeks ago, I visited a flea market back home. (I've been going to this place for years, long before I could handle a soldering iron.) I was hoping I might be able to find a black 554 for my apartment phone system, or maybe some 1A2 gear. I wasn't having much luck, until I spotted a seller who appeared to have a 554. When I got closer, my jaw dropped: not only was it a black Western Electric 554, it was a no-dial hotline variant!

I asked what he wanted for it. "Oh...uh, how 'bout $2?" The money could not fly out of my wallet fast enough. He also had a beige Western Electric 500 and a peach-colored Princess. Total investment for all three phones: $4. Admittedly they are a little rough in some spots (thus my parts wanted post in the classifieds): the Princess base is corroded and missing the lamp holder, the 554 hookswitch is pitted, and the 500 has a very dirty cord and rusted base. BUT that's still a lot of Western Electric for a mere $4. If nothing else, the hotline 554 made it worthwhile.

[WEBellSystemChristian]

Very nice finds, especially for the price! I like the ivory 500, since I have a weakness for the open-center dials! Is there a date on the base?

[njh621]

The baseplate has a bit of rust, but the date is still visible: 9-64. The dial label in the center shows an area code of 216, which originally covered all of Northeastern Ohio (where I'm from).

[kleinkaliber]

You did good! As was said, the soft center dial is the icing on the cake.

[WesternElectricBen]

Very nice, I bet I could find you a couple parts that you need.

Ben

[njh621]

Ben, if you can scrounge up the parts I'm happy to do business.

-Nick

[DentonRotary]

Beautiful! I think I need to go to bigger flea markets...