My first Western electric 500....

[AE40FAN]

There is and it is 66.  There is also another number off the side of that and that number is 49.  The phone really does look a grayish green.  I figured avacado would be a darker green.  Possibly it is moss green?

[poplar1]

"Moss green" and "avocado green" are two names for the same color which is coded -51 (dash 51).

[TelePlay]

"Moss green" and "avocado green" are two names for the same color which is coded -51 (dash 51).

So, what's with the -56 (pastel yellow) on the back of the dial, a 7C dated 3-58?

[poplar1]

The dial was originally yellow in 1958. When the phone was remanufactured in 1966, they changed the dial to green.

[AE40FAN]

It's probably moss green just dirty lol....

[TelePlay]

The dial was originally yellow in 1958. When the phone was remanufactured in 1966, they changed the dial to green.

That's what I thought, and asked, so thanks for the confirmation.

[AE40FAN]

Finished Cleaning and Polishing the Black Western Electric 500 from 1953.  I couldn't be happier :-D 

[AE40FAN]

More Photos...It's unfortunate I couldn't remove the feet and replace them with new suede ones:(  I cleaned them as best I could. 

[Dennis Markham]

The phone looks great.  Those suede covered foot pads look very nice.  I like to use suede cleaner and a brass bristled brush.  Let them absorb a lot of the suede cleaner to soften them, then gently brush with the brass bristled brush.  It will often bring back the texture of the suede.  Nice job!

[TelePlay]

A very nice job, indeed, especially on the suede feet.

If not torn or worn through, Dennis's technique to rehab suede works great.

[AE40FAN]

Thanks gentleman!  Dennis, I will try your technique

[New England Tel.]

"Moss green" and "avocado green" are two names for the same color which is coded -51 (dash 51).

Well, according to my W.E. color chart, that is not so. Moss Green is indeed coded -51, however, Avocado is lighter and is coded -100.

[New England Tel.]

Well, according to my W.E. color chart, that is not so. Moss Green is indeed coded -51, however, Avocado is lighter and is coded -100.

Just realized that this is an old thread...sorry!

[poplar1]

Well, according to my W.E. color chart, that is not so. Moss Green is indeed coded -51, however, Avocado is lighter and is coded -100.

Just realized that this is an old thread...sorry!

No need for an apology. Thanks for the correction.

I think that a lot of people say "avocado green" because that is what the kitchen appliances were called. The best way to avoid confusion is to call it what it is.......-51 (Dash 51).

[WesternElectricBen]

I call it avocado green but the correct color is Moss Green I think the color code is -51