My first 501!!!

[WEBellSystemChristian]

I just bought my first WE 501 from 1955. It looks all original, other than maybe the broken handset cord. The seller is including a replacement handset cord from the '70s, but I'll use the '56 coiled cord (lopped conductors, but looks great from the outside) from my recent B1 find. The reason I got this one is because it includes the original vacuum tube, which isn't found on 501s these days very often.

Very happy with my latest purchase!

www.ebay.com/itm/281843509276 [Link corrected. Thanks, David!]

[poplar1]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281843509276

[unbeldi]

The reason I got this one is because it includes the original vacuum tube, which isn't found on 501s these days very often.

Very happy with my latest purchase!

Yes, there is really isn't much enjoyment in having a 501 without the tube.  Nice.
...now on to making it work with the tube.  Often, it seems they were simply disconnected when no longer needed.
Turns out they can actually work alright even without polarized ringing.

[andre_janew]

I've heard that a party line phone will work on a private line, but one wired for a private line doesn't work too well on a party line.