WE 4C DIAL??

[mark9564]

Can't find any info on a 4C dial only on a 4H???

[unbeldi]

4C.   Rare indeed, but not unknown.   I believe the only variety of these was the 4CB,  the same as a 2CB (electrically), only with a new finger stop and dial plate.
It has the same switch pileup as a 2A dial.

It was intended for linemen's hand-held test sets.  I don't know for sure, but I think the 4C was only made by conversion from a 2C. (apparently not).

[mark9564]

I did pull it from an old linesman phone that I picked up. Will it still work as any other 4h dial?

[unbeldi]

I did pull it from an old linesman phone that I picked up. Will it still work as any other 4h dial?

It depends.   The 4C was tuned to a little higher dial speed, that's the reason for the separate designation. You have to test it on your lines. A dial speed tester would be the best equipment to use.

The best place for it would be in the test set, 

[unbeldi]

Can't find any info on a 4C dial only on a 4H???

The 4HB-3 would have been indeed the standard replacement for the 4C, and probably the device for new handsets in the 30s.  I have to see if the catalogs say something about that.

[poplar1]

4C.   Rare indeed, but not unknown.   I believe the only variety of these was the 4CB,  the same as a 2CB (electrically), only with a new finger stop and dial plate.
It has the same switch pileup as a 2A dial.

It was intended for linemen's hand-held test sets.  I don't know for sure, but I think the 4C was only made by conversion from a 2C.

This dial is dated I 37 and has a parkerized casing, as all dials made from III 34 have, so I don't think it is a conversion. No parkerized 2-type dials have been reported, and no 2-type dials later than III 32.

[unbeldi]

Perhaps Mark can provide us with pictures of the side of the dial where the finger stop is.  If it's a conversion there should be evidence of the old mounting thread holes.

I started checking the catalogs, but none of the 30s catalogs—well, I have only one—show the 4C dial.  The 1929 catalog didn't show the 2C dial anymore either, but I think it was in the early 20s catalogs.

The 1935 catalog states that the 4H dial would be used for lineman's handsets (p.78):  The 4H Type Dials are intended for use at subscriber stations and Private Branch Exchange switchboards and with repairmen's handsets.
The card catalog states that the replacement for 4C is a 4HB-3, so time-wise it seems a bit odd that the dial would be new in 1937.

I suspect it's a refurbishing date.  It doesn't quite look parkerized to me, actually. I would expect it to look  darker.  This looks shinier and has the varnish applied to provide a foundation for the stamps which look a bit blurry, not factory clean.  The dial overall looks rather new though.

[mark9564]

Hope this helps

[unbeldi]

Sure does.  I cannot make out any screw holes on the side, so the dial was not a NO. 2 previously.
Here is some lighting enhancement for the image.

The number plate is in great shape. very nice.  It's the cellulose acetate layered type, still in use at the time.

[unbeldi]

Are there any dates on the handset ?

[mark9564]

Here is the only thing on the handset. I would be willing to trade the whole thing for a  decent 4H dial.

[Doug Rose]

Never seen one, I have only harvested a 4h or a #2 Twice from these buttsets. I have seen a pic of a 4J, never owned one. Great find...if it is going to another home....this is a good home!....Doug

[mark9564]

Here is the handset

[unbeldi]

The handset is a D-specification, there were a lot of these with various types of plugs and wiring schemes for specific purposes.

See BSP 100-120-101 Issue 7, for example.