Western Electric WWII Handset??

[Doug Rose]

I was going through a box of handset parts in the Dungeon and I came up with this. Didn't even know I had it!

I have never seen anything like it, I was painted black over tape etc. I connected it to dial tone and got nothing, press the button worked reception and transmission. Clear ...no static

Push to talk has D173009 on it. Elements are marked WE 7 43 and 8 43 so I am guessing WWII.

I am trying to remove the paint as it looks horrible like this. I hope underneath looks better.  Can't look much worse

Any information is greatly appreciated....Doug

[rdelius]

It is sound powered. Blow into the transmitter and while listening, short the wires together and you should hear a difference . MIght be Navy.

[Doug Rose]

I guess this is not a desirable butt set as this one didn't sell for $7.99

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Western-Electri-Telephone-Handset-Model-D173009-Type-L/324134701039 ( dead link 06-05-21 )

BUT...I am very happy the way mine turned out. It is a keeper. This is a very heavy set. The Bakelite does shine!

It had layers of paint on it and tape where the button was held in place. Same as the auction I listed here. There was a layer of copper color coating. At first I thought it was metal and was copper coated, but it came off in the second application of Citristripper....Doug