Western Electric 1002AC Lineman's Handsets Question

[Desert Phone Guy]

I recently picked up a couple of early version lineman handsets.  These were in good shape with no cracks on the handles, and the nickel should clean up nicely.

My question is regarding the markings on the handset and transmitters.  I have never found these with a *267* Transmitter before.  Also, never found one with a 2 row back cup patent information, nor with the 1891 patent information.  The star two row transmitter are both on one unit.  the one with the ratty green cord.

Does anyone have information on the earliest lineman's version?

Pictures are attached.

Thanks,

Steve

[rdelius]

Not linemans test sets but wired to a subset just like a candlestick telephone.A  cup hook was screwed to the bottom of the wooden subset so when hanging up on the hook, the weight would  pull the hookswitch ring

[Desert Phone Guy]

Really???

I always thought that these were lineman's sets. 

interesting... well learned something else today from the Forum...

Thanks for the information.

[rdelius]

They should have 3 wires just like sidetone sets.You could use them as a lineman set if you only connected the green and yellow  wires  the red was a common lead so not connecting it would result the transmitter and receiver would be in series.