$19.00 1952 Automatic Electric 40

[LM Ericsson]

Bought this at an antique store in Martinsburg, West Virginia for a low price of 19 Dollars!!! What a steal!!! The dial was completely stuck when I first bought it and managed to adjust it and now it works like a charm. So here is a look at it. Also check my video of it on my youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtrAYMQbDU0&feature=channel_video_title

[Nilsog]

Nice find!

[LarryInMichigan]

LM,

You got a very good deal.  I believe that vermillion stamp on the bottom indicates that the phone was an Army Signal Corps phone, and it was moisture and fungus proofed in 1952.  Enjoy your phone 

Larry

[LM Ericsson]

Thanks for the info

[LarryInMichigan]

You may find other vermillion stamps inside the phone shell and handset.  The rubber sleeve on the handset cord near the handset was intended to be pushed into the gap between the handset cord and the inside of the hole in the handset.  It is probably intended to keep insects out of the handset.  I have similar things on some of my Signal Corps phones.  The painted bottom plate and rubber washers may also be Signal Corps features.  I have not seen AE40s with such things.

If you're looking for a replacement handle for the phone, Steve Hilsz might have one. 

Larry