Western Electric 302 with Ringer switch - $20

[IIfx]

I got a great find today for only $20 at my town's tag sale, a superficially dirty Western Electric 302:

[i mg width=1000 height=750]https://i.imgur.com/NhSp3UA.jpg[/i mg]

It was a lot dirtier than in the photo above when I first got it, lot's of taped on paper and dust/dirt from being in a barn-type environment. It originated from Cincinati Bell territory, somehow finding it's way down into C&P Telephone of VA territory. Manufactured in 1947 and refurbed in the 1950's.
Hooked it up to my WE 5ESS POTS line and it works great. Calls are clear and loud, the ringer is crisp, and all the switches work.

To clean it up well I disassembled it and washed all the plastic parts in warm soapy water. I then applied 3M plastic protectant to it so the piano black shine would be restored.

[i mg width=1000 height=811]https://i.imgur.com/VXcuWOz.jpg[/i mg]
[i mg width=1000 height=773]https://i.imgur.com/WsPx8Rs.jpg[/i mg]
[i mg width=712 height=950]https://i.imgur.com/jCzxI5W.jpg[/i mg]
[i mg width=1000 height=750]https://i.imgur.com/9Gi1nYJ.jpg[/i mg]

The dial is still pretty smooth & accurate. Unfortunately the handset cord has a tear in the outer jacket close to the headset but it still works well.

Very happy with this find!

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(EDIT:  External image links converted to uploaded images for long term forum posterity )

[Doug Rose]

Great find! I love the ringer on off 302s....Doug

[oldguy]

Nice find, I have some 302s but none with on off switch.

[Ed Morris]

Nice find.  There was one in a local Antique shop here for $40, but it was gone when I went back to get it.  You did well.

[poplar1]

The original phone number(s) may be underneath the   snap-on number card holder shown in the photo.

[finkmac]

Nice, That's a very good deal.

Hopefully I can bag a Northern Electric equivalent sooner rather than later!

[Babybearjs]

Guys, you've got to remember.... its not a 302, its a 305! remember.... the 300 series had several models......