Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => Collector's Corner => Topic started by: Dan/Panther on April 18, 2010, 01:54:30 PM

Title: Hash marks on bottom of phone.
Post by: Dan/Panther on April 18, 2010, 01:54:30 PM
I've had several phones with the hash marks on the bottom, up until this morning I wasn't sure what it was from, until DUH it hit me. It's from the phone laying on the cord.
D/P
Title: Re: Hash marks on bottom of phone.
Post by: rp2813 on April 18, 2010, 02:11:35 PM
Nice phone there, Dan.  Looks like a 6/51.  Does it have an equalizer?  IIRC, the C/D designation may indicate the 425B network, but nothing seems to be etched in stone about what's under the cover on these things.
Title: Re: Hash marks on bottom of phone.
Post by: Kenny C on April 18, 2010, 02:14:43 PM
Quote from: Dan/Panther on April 18, 2010, 01:54:30 PM
I've had several phones with the hash marks on the bottom, up until this morning I wasn't sure what it was from, until DUH it hit me. It's from the phone laying on the cord.
D/P

i do that all the time some times pepole will tell a joke and 5 minutes later i bust out laughing
Title: Re: Hash marks on bottom of phone.
Post by: Dan/Panther on April 18, 2010, 02:20:27 PM
Not here yet, just a photo.
I will let you know what's under the hood.

D/P
Title: Re: Hash marks on bottom of phone.
Post by: paul-f on April 18, 2010, 03:06:48 PM
Quote from: rp2813 on April 18, 2010, 02:11:35 PM
Nice phone there, Dan.  Looks like a 6/51.  Does it have an equalizer?  IIRC, the C/D designation may indicate the 425B network, but nothing seems to be etched in stone about what's under the cover on these things.

Phone detectives will quickly note that there are two empty holes on the side of the bottom plate near the cord entry point.  If there was an equalizer (500, A or B) or terminal strip (500T, J or K) there would be rivet heads there.

        QUIZ:  What are the other three empty holes for?

These skills will help you quickly identify variations while cruising the flea markets and phone shows.
Title: Re: Hash marks on bottom of phone.
Post by: JorgeAmely on April 18, 2010, 03:21:50 PM
The little hole is for the 426A tube.

The other larger holes are for the mounting hardware for volume control (ex: 532), line selection (ex: 510), etc.,  for other 5xx models.
Title: Re: Hash marks on bottom of phone.
Post by: paul-f on April 18, 2010, 04:39:34 PM
Well done, Jorge!

Thanks for adding the extra details.   :)

While we're on the subject, can someone else explain the purpose of each of the 13 rivets we can see?

What primary lesson from basic geometry did Western Electric use when deciding how many rivets to use on this set?
Title: Re: Hash marks on bottom of phone.
Post by: rp2813 on April 18, 2010, 06:18:20 PM
LOL--thanks Paul.  I guess I could have just reached for my 10/50 and looked at the bottom (which has the two rivets) to answer my own question, but you have managed to point out the lack of rivets in a way that I'll remember when I come across an early 500.

The 6/51 looks very clean.  I look forward to hearing more about its components once it has made its way into D/P's hands.