1948 Western Electric 305

[WesternElectricBen]

I recently restored my most recent purchase: a 1948 WE 305 set. The 305 means that it has the ringer cut-off function, governed by the small dial on the base.

For the restoration, I buffed the body with S.S.S and Novus. The handset was incredibly dull before, so I spent much time at the bench grinder to get a nice sheen. Unfortunately, I was unable to get off the paint specs as you can see in the last image. Additionally, I was glad to find that it is completely dates matching.

Overview and Demonstration video: (not yet uploaded)

Ben

[Russ Kirk]

Excellent job!

[Doug Rose]

Ben...superb job!!! I always get the paint of with brasso, the tough ones I let some goo be gone sit on them overnight. I use a Q-tip to apply. A fingernail does work wonders after the goo be gone. You have done an exceptional job on the 305, one of my favorite phones...Doug

[WesternElectricBen]

Thank you, both!

Those are some good tips, Doug. I must try them on several phones I have with the paint spatters.

Ben

[Doug Rose]

Ben....from experience, you can always get the paint spatter off without damage. Sometimes it take a LOT of patience. Really Nice!...Doug

[WEBellSystemChristian]

Very nice, Ben!!!

You should try some Brasso on the fingerstop; you wouldn't believe the gunk that comes off after Brasso-ing it. Think about it: 67 years of skin oil hitting that thing!

[Doug Rose]

Fine steel wool along with Brasso does a number on a dirty fingerstop. It will look good as new..Doug

[WesternElectricBen]

Thank you,

I actually know about using brasso on the finger stops, though I ran out of it. The next shipment should be coming in the next day or so.

Ben