Western El. 302 Blue - Question?

[classicradios]

Yesterday, I saw a W.E. 302 Blue Thermoplastic phone in a booth at an antique mall for $125.  BUT, one of the corners has a piece a little bigger than a quarter broken away (the corner is basically gone).  Also, a few of the pad-type feet are missing.  What would something like this be worth?  Would it be worth buying?  Thanks.

[HarrySmith]

In my opinion, YES! One just sold for big $$$$ on ebay. Plastic can be repaired and feet can be replaced. If you do not want it, you can buy it for me

[classicradios]

What do you think it would be worth in that shape?

[HarrySmith]

Without actually seeing the phone, checking components and dates it is impossible to estimate the value of any phone. Also value is dependent on what a collector is willing to pay. The collector who paid outrageous money on ebay recently consistently spends huge amounts on things that are not worth what he pays in my opinion. I would certainly pay the $125.00 they are asking for it.

[classicradios]

Well, I went and bought it (got it for $90).   Aside from the broken corner (and a few cracks radiating out from the broken corner), the phone is in nice shape.  The handset is solid blue (not painted - I took it apart and checked) and it has the clear dial, etc. and even has a cloth cord.  Anyway, I hope that I did OK with it since I'm more of an antique radio guy than a phone collector.  But, I never saw a blue phone like this before so that's why I bought it! 

[HarrySmith]

NICE! $90.00 was a great deal! Congrats!

[Tom B]

Classicradios - Can we see some photos?

[Sargeguy]

I have a classic radio to trade

[classicradios]

Thanks, but I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it yet!   I'd like to plug it in and test it out, but I don't want to "fry" anything!   Honestly, is this set fairly rare or did they make a decent amount of them.   I have over 200 radios, but only 3 collector phones, so I don't know much about them. 

[LarryInMichigan]

classicradios,

Blue plastic 302s are very rare and sell for hundreds of dollars.  Please post pictures of it here if you can.

Larry

[Dan]

great buy, Pictures Please

[Kenny C]

great buy, Pictures Please

I second that.

90 bucks for a blue 302!!! I am amazed

[Doug Rose]

Well, I went and bought it (got it for $90).   Aside from the broken corner (and a few cracks radiating out from the broken corner), the phone is in nice shape.  The handset is solid blue (not painted - I took it apart and checked) and it has the clear dial, etc. and even has a cloth cord.  Anyway, I hope that I did OK with it since I'm more of an antique radio guy than a phone collector.  But, I never saw a blue phone like this before so that's why I bought it! 

I showed you mine. I want to see yours!

[Greg G.]

I'd like to plug it in and test it out, but I don't want to "fry" anything!   Honestly, is this set fairly rare or did they make a decent amount of them.   I have over 200 radios, but only 3 collector phones, so I don't know much about them. 

Unlike old radios, old phones will not "fry" if something is wrong with them and you plug them in.  Go ahead and hook it up and see if you get a dial tone.

[Jester]

  I showed you mine. I want to see yours!

I haven't shown mine, but I'd STILL like to see yours!  Wait....OK, now I have.