Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => Collector's Corner => Topic started by: DavePEI on September 25, 2011, 10:50:29 PM

Title: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on September 25, 2011, 10:50:29 PM
I am a happy guy tonight! I won an eBay auction for an 11 digit Strowger wall phone for $592 CDN. I will be waiting with baited breath hoping it will arrive safely. It is a lot of money, but I have been looking for a good one of these for a very long time! These were the ORIGINAL dial phones, dating from the era of 1905. The photo below is the phone I am getting.

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on September 25, 2011, 11:49:47 PM
Congrats Dave!

I am not sure how you are going to resist trying to hook it up and make it work which of course is impossible since these used a 3 wire system to the CO. But a bit of tinkering should be able to make it a usable extension I would think.

Now if I could only find a Strowger Stick for less than the federal debt I'd be a happy guy as well.

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: Phonesrfun on September 25, 2011, 11:51:09 PM
I would be interested to see the insides when you get it.  Looks good from this standpoint.

I won one a few years ago for more money than you paid for yours, and mine is missing the governor for the dial and some of the original switch contacts from the dial, and has either a repro finger wheel or one that has been re nickled.

Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: cihensley@aol.com on September 26, 2011, 12:01:02 AM
I am happy for you to get something you have been looking for a long time.

Chuck
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: GG on September 26, 2011, 02:24:35 AM


Congratulations!   Sheesh at that price, I could almost have afforded one of those a month ago...:-)

About "impossible to hook up," what's the scoop with that?  I'll bet an adaptor could be built to make it work.  As long as the dial produces regular break impulses that are uniform from 1-0 and has at least one off-normal contact that closes (to shunt the receiver), then there should even be a way to wire it without an adaptor.  I'd also suggest a spark quench capacitor across the impulse contacts, and if the receiver is not a DC receiver (no permanent magnet), a varistor (or double-diode assembly) across the receiver terminals to protect against acoustic damage.   

IMHO any modifications that can be made by moving wires at the terminal strips (including adding capacitors etc.), which are reversible to put the phone back in original condition, are permissible without breaking the "no-damage" rule. 
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on September 26, 2011, 05:12:30 AM
I am glad everyone seems to agree that I did ok, price-wise. I was pleased. The phone appears to be in reasonably good shape. I don't know what it going on with  the transmitter mount (has a twist to the right of the transmitter), but it likely isn''t serious [Update: I emailed him, and he tells me that one of the mounting bolts is missing its nut, and the other is loose, with the result the mount as crooked when photographed. Can't ask for better news than that!]. Until it arrives, it is probable best if I refer you to the auction for photos the inside. It is eBay item 380370764476

One thing which did please me, is he says he has removed the receiver and switch hook arm, and packed it in a double box next to the main phone. An eBay seller who thinks! Yay!

Dial positions on one of these are as follows, top to bottom; Long Distance, 0, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. In later phone/exchange design, the Long Distance position was combined with the operator position. I mention this as the numbers appear to have faded from the celluloid designation strip.

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: Wallphone on September 26, 2011, 11:39:34 AM
Nice find Dave. Why didn't you get the optional finger wheel? < http://tinyurl.com/3hb657m > Hopefully the dial is intact. I thought that I had some pics of that dial but I can't find them yet.
Doug Pav
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 03, 2011, 11:07:20 PM
Hi All:

Oct 03, 2011 - My Strowger 11 digit phone arrived about two hours ago from Saskatoon, in great shape (other than the handset cord cut by the seller in order to ship the handset off the phone. Not a biggie - I already have another cord on order.

I am attaching two photos taken while I am in the process of cleaning the phone up. Bells are off for polishing. The dial is smooth operating and appears to work well, and does have its governor. Contacts look like they could use a good burnishing.

The acetate dial card is extremely faded. I have spoken with Al Farmer of Nebraska - he has quality reproduction cards available and I have ordered one!

The chrome took a nice shine and all is there, but the front button, missing on most of these. Thankfully, the switch is still in the set. Often they aren't. I have just made another button for it out of hardwood dowel on my Taig lathe - the first project using it which I would call a 100% success. Not a problem with the lathe - more one of the operator's inexperience :-) Looks good.
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on October 03, 2011, 11:26:11 PM
Looking good Dave! You are correct about most of these not having the contacts for the button. None of my Strowger sets have the contacts or the button. Does your set have a cover over the clapper? One of mine does but the other two doesn't. I am not certain that it is original.

Can't wait to see it finished.

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: paul-f on October 04, 2011, 12:10:36 AM
Dave,

Here are a few photos.  I may have one I can scan here somewhere.
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: teka-bb on October 04, 2011, 03:07:37 AM
Quote from: AE_collector on October 03, 2011, 11:26:11 PM
Looking good Dave! You are correct about most of these not having the contacts for the button. None of my Strowger sets have the contacts or the button. Does your set have a cover over the clapper? One of mine does but the other two doesn't. I am not certain that it is original.

Can't wait to see it finished.

Terry

Hi Terry,

My Strowger wallset has the cover over the clapper.
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 04, 2011, 04:44:31 AM
Quote from: AE_collector on October 03, 2011, 11:26:11 PM
Looking good Dave! You are correct about most of these not having the contacts for the button. None of my Strowger sets have the contacts or the button. Does your set have a cover over the clapper? One of mine does but the other two doesn't. I am not certain that it is original.

Can't wait to see it finished.

Terry

Hi Terry:

Mine doesn't have the clapper cover, BUT... I thought of you when I discovered two mounting holes for a clapper cover on it! So, at one time, it did!

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 04, 2011, 04:49:30 AM
Quote from: paul-f on October 04, 2011, 12:10:36 AM
Dave,

Here are a few photos.  I may have one I can scan here somewhere.


Hi Paul:

That is one handsome set of phones there! Those are some purdy candlesticks!

I have located a source for a reproduction card. from Al Farmer of Nebraska. Incidentally, this one has the larger center plate, so would have used the numbers only card. Al has reproductions of both the numbers only card, and of the alpha-numerical dial. He is going to be away for a week or so, so it will likely be a week or two until he can send it, so if you do get a chance to scan one, I could use a temporarily printed one until the new one comes...

Incidentally, Al last night was telling me that my phone has the original AE receiver with it, as does one of Terry's (the one with missing parts, Terry), and the one you showed above.

The mouthpiece isn't original, it is a lightweight reproduction.

I am missing the bell clapper mentioned in my message to Terry, and one of the bell bolts. There is another one on that bell, but it doesn't match the original on the other. I thought I might have had one here to replace it with, but no luck.

Most of the fellows I have been corresponding with regularly have heard my history with these phones. It is a long one. I grew up in Brockville, Ontario, home of GTE/AE in Canada. Now, I had a couple of my friend's Dads at the plant who knew I collected phones, and they would let me know whenever something interesting went into the plant dump. Now these weren't something which would normally have come from the Brockville plant, but they would often take in older exchanges, and refurbish them, and provide those customers with brand new state of the art equipment. Some had come in along with one of those deals.

As a result of such tips, and courtesy the plant dump which got raided on a regular basis, I had three of these phones! They, of course, were my favorite phones. Had, I say, because when I went off to Ryerson, Mom and Dad, seeing no value in saving "old junk" like these phones threw out all three Strowgers, plus all the other phones I had collected to that date. I nearly dis-owned my parents over that! If the garbage man was a collector, he would have been a very happy man. So, it has taken me 4o some years to get another one!

Knowing this, I hope everyone will have a greater appreciation as to why I was so happy to find one finally at a good price!

Dave  
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: Wallphone on October 04, 2011, 08:22:37 AM
Did someone say Clapper? < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pWBJiW0Xpo > An old Johnny Carson skit.
Doug Pav
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on October 04, 2011, 11:33:44 PM
Quote from: Wallphone on October 04, 2011, 08:22:37 AM
Did someone say Clapper? < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pWBJiW0Xpo > An old Johnny Carson skit.
Doug Pav

Sure, thanks Doug...only problem with that is that YouTube of course has a whole list of OTHER Carson skits available so there goes the entire evening! What a team Johnny and Ed  were.

Thanks (really!)....Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on October 04, 2011, 11:38:49 PM
Quote from: DavePEI on October 04, 2011, 04:49:30 AM
Incidentally, Al last night was telling me that my phone has the original AE receiver with it, as does one of Terry's (the one with missing parts, Terry),
Dave  

Really. I have never been able to figure out how to tell AE receivers from other makes. I was told they are a bit longer than most other receivers but don't know if that is true or not. I'll take a look at my receivers again and see what that one is like.

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: teka-bb on October 04, 2011, 11:47:10 PM
Quote from: AE_collector on October 04, 2011, 11:33:44 PM

Sure, thanks Doug...only problem with that is that YouTube of course has a whole list of OTHER Carson skits available so there goes the entire evening! What a team Johnny and Ed  were.

Thanks (really!)....Terry

You're absolutely right Terry.
I also love this one ('Who's on the phone'):
http://youtu.be/U9lzUcjw1cg (http://youtu.be/U9lzUcjw1cg)
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on October 04, 2011, 11:52:02 PM
Quote from: teka-bb on October 04, 2011, 03:07:37 AM
Hi Terry,

My Strowger wallset has the cover over the clapper.

Thanks Remco. I guess the clapper cover is for real on these. Just like the push button though, lots seem to have gone missing although I am not sure why the clapper covers would be removed. The buttons were removed on purpose when the exchange equipment was upgraded to provide automatic ringing.

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 04, 2011, 11:54:56 PM
Quote from: AE_collector on October 04, 2011, 11:52:02 PM
Quote from: teka-bb on October 04, 2011, 03:07:37 AM
Hi Terry,

My Strowger wallset has the cover over the clapper.

Thanks Remco. I guess the clapper cover is for real on these. Just like the push button though, lots seem to have gone missing although I am not sure why the clapper covers would be removed. The buttons were removed on purpose when the exchange equipment was upgraded to provide automatic ringing.

Terry
Hi Terry:

My guess is that the brads which held the clapper covers could vibrate loose with ringing, and the covers fell off. On mine, only the mounting holes are left. Only a guess!  :-[
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on October 05, 2011, 12:02:18 AM
Quote from: teka-bb on October 04, 2011, 11:47:10 PM
You're absolutely right Terry.
I also love this one ('Who's on the phone'):
http://youtu.be/U9lzUcjw1cg (http://youtu.be/U9lzUcjw1cg)

That is a good one too Remco!

Terry


Quote from: DavePEI on October 04, 2011, 11:54:56 PM
My guess is that the brads which held the clapper covers could vibrate loose with ringing, and the covers fell off. On mine, only the mounting holes are left. Only a guess!  :-[

Could be I guess. I should look at my Strowgers that are missing the covers to confirm that there are holes in the wood from the brads.

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 05, 2011, 12:06:12 AM
Quote from: AE_collector on October 05, 2011, 12:03:53 AM
Quote from: DavePEI on October 04, 2011, 11:54:56 PM
My guess is that the brads which held the clapper covers could vibrate loose with ringing, and the covers fell off. On mine, only the mounting holes are left. Only a guess!  :-[

Could be I guess. I should look at my Strowgers that are missing the covers to confirm that there are holes in the wood from the brads.

Terry

Post your results, Terry. One hole should be next to the right hand bell - the other will be slightly under the left hand bell.

By the way, I have ordered my new dial card from Al, and also found a replacement correct bell screw, and have finished cleaning it up inside and out. With the new dial cellulose and bell bolt, it should look as good as it did almost 100 years ago!
Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on October 05, 2011, 12:08:17 AM
From Carson this thread has turned into Live TV. Please stand by for station identification....I'll be right back...

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on October 05, 2011, 12:17:24 AM
Okay, I'm back. You are correct Dave, all three of my Strowgers initially had clapper covers. The interesting thing is that the clapper covers had to be installed before the transmitter perch becasue the perch actually overlaps the cover a little bit on the front edge.

Remco: Does your perch cover the very front of the clapper cover as well? Seems odd that they would design it that way.

Dave: The receiver on my Strowger that is missing the ringer is actually a modern receiver with a receiver capsule inside of it. SO maybe the shape of it is very similar to AE receivers? The other two are the old style with magents and metal diaphram, one definitely a Northern and the other is the type that seems to be rubber, bot hthe main body and the cap.

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on October 05, 2011, 12:19:54 AM
Quote from: DavePEI on October 05, 2011, 12:06:12 AM
By the way, I have ordered my new dial cellulose, and also found a replacement correct bell screw.
Dave

Checking for nail holes for the clapper I noticed that all of the nuts are correct on my strowgers but one of the bell gongs is very slightly different than the rest. I would never have noticed the slightly different profile but I did notice that the hole in it was keyed rather than round.

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 05, 2011, 12:40:09 AM
Quote from: AE_collector on October 05, 2011, 12:17:24 AM
Dave: The receiver on my Strowger that is missing the ringer is actually a modern receiver with a receiver capsule inside of it. SO maybe the shape of it is very similar to AE receivers? The other two are the old style with magents and metal diaphram, one definitely a Northern and the other is the type that seems to be rubber, bot hthe main body and the cap.

Terry
Yes, it is the shape. What made me think yours was original, is the rounded receiver/diaphram cover. I was told the originals were rounded like mine - your other two have sort of a stepped design to the cap like the 1920s and later replacement receivers available from AE. Mine has the original type diaphram and magnets. It is made of a slightly brownish bakelite or rubber - just slightly off black.

Interesting that your phones also confirmed them originally coming with a clapper cover.

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: GG on October 05, 2011, 01:02:42 AM


AE did issue receivers that used the drop-in receiver elements.  Saw these in a 1940s-era AE catalog that's posted online for free download.   So it's entirely possible that the phone was kept in use that long, for example on a PAX system, and the receiver was replaced as a repair when the phone was in use. 

For some reason I get the impression that WE also made a receiver that took the HA-1 drop in element. 
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 05, 2011, 12:59:17 PM
I discovered a new material today, which I think I will use to make another ringing button for the phone.

The material is called Garolite (also known as industrial laminate, phenolic, Bakelite or Micarta). It is supposed to be excellent for machining.

http://tinyurl.com/3u8hwwd

It looks like a very suitable material for the button. The wooden one I made looks pretty good, but the Garolite one should be even better. Can't wait to give it a try!

Dave

Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: LarryInMichigan on October 05, 2011, 01:04:02 PM
I have a couple of old Westinghouse fans with micarta blades.  The material seems to be pretty strong, but I am not going to test it.

Larry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on October 05, 2011, 01:25:36 PM
Quote from: DavePEI on October 05, 2011, 12:59:17 PM
It looks like a very suitable material for the button. The wooden one I made looks pretty good, but the Garolite one should be even better. Can't wait to give it a try!

Dave



Well if you get real good at it I know someone who needs three buttons! I don't have the contact sets in my phones though. I think it is pretty rare to find the contacts still inside. You did well there.

Tell us about Al Farmers reproduction cards Dave. What are they made of and what sort of $$?

When you get time can you post a couple of good pictures of the actual AE handset for us (me)?

I hear you were getting some pretty good wind last night and today. Was 100KM or 100MPH supposedly?

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 05, 2011, 03:12:45 PM
Quote from: AE_collector on October 05, 2011, 01:25:36 PM
Quote from: DavePEI on October 05, 2011, 12:59:17 PM
It looks like a very suitable material for the button. The wooden one I made looks pretty good, but the Garolite one should be even better. Can't wait to give it a try!

Dave



Well if you get real good at it I know someone who needs three buttons! I don't have the contact sets in my phones though. I think it is pretty rare to find the contacts still inside. You did well there.

Tell us about Al Farmers reproduction cards Dave. What are they made of and what sort of $$?

When you get time can you post a couple of good pictures of the actual AE handset for us (me)?

I hear you were getting some pretty good wind last night and today. Was 100KM or 100MPH supposedly?

Terry

Hi Terry:

You would need the contact set to hold the button in. Of course, I suppose you could put simply a spring contact in there to hold it and so that you would get realistic button action. The button is the size of the outside hole, but on the inside, the dia. of the button increases - the button held in place by the spring action of the contact.

Al has both types, the numeric as is usually used on the wall phones; also the alpha numeric one as shown in Paul F's second candlestick photo. They are $5 US postpaid. I don't know how many he has left, but I am sure he could tell you.

I'd rather not post his email address here, but will send it to anyone who asks in a private email.

Someone just sent me a photo of one of Al's creations. I will post a copy in a message below.

Yes, it was pretty rainy and windy last night and has been so far today. No damage, but I am glad we got those 5 trees down earlier in the summer! Despite that, we parked the vehicles  away from any tree

P.S. We discovered on the 4th that the high winds and rains the past few days took down another 40 foot tree on the border of the property! It just keeled over, roots and all!

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 05, 2011, 07:50:51 PM
Someone just sent me a photo of one of Al's creations. I will post a copy below. I cut this copy from a really grainy photo of it on a desk. Probably a cell phone original. They are printed on paper, then laminated with plastic.

Below that, I have posted a small drawing of the button assembly. Please excuse the poor artwork. The enlarged inner portion held by the spring contacts keeps the button in place.

In my case since I have the switch in my phone, the actual contacts hold the button in the case. If one didn't have the switch, they could devise a spring contact which mounts using one of the original switch mounting holes to keep the button in to simulate the switch action.

Below that, drawing of the set which I got from Art Harris, cleaned up, and PDF'd about 5 years ago, when I was still dreaming about owning one again.

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 06, 2011, 10:29:46 AM
More photos:

1) Inside
2) Inside of front cover showing ringing switch and dial.
3) Receiver and case stamped Pat. AECO 1906. I love the coloration of the cover! Entire receiver case is slightly brownish, but the color shows best on the flash lit cover. I probably shouldn't have cleaned the brass portion. The whole receiver buffed up nicely.

Still waiting for new receiver cord. It connects with phone pins to the left hand two posts at the bottom on the inside of the phone case.

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: teka-bb on October 06, 2011, 03:09:32 PM

Hello Dave,

In case you are able to produce a few of the buttons I'm interested in one and also know someone that might need / want one.

Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 06, 2011, 03:22:44 PM
Quote from: teka-bb on October 06, 2011, 03:09:32 PM

Hello Dave,

In case you are able to produce a few of the buttons I'm interested in one and also know someone that might need / want one.


Hi Remco:

We will see how things turn out. I have only enough of the material ordered for four or five. We will see how that first batch turns out... Terry is getting three of those.

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit (Dial Card)
Post by: DavePEI on October 07, 2011, 05:46:45 AM
Hi Pholks:

Last night, René Rondeau  sent me a copy of  dial card he scanned years ago. Temporarily, until Al's copy arrives, I have placed it on my phone. I have cleaned up his scan, and put in Tif format, as Tiffs keep their print size and it should be able to print out equally on any printer as long as the print size is set to 100%. After printing for my phone, I laminated it, cut it out, and installed it on the phone. I have René's permission to share this.

You are free to download this and use it if you wish. It is located below this message - dialcard1.tif - Thank you, René! For an example of it in use, see the outside photo of the finished phone below.

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: Doug Rose on October 07, 2011, 10:08:44 AM
Nice job Dave, but you have to curl it up a bit. I have never seen an original that was flat   :D....Doug
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 07, 2011, 10:14:08 AM
Quote from: Doug Rose on October 07, 2011, 10:08:44 AM
Nice job Dave, but you have to curl it up a bit. I have never seen an original that was flat   :D....Doug

Not to worry - it curls a little while after it is installed all by itself, just like the originals :-) Nice wrinkle developed to the left of the first "T" in Automatic, so I took a craft knife and scored it so it would lie flat again!

As soon as my new cord comes, the phone is ready to mount on display. Unfortunately, thanks to the past few days of storms and the fact the Confederation Bridge had been closed to truck traffic for several days, the mail won't come until next Tuesday, the day after the Canadian Thanksgiving. This happens from time to time whenever we have sustained winds around 100 km/h or above. Can't wait for the cord to arrive so I can get the phone mounted!

By the way, if anyone has difficulty downloading Rene's dial card from here, you can download it from the links page on my museum site. The phone drawings may also be downloaded from that page.

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: teka-bb on October 13, 2011, 02:59:50 PM
Quote from: DavePEI on September 25, 2011, 10:50:29 PM
I am a happy guy tonight! I won an eBay auction for an 11 digit Strowger wall phone for $592 CDN. I will be waiting with baited breath hoping it will arrive safely. It is a lot of money, but I have been looking for a good one of these for a very long time! These were the ORIGINAL dial phones, dating from the era of 1905. The photo below is the phone I am getting.

Dave

Hello Dave,

Yours looks a lot better than this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230679928660 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/230679928660)

Were you able to create a button?
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 13, 2011, 03:53:34 PM
Quote from: teka-bb on October 13, 2011, 02:59:50 PM

Hello Dave,

Yours looks a lot better than this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230679928660 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/230679928660)

Were you able to create a button?

[/quote]
Hi Remco:

I was watching that one for a few days - it went for $6 less than mine. Generally, mine is in better shape - no cracks in the mouthpiece, etc, Mine also had its ring switch left in it, whereas it is missing from that one...

Yes, I have a hardwood switch button in mine, but have the Garolite rod coming to make a more authentic one. However, it hasn't arrived yet. Then, I will see about making more. If it works out, I will make out the three that Terry needs, and a couple for you. I only have enough ordered for five or so - if it works out, I will order more and make more...

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on October 13, 2011, 08:56:04 PM
Is it just me or did the rnger assembly look slightly crooked in the Strowger that Remco posted! You can actually see it getting WORSE as he took more pictures.

You can see where the "aftermarket" door bell button used to be screwed onto the front over the area where the original push button was located.

However the usual transformer that was put into these to resell them as intercoms appears to be a pair of ringer coils mounted in the bottom of this case. Not certain what that was about.

Terry

Antique Chicago Electric Co. Automatic 11-Digit Dialer Telephone Oak Box SOLD $585.50
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 13, 2011, 09:08:00 PM
Quote from: AE_collector on October 13, 2011, 08:56:04 PM
Is it just me or did the rnger assembly look slightly crooked in the Strowger that Remco posted! You can actually see it getting WORSE as he took more pictures.

You can see where the "aftermarket" door bell button used to be screwed onto the front over the area where the original push button was located.

However the usual transformer that was put into these to resell them as intercoms appears to be a pair of ringer coils mounted in the bottom of this case. Not certain what that was about.

Terry
If you look closely at mine, I installed two oak plugs where it looks as though someone had done the same - attached a doorbell to it. The plugs fill the holes fairly well, making them almost disappear. Fortunately, I did have some oak plugs left over from refurbing my 120 switchboard, and they worked well.

I noticed the second set of ringer or buzzer coils on the other phone and the falling ringer. Just minor to remove, but wonder what they have done to its wiring to incorporate them. The Bell Canada Blake Transmitter OST phone of mine was built  the same way as the Strowger, with channels for the wires cut in the back plate. Sure makes them look nice and neat inside!

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit - Final Photo Outside
Post by: DavePEI on October 14, 2011, 10:12:11 AM
Hi All:

I have my Strowger 11 Digit now mounted in the museum, and the dial cord came this morning, and it has been installed. The only things left to do are make the Garolite Buttons on my lathe for Ring (currently the button is hardwood), and replacing the bell bolt on the right hand bell with a correct one.

Two photos (I have removed some of the other photos)

A) Outside view

Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit - Final Photo Inside
Post by: DavePEI on October 14, 2011, 10:17:49 AM
Quote from: DavePEI on October 14, 2011, 10:12:11 AM
I have my Strowger 11 Digit now mounted in the museum, and the dial cord came this morning, and it has been installed. The only things left to do are make the Garolite Buttons on my lathe for Ring (currently the button is hardwood), and replacing the bell bolt on the right hand bell with a correct one.

Inside View with Door Open
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on October 14, 2011, 11:53:32 AM
Looking GOOD Dave! Did you get the final Number Ring as well? Mine are in the mail to you for refurbishing while you wait for your next project.

What is the bundle of Blue Cat 5's coming "from the phone"? I'm guessing the computer runs to the UNIVAC computer required to adjust the pulse timing to make it work on todays PSTN?

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 14, 2011, 12:15:46 PM
Quote from: AE_collector on October 14, 2011, 11:53:32 AM
Looking GOOD Dave! Did you get the final Number Ring as well? Mine are in the mail to you for refurbishing while you wait for your next project.

What is the bundle of Blue Cat 5's coming "from the phone"? I'm guessing the computer runs to the UNIVAC computer required to adjust the pulse timing to make it work on todays PSTN?

Terry

No, but I think I am going to leave this one on. This is the one I printed out here and laminated from René Rondeau's scan. I will save the one from Al for my 11 digit candlestick :-)

The blue Cat 5 actually leads down from the ceiling beside the door trim and from there into the office.workshop - I took up the excess by coiling a foot or two rather than having to cut it and replace the RJ-45... I hate replacing them!

But your explanation sounds better!

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 20, 2011, 02:13:03 PM
Quote from: teka-bb on October 13, 2011, 02:59:50 PM

Were you able to create a button?

Ok, the rod of Garolite arrived this morning. I did one test button to try to familiarize myself on how the stuff would machine, and it isn't too bad. For each button, it takes about an inch and a half of Garolite. I should be able to get enough out of one rod to make a few for Terry, and a couple for Remco. Then, we will see if I will make more.

This one is just a test - as I do more, the quality will improve. I will try to do a few more this weekend, as I have something to mail Terry next week, and might as well make sure his are included in the package.

The color of these are the native color of the Garolite - they can be painted with black lacquer if one chooses. Depending on your phone, the metal button faceplate on the phone having to be drilled out to the next size up.  

The button installs large side in, with it held by the contact of the phone ring switch or spring contact to give it its button action. If there is a ring switch in the phone, it will work like the original button.

Dave

Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on October 20, 2011, 03:30:48 PM
Time to set up your own business manufacturing these Dave!

You can call it "Really Old Phone Works"!

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 20, 2011, 04:04:58 PM
Quote from: AE_collector on October 20, 2011, 03:30:48 PM
Time to set up your own business manufacturing these Dave!

You can call it "Really Old Phone Works"!

Terry
Hi Terry:

Well, we will see after I get through this bunch! :)

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on October 23, 2011, 07:13:46 AM
Hi All:

I managed to get a good close-up of the outside and the interior portion of the ring switch in my 11 digit with my home made repro button installed. Sadly, this switch has been removed from most existing 11 digit phones, so this might guide you resourceful ones in making one with parts salvaged from another phone.

Note: The bottom contact shorts to the middle contact when at rest. The middle breaks from the bottom one, and shorts to the top contact when the button is depressed.

Dave
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on October 23, 2011, 12:58:08 PM
Hi Dave:

Great picture, that will help come up with something close to what is needed.

I have always wondered what the little "window" cut into the steel finger stop was for. It seems like a place for a number card but of course there is a place on the dial number card for your pone number. Seeing your button installed there now makes me think that there was probably a little designation there saying either "Ring" or maybe "Press (or Push) to Ring". One of the big time collectors/restorers must have researched that and have put what was supposed to be in that little window. Since the CO's were quickly modified for "Automatic Ringing" these buttons, contact sets and designations were removed by the Telco while the phones were still in service.

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: wrangler64 on April 07, 2013, 12:14:25 AM
I'm new to this game and not sure if this is the right place but I will try it anyways. I am currently restoring a Strowger 11 digit wall phone. The phone belonged to my in laws so I want to restore/ clean up and display in my home. It is in fairly good shape except for the finger stop and the dialer plate. What I want to know is if there is some way to restore this or re nickel it or leave it original? Also I'm pretty sure the receiver isn't original since it says northern electric on it. This phone also has the battery pack that was attached to the bottom of the phone. I haven't seen any pictures online that shows the battery. Not sure I want to put battery box back on since I have no clue if the stuff inside it is toxic after all those years. Now the second phone I snaffled from my in laws is an old wooden northern electric phone that weighs a ton. The metal piece that bolts to the phone and connects to mouth piece is metal with a black finish. Some of that finish is coming off. Should I repaint it or leave as is? I appreciate any help you can provide me as this is the first time I have done any of this.
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on April 07, 2013, 01:39:43 AM
I would get the chrome redone if it is not in good condition. Dennis Halworth ("Dencins" here on the forum) will re-chrome all the metal for you for a very reasonable price.

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=4743.0

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: southernphoneman on April 07, 2013, 06:17:51 AM
Quote from: wrangler64 on April 07, 2013, 12:14:25 AM
I'm new to this game and not sure if this is the right place but I will try it anyways. I am currently restoring a Strowger 11 digit wall phone. The phone belonged to my in laws so I want to restore/ clean up and display in my home. It is in fairly good shape except for the finger stop and the dialer plate. What I want to know is if there is some way to restore this or re nickel it or leave it original? Also I'm pretty sure the receiver isn't original since it says northern electric on it. This phone also has the battery pack that was attached to the bottom of the phone. I haven't seen any pictures online that shows the battery. Not sure I want to put battery box back on since I have no clue if the stuff inside it is toxic after all those years. Now the second phone I snaffled from my in laws is an old wooden northern electric phone that weighs a ton. The metal piece that bolts to the phone and connects to mouth piece is metal with a black finish. Some of that finish is coming off. Should I repaint it or leave as is? I appreciate any help you can provide me as this is the first time I have done any of this.
if you are looking for help with repairing and/or restoring vintage phones then this is the place to be. this forum has plenty of experience members with a vast variety of knowledge. there are enough of us that if one person doesn t know something another might.... welcome aboard by the way..
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: wrangler64 on April 07, 2013, 11:50:24 AM
Thanks for the welcomes. If I have the parts re chromed does it effect the value of the phones. You hear all the time that you should leave them original. Also the finger hole dialer is not very heavy what kind of material would that be on the strowger, did they have pot metal back then ?
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on April 07, 2013, 12:23:44 PM
The finger wheel would be stamped out of steel or brass, I haven't checked to see which metal. Do you have a magnet handy?

My thoughts are that re-plating rusted metal wouldn't diminish the value on a Strowger Phone and in all refinishing scenarios it is a judgement call depending on how bad the condition is. 

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: poplar1 on April 07, 2013, 01:07:23 PM
Someone else can say for sure, but you probably want it nickel plated, not chrome.
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on April 07, 2013, 01:36:22 PM
Wrangler64 used the term re-nickel and I turned it into Chrome in my comment which I tend to call anything that is shiney!

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: wrangler64 on April 07, 2013, 05:23:58 PM
The only thing a magnet sticks to is the finger stop, all the other pieces including bells, finger dial and receiver hook are made out of something else. So do i chrome them, nickel them or what. The bells shined up pretty nice but I'm thinking if I redo the others then the bells and mouth piece might look dull. What do you guys/ gals think. The phone didn't cost me anything so I can afford to spend a little on it. If I can figure out how to post a picture on here I'll try to do that.
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: HarrySmith on April 07, 2013, 06:49:13 PM
Hi Wrangler and welcome to the forum ;D
Before I get into your Strowger I need to warn you. Phonitis is a progressive, incurable disease that infects all who dwell here. Save yourself and leave now ;) You will soon be wanting a Strowger stick to go with the wall model or maybe another wood wall phone to go with the NE! Then you will be spending all your time and money on old phones and you will need more room to store and display them all! Trust me, I speak from experience and you can browse the threads here to see how many others are infected :o
Seriously, that Strowger is a keeper, I would love to have one! As far as refinishing that would be up to you. I like all the phones I sell or display to look as nice as possible. I can vouch for Dennis and his nickling, he has done a few projects for me and I am about to send him another, his work is outstanding. As is said, it is only original once but if my eyes are drawn to that defect I can correct than I am going to go for it.
We are all looking forward to some pictures!!
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on April 07, 2013, 07:39:51 PM
Quote from: wrangler64 on April 07, 2013, 05:23:58 PM
If I can figure out how to post a picture on here I'll try to do that.

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=8990.0

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: wrangler64 on April 07, 2013, 09:03:12 PM
Thanks for the info on how to post photos. Going to try and post three pics of this phone, the first one shows the phone with the battery pack. I haven't seen any photos on-line that includes the battery, still undecided if I will leave the battery off or display it with the phone.
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: HowardPgh on April 08, 2013, 09:50:10 AM
The "battery pack" that the phone is sitting on in the first picture looks like a Ford Model T ignition coil.
I thought that the window in the fingerstop was just a decorative element in its design.
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: DavePEI on April 08, 2013, 11:09:13 AM
Quote from: wrangler64 on April 07, 2013, 11:50:24 AM
Thanks for the welcomes. If I have the parts re chromed does it effect the value of the phones. You hear all the time that you should leave them original. Also the finger hole dialer is not very heavy what kind of material would that be on the strowger, did they have pot metal back then ?
Hi Wrangler:

After seeing the photo of your phone, I would only get the button plate re-nickeled. When you see admonissions to "leaving them original", it refers to undamaged parts - if you can restore a damaged part, or replace it with the correct part, and not a reproduction - go ahead - it will increase the value. In this case, the plate is damaged enough to warrant re-plating.

Unlike furniture and many other antiques, it was a regular practice of the telcos to send phones back for refurbishing, so it is more acceptable.

Just don't replace things with other manufacturer's parts - that created what we call a frankenphone, and that does reduce its value.

IMHO, I don't feel your dial is bad enough to warrant refinishing, just the plate below. You should be on the lookout for an early AE receiver.

Dave

Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: AE_Collector on April 08, 2013, 11:41:41 PM
Quote from: HowardPgh on April 08, 2013, 09:50:10 AM
I thought that the window in the fingerstop was just a decorative element in its design.

I always thought that it would have been logical to have a message like "Push to Ring" in the Fingerstop Window on these since originally the push button right below the window was the button that was pushed to actually ring the distant phone. Soon afterwards they came up with "Automatic Ringing" at the CO end so tha tis why all the buttons are missing on these phones.

However, no picture has ever been seen (to the best of my knowledge) of a Strowger phone with anything written in this window so it almost seems that it may have eben just decorative. It would be a spot to put the phone number if the fingerwheel didn't hace a spot specifically for the phone number.

Terry
Title: Re: Strowger 11 Digit
Post by: wrangler64 on April 10, 2013, 08:45:17 PM
Thanks for all the advice. I lucked out on finding someone to do my nickel plating. A guy here owns a custom bike shop and I happened to be talking to him and he says he has a place that will do it all for me. He also did some painting for me on my Northern Electric phone. He also does some work on antiques so he was quite interested in my phone projects. My husband is starting to get interested too and has been thinking about how we can display them. Someone mentioned on here that this becomes a disease and I think they are right. My husband said today he wished he had bought the two phones he saw last year at a farm auction for $50 bucks, I wish he had too. He now knows to bid if he sees anymore. When I get these phones all fixed up Ill post some photos.
***update on my phone project. I sent a few parts away to have them nickeled again and got them back couple days ago. Went to put the finger stop on and they refinished the wrong side  so now I have to send it back and have it redone and I hope there is no extra cost. All the other pieces look good and phone is ready to display once I get the finger stop back again.