Restoring a WECo 1324

[cihensley@aol.com]

When I acquired this Western Electric 1324 it was dull and had a repro receiver. The main case and faceplate did not have any chips, so I restored them with rubbing compound and buffing. I re-japanned the hookswitch, bells and transmitter. Several rusted screws sheared off when I was taking the set apart. I had to drill them out and chase the threads with a tap. The plastic covering the number (names) was all yellowed and deteriorated. I made new one out of plastic blister packaging material. I found a Western Electric ad from a 1909 issue of the Literary Digest showing the phone. I framed it and hung it with the phone, which I have done with a couple of other phones. I was making a career out of cleaning the inside with a q-tip and alcohol, when Jorge suggested Oxyclean and a toothbrush. This was effective and a time-saver. I exchanged the repro for a WECo receiver.

Chuck

[wds]

Now you just need to wire it to all the rooms in your house!