When was the D1 Introduced by WE

[Doug Rose]

Janet found a very old D1 in her haul. Looks like it was never used. WE was still making B1s in 1930. This is in like new condition, original paint is in great shape. Minor marks on top of ears. Base and 4H dial are dated 4/30. I have a B1 sitting right next to it dated the same 4/30. Dial plate is the notched version of the #2 dial and is in great shape. Heavy brass finger wheel. Seamless E1 is in wonderful condition, no chips cracks or missing pieces. Cloth cords are deep brown, very pliable. Base cover is deep brown with a minor hole on bottom.

We always talk about the first runs of the 302, what is the earliest D1 you have??

Doug

[baldopeacock]

Wow.   That's a keeper.

[AE40FAN]

That's a beautiful phone.  Is that the original dial card? 

[WesternElectricBen]

Dang!!!!!

[Doug Rose]

That's a beautiful phone.  Is that the original dial card? 

thanks...the bakelite dial sleeve is original, the paper is not. I'd gladly trade it for you manual brown AE    ....Doug

[Doug Rose]

Numerous articles say the D1 was made in the beginning of 1930, but I cannot find an exact date. I love the fact that my B1 and D1 have the exact same date of April 1930....Doug

[AE40FAN]

That's a beautiful phone.  Is that the original dial card? 

thanks...the bakelite dial sleeve is original, the paper is not. I'd gladly trade it for you manual brown AE    ....Doug

Gee Doug, as tempting as that sounds I think I'll hang onto it for a little while longer    Now, to find one in every color!

[Greg G.]

... what is the earliest D1 you have??

Doug

My avatar is also April 1930.

[Doug Rose]

thanks Greg....we'll see if we get an earlier one....Doug

[Sargeguy]

Interesting, this opens up a whole can of worms:
Was there an overlap, and if so how much?
Did WE continue making B-1s while they were re-tooling for the D-1? 
Did different plants start making the phone at different times? 
When was aluminum replaced with zinc alloy? 
When did production cease altogether? 
Why are some years far more common than others?

[poplar1]

Interesting, this opens up a whole can of worms:
Was there an overlap, and if so how much?
Did WE continue making B-1s while they were re-tooling for the D-1? 
Did different plants start making the phone at different times? 
When was aluminum replaced with zinc alloy? 
When did production cease altogether? 
Why are some years far more common than others?

Overlap? Yes.
Aluminum to zinc around 1936
I have a D-1 mounting  dated 1939
During the Great Depression, there were probably more phones disconnected than installed. You hardly ever find one made in 1933.

[jfrutschy]

Nice find, she is a beautiful piece

[paul-f]

Interesting, this opens up a whole can of worms:
Was there an overlap, and if so how much?
Did WE continue making B-1s while they were re-tooling for the D-1? 

The latest B mounting I've noticed was dated III32.

[poplar1]

Interesting, this opens up a whole can of worms:
Was there an overlap, and if so how much?
Did WE continue making B-1s while they were re-tooling for the D-1? 

The latest B mounting I've noticed was dated III32.

I'll second that-- I have a B1B III 32 with a 2HB dial dated III 32.

[Doug Rose]

I asked the TCI List as well and received no response. I am really surprised there is so little interest of when the first D1 was made.

There is a HUGE interest of when the first 500 set was made and moderate interest in when the first 302 was made. If anyone does find an earlier date than 4/30, I would be interested....thanks...Doug