Western Electric 251 (was What dial plate is this?)

[Sargeguy]

"Long Distance"

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=641.0;attach=3154;image  (dead link, no image)

It looks like its from an independent TELCO based on the F1W dial

[Dennis Markham]

I don't recall seeing one of those with the words Long Distance on them.  That plate is referred to as a "Rural" plate.  They were in fact in rural areas where exchange names were not used, thus no need for letters---just numbers.

[Sargeguy]

Me neither, I have several of the 150a's but they all say "operator"

[Dennis Markham]

That is an old dial card too...only 4 numbers.  Did you look to see if there was another behind it???

[Sargeguy]

I will when it arrives.  I know those rural exchanges had low numbers.  Since its from an independent, maybe it was a special order?  They apparently had regular operator assisted long distance as opposed to dialing 211 for the long-distance operator as in the Bell System.  Of course long distance may have been the next town over.

[BDM]

Rural phone number card. Many only used/needed four numbers with the small amount of customers. Plus, many were on party lines. I have several of those cards stashed around somewhere. That "long distance" under & around the 0 is interesting.

[Sargeguy]

Here is a list of dial plates and corresponding #s.  If anyone can add to it or sees any mistakes LMK:

132a-#2 dial numeric
132b-#2 dial alphanumeric
132e-#2 party line

147a-Pay Phone

149a-#4 dial numeric plastic covered
149b-#4 dial alphanumeric plastic covered
149e-#4 party line celluloid

150a-#5 dial numeric
150b-#5 dial alphanumeric
150d-#5 dial numeric "long distance"
150e-#5 party line

164a-#6 alphanumeric "Z" discontinued
164b-#6 ?
164c-#6 black (5302)

[Sargeguy]

The mystery has been solved.  The dial plate is a 150D dated II....46.  It is apparently a WECO dial plate issued to independent TELCOs that did not have a long distance operator.

[BDM]

Very interesting. May be worth making a copy of this.

[Sargeguy]

The plot thickens-here is the ringer:

[BDM]

I'd bet that's a frequency ringer to boot.

[benhutcherson]

This is a 302, right? I've never seen a ringer even close to that in a 302.

[Sargeguy]

Actually it is a 251

From paul-f.com

No ringer or Bell System markings. F1AW handset, D3AL-9 mounting cord.  Has a special mount for a harmonic ringer. Typically sold to independents, who would add a straight line or party line ringer as required.

Catalog 11: " The No. 251 type Telephone Sets are intended for use in common battery manual or dial service on selective party lines using a harmonic ringer. Each set consists of a hand set, a desk type telephone set mounting, the necessary cords and wiring.

The telephone set mounting coded AB1-3 is similar to the No. H1-3 Telephone Set Mounting except that it is furnished without a ringer and is provided with a special ringer mounting for a harmonic ringer."

251AW: 82A-3 apparatus blank.  251BW: 5HA-3 dial and 59A dial adapter.


Any idea if that is a WECO ringer?  It seems to fit perfectly.  The tone is really nice.

[Sargeguy]

The phone is functional but does not ring.  Is there any way to get this to ring on a straight line?

[Dan/Panther]

Sargeguy;
Here is your dialface cleaned up some.
D/P