WE 500 dating

[Babybearjs]

I just repaired a WE 500-03 deskset dated 12/1950. I thought the 500 series wasnt release until 1957? was the series in production prior to '57 and just used on commercial uses, or was the series started earlier then what was printed. I was really impressed with the condition the phone is in and all I had to do was change the line cord to a new black modular cord and clean the dial. the phone was brought in by a customer for repair and I was amazed at the date shown on the phone. all the parts have the same date... 12/1950! so what is the true history behind the release date of the 500 series??

[Dan/Panther]

Designed in the mid forties, first production for consumer 1949, figure of 4000 produced.
D/P

[DavePEI]

I just repaired a WE 500-03 deskset dated 12/1950. I thought the 500 series wasnt release until 1957? was the series in production prior to '57 and just used on commercial uses, or was the series started earlier then what was printed. I was really impressed with the condition the phone is in and all I had to do was change the line cord to a new black modular cord and clean the dial. the phone was brought in by a customer for repair and I was amazed at the date shown on the phone. all the parts have the same date... 12/1950! so what is the true history behind the release date of the 500 series??

Hi John:

They first started appearing in 1949....

Dave

[Phonesrfun]

It's probably worth mentioning to go to the all-time longest running and most interesting thread we have ever had on this forum.  Check out the thread called "Now the story can be told", started by Dan/Panther.

This thread is not only interesting from the standpoint of the phone Dan bought, but is a great recap and discussion of the early genesis of the 500.  Definitely a "must-read".

Warning:  The thread is very long, and very informative.

[paul-f]

Also, for your reading pleasure, I've been collecting info on the 500-series history and variations for many years.  You can see a summary of some of it here:

  http://www.paul-f.com/we500typ.htm

  http://www.paul-f.com/weproto.html#500

  http://www.paul-f.com/500style.html

And follow the links from those pages for more.

More good sources include the books:
  100 Years of Bell Telephones by Richard Mountjoy
   Old Time Telephones! by Ralph Meyer

[Babybearjs]

Thanks guys! I'll pass the info onto my customer. I am very impressed with the condition this phone is in... the first 500 I've seen in mint condition.... should I tell the customer its worth $250.00?? 'cause thats what I would price it at!  John

[Phonesrfun]

A 1950 original should have a 425A network, and a separate equalizer unit.  In mint condition, that combination would be special.

[Dan/Panther]

Here is a link to the thread Bill is referring to.

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=2394.0

Also after almost exactly 2 years here is a new photo of the phone where it has been on display for the entire time.

D/P

[Greg G.]

Pics of a 49r in the Communications museum in Seattle:  http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=2689.0

[Dan/Panther]

I have one massive hole in my collection that would sit right between the two phones in the photo. A 1950-500.
Can't seem to win one.
D/P