Different E1 handsets?

[Jack]

I was wondering if anyone knew what the difference between these 2 handsets is. Both are marked E1 but one has a groove going through it and the other doesnt,
Jack

[benhutcherson]

The difference between the two is a whole bunch of money.

The "seamless" E1 handsets, which I believe are older, tend to bring a nice premium over the other types of E1 handsets.

[bingster]

You'll find them in a "mix and match" state, too.   The seamless handsets originally had seamless transmitter and receiver caps.  Many of those were replaced with grooved caps when they broke, making a fully seamless unit a rather nice find.

[Jack]

Thank you and thank you,
It seems as though you are right bingster, both sets of caps are grooved...
And benhutcherson your answer got right to the core of my question, since I want to sell a 102 on ebay and keep the more valuable one for myself