Basement find of the day

[Jim Stettler]

I was rearrangeing the phoneroom and peeking into boxes. I found this phone that I didn't realize I had.

Base 9/51 500 T

Housing 8-22-51   3 (3rd shift?)
Handset and caps 8-51
transmitter and receiver elements 8-21-51

C2A ringer marked 8/51 aluminum resonators (no gongs   )
Handset cord '53

Network 8/51 this is what they must look like under the paper tags

I have not ever cleaned this phone either inside or out.

The dates may not all match, but they are so close I consider this "properly dated". The cord was probably an upgrade in 1953, The didn't become standard until aroud 1955 (I think). 1953 would be a pretty early curly cord.

Jim



Jim

[Jim Stettler]

Here are a couple more photos. sorry for the photo composition and quality.
I am kinda rusty on taking pictures.

Jim

When was the last time you checked your boxes?

[Greg G.]

Amazingly clean, I don't see a hint of rust or corrosion.

[Greg G.]

When was the last time you checked your boxes?

See my thread on trying to thin the herd.  Almost a lost cause.

[Jim Stettler]

When was the last time you checked your boxes?

See my thread on trying to thin the herd.  Almost a lost cause.

I still regret selling some of the phones that I have sold over the years.

I have tried to thin out my payphones since I don't collect them.


Out of about 16 there are 2 that I have weak justification for keeping.
Jim

[Greg G.]

I have tried to thin out my payphones since I don't collect them.

Out of about 16 there are 2 that I have weak justification for keeping.
Jim

Interested in a candlestick?  Maybe these folks will swap for your payphone:

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/atq/1972782899.html
( dead link 03-07-21 )

[Dennis Markham]

That is a nice surprise, Jim.  Nice phone.  I'd say it was an original phone with parts coming from the end of August and early September.  Really a nice early example.

[deedubya3800]

Yes, that is nice, and amazingly early. The convex dial blank just really sticks out to me, in more ways than one.

[Jim Stettler]

I always thought I had 1 black manual 500 set. last spring I discovered a second one (I was surprised).

This phone really surprised me. Looking thru the box, I decided  I must of packed this 10 years ago (for a move).

Jim

[KeithB]

I'm particularly interested in more pictures of that red/brown/maroon WE 211....

[Doug Rose]

I'm particularly interested in more pictures of that red/brown/maroon WE 211....

I second that, It caught my eye as well....Doug

[McHeath]

Great basement find!  Wish I ran into such in a basement.  The early dial blanks are sweetly sleek, no lines to break up the face, I really like the look.

[Jim Stettler]

Thanks for all the comments.
I will get some photos of the 211

I think this phone was part of the Gordon Collection.

Gordon collected phones for 10-15 years. He liked nice stuff and he would pay well.
This set was a bit rough (by Gordon's standard)  but it is early.

I eventually bought Gordon's collection. This is the best guess I have for where the phone came from.
Jim