396a headset

[Pourme]

It is in excellent condition. It couldn't have been used much. It has both Bell Systems and Western Electric markings, patented in 1918. I'm thinking mid 1940's? Is it collectible? I can buy it for $25.00.

[Pourme]

It is in excellent condition. It couldn't have been used much. It has both Bell Systems and Western Electric markings, patented in 1918. I'm thinking mid 1940's? Is it collectible? I can buy it for $25.00.

Update and correction:

I bought it, but you knew I would, didn't you? Instead of Bell System markings it has "Property of American Tel & Tel company" on the ear piece. The 'horn' on the transmitter is plastic and all other black pieces are Bakelite. It must have been replaced at some point. 

[19and41]

Nice find, it looks correct.  It may be just a bit earlier on the date,  I must defer to the experts on that.

[Pourme]

Here is a print ad from 1938

[19and41]

To be honest, my mental reference was the old issues of National Geographic Magazines that I had as a youth.  Telephone industry advertising was prolific in them. 

[Pourme]

To have those mags and the ads now...we never foresaw EBAY!

[Pourme]

Here is a 1933 historical photo of the White House operator using the same headset.

[poplar1]

Here is a January, 1929 Bell Laboratories Record article showing the "new" headset (Figure 9). Although your headband is slightly different, it is attached as described in the article.

http://telephonecollectors.info/index.php/document-repository/doc_details/11268-29jan-blr-p203-operator-headset
(TCI Library)

396A may be the number for the transmitter only.  (The 395-type transmitter is the "Bullet" transmitter used on early E1B handsets 1928-1934.)

[rdelius]

The set for $25.00 is different than the 1929 model.Bakelite case on rec and trans.Rec uses the same capsule as the F1.The transmitter has a small capsule inside.The 1929 set has brass cases on the rec and trans.$25 is not bad but I had several if the transmitters in military packaging wwll surplus and nobody wanted any at $10.00 at telephone shows.

[poplar1]

Benny's receiver case looks like metal to me (528) rather than Bakelite (11A) (716A). Benny, can you see if it has a  capsule type receiver, or a flat metal diaphragm? Also, is the 1918 patent on the transmitter or the receiver? Often expired patent dates are no longer shown (1918 + 17 = 1935?).

[Pourme]

Benny's receiver case looks like metal to me (528) rather than Bakelite (11A). Benny, can you see if it has a  capsule type receiver, or a flat metal diaphragm? Also, is the 1918 patent on the transmitter or the receiver? Often expired patent dates are no longer shown (1918 + 17 = 1935?).

You are correct, the case is brass and the cap is Bakelite...it has the disc and #528...

What does that tell you?

[Pourme]

The transmitter has a patient number but no date.  Western Electric   396a    made in USA

[tekuhn]

I was searching for information on 528 receivers and came across this thread. I gather this is not a very common item. I obtained this item with a bunch of parts from eBay. Can't tell for sure if it's a 5 or 6, but amazingly, it appears the date on this 528 is 528  . It is missing the headband.

[unbeldi]

I think, in this case the vermillion stamping is the type number of the receiver, not the date.

Another 528 in a photo earlier in this thread has a marking of 230, but I believe in that case it is actually 2nd quarter of 1930.

[tekuhn]

I see. I thought they used Roman numerals when denoting a quarter, which is why I thought 230 meant Feb, 1930 and 528 meant May 1928. Seemed logical to me since mine does appear to be older with no patent dates. Thanks.