Need some help

[Godfather367]

Hello all!
  I bought a 302 on ebay and I'm a bit confused trying to identify the year it was made. The body is all metal, which I know is pre - war, yet the internals are dated 1946. Were these phones refurbished at some point?

  Thanks!
   Anthony

[TelePlay]

Poplar1 has done a lot of good work on WE dates for several phones. This link shows information on the 302.

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=11422.msg125729#msg125729

Seems the metal 302 was made in 1946 with the last dated set found to be in June. What is the month of your set?

[Godfather367]

Hey John, Thanks for the quick reply! The only date I could find is on the inside of the base, 4/46.

  Anthony

[LarryInMichigan]

Is it a Western Electric or Northern Electric?  I have a NE 302 with a metal shell from 1946.

Larry

[Godfather367]

It's a WE

  Anthony

[poplar1]

There are many dates on a 302:

BASE:
1. On the baseplate, near the front
2. On the ringer (starting 4-38)
3. On the 101A Induction Coil
4. On the capacitor

5. HOUSING (stamped near the front edge)

DIAL:
6. On back
7. On number plate

CORDS:
8. Handset Cord
9. Mounting Cord

HANDSET:
10. Transmitter
11. Receiver
12. Handle (usually a 2- or 3-digit code)
13. Transmitter Cap (sometimes)
14. Receiver Cap (sometimes)

There may be additional dates added if the phone was remanufactured.

[TelePlay]

It's a WE

What does it say on the handset emblem below the Western Electric logo, F1 or F1W?

Can you post pictures of the phone including some inside shots?