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Western Electric 47A Control Unit – “Car Phone”

Started by Russ Kirk, April 03, 2013, 05:20:51 PM

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Russ Kirk

I just found this Western Electric 47A Control Unit – "Car Phone".  It is the headend for a MTS (mobile telephone system) "car phone" from the early 1950's.  See the link below for more details on the system:

http://www.wb6nvh.com/MTSfiles/Carphone2.htm

I mounted it on a step from an 11' central office rolling ladder.  

I tend to think this a seldom seen item. The only information I have been able to uncover is from the link above.  When I took apart the set it did not have any dates inside.  The web page says they were discontinued in the 1960's.  The handset dates are 1960,  the 47A is the first in the series issued (early 50's) and the last was the 47E, so I think the handset was replaced sometime later.  

Anybody have any idea what this may be worth?
- Russ Kirk
ATCA & TCI