Another interesting but mystifying find from Carl

[carl]

Can someone tell me what this little knob is supposed to do? I recently acquired this nice phone that does not need any
adjusting,since it works properly...oh! The item in question actually disconnects the phone when pushed down.It's spring loaded and
does its job,then comes right back up into place,but I'm thinking there must be something else that the phone company had in mind
for it.  Best,Carl NYC

[McHeath]

This is a WE model DED/5000, also known as the End Of The World unit, and they were only issued to NORAD command centers.  That button originally sent a Flash/Emergency signal to the nuclear missile silos in North Dakota to indicate that NORAD had been vaporized and they needed to initiate launch sequencing.  The thinking was that the last thing one of the unfortunate staff at NORAD would do would be to press that button, thus initiating MAD.  To that end one staff member always had one finger on that button during their shifts, which lasted 30 minutes, so they needed 48 men per day to rotate on the schedule holding their finger on the button. 

Or something like that...

[carl]

Live and learn.Thank you very much.The phone rings really really loud,too.Again,thanks for the info.Here's a shot of the whole unit.Carl

[bingster]

McHeath is such a trouble maker.

That's a two-line phone.  With the knob turned one way, the first line is active, with the knob turned the other way, the second line is active.  That's why there are two phone numbers written on the card.  There's a clear plastic knob that's supposed to fit on the white spindle, but it's gone missing.

[The Operator]

Or something like that...

Is it April already? ~The Operator

[Dan]

If you look on the back, it should say WE 510 or WE511. Look at this link

http://www.paul-f.com/we500typ.htm

[carl]

I think that's right on target,as it seems the top Is missing,but turns,and it says 5hf and 1-69.The other numbers may be inside but I'm
going to leave it intact.Again,to the crew,thanks for the info,Carl S

[Dan/Panther]

McHeath;
Did thet 30 minute shift include 2-15 minute breaks ?
D/P
What about lunch ?

[bwanna]

48 men

[HobieSport]

I am the forty ninth man.

[McHeath]

Well of course it was men bwanna, this was the olde daze after all.   

D/P, I think the break schedule was one 10 minute break every 15 minutes.