Red "thermoplastic 302" or not?

[Butch Harlow]

I saw this last night and can't help but think it's some kind of fakery. I thought that since I was relatively new to the hobby and didn't catch it right away, that maybe it should be documented and discussed. So...here it is
very odd "302"

[rdelius]

Appears to be prewar Base plate like 1936 prototypes and the shell has the same details also. Note switch is like prototype.Shell might be using a mold for bakelite note thickness.

[kleenax]

Yep;

EXTREMELY early colored 302. Didn't see them in any photo, but plungers "should" be same red color. Note the 4-digit number on the bottom. I'd say 1936-37.

[Ktownphoneco]

That is a very odd set.    There are a few number stamps in red, and the case "looks" to be red throughout.      The feet are riveted onto the base, and the induction coil looks to be 1937-38 vintage.
The ringer frame is something I've never seen before, and it's equipped with what looks like a 194-B double condenser in a rectangular "can".    It also appears to have a switchboard dial, but I can't really get a good look at the back of the dial.
There are members here on the forum that know a lot more about the history and development of the 302 than I do, and I'm sure there will be more accurate input from those individuals.

Good eye Butch !

Jeff Lamb

[rdelius]

I do think it  is a 1936 prototype

[Butch Harlow]

Well, I am glad I posted.  It's very interesting and the bidding has exploded this morning. It was at 33.00 when I made this post, now over 300.

[HarrySmith]

Very Cool Phone!! I think the seller is going to be very surprised! It is going to be way out of my phone budget!

[Pourme]

~

Would have made a good auction contest.....

[HarrySmith]

It is very thick plastic. I would like to have it in my hands to compare with a regular production 302. I am also curious about the ringer bracket. Will a B1 work in there?

[AE_Collector]

~

Would have made a good auction contest.....

Never say Never....

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=20604.0

Terry

[kleenax]

I do think it  is a 1936 prototype

Yea, I threw in the $306 bid just for giggles. STILL got outbid!

[rdelius]

A standard ringer will fit. just snaps in.Note one hole  in back for  both cords. compare guts to my set

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=post;topic=20601.0;last_msg=210647 

          ( bad link, links to new message, not a topic reply )

[rdelius]

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=post;topic=20601.0;last_msg=210647

[RotarDad]

Doesn't that thick curved fingerstop indicate a switchboard dial?  If so, could that imply a set of parts perhaps added to an earlier base?  The handset doesn't have the usual 2-piece design with the seam around the underside - that is the earlier design, right?  Other thoughts on origin?

[rdelius]

The missing parts are standard but do not have the 4 didget trial station number.The dial was most likely based on a #4, who knows about the fingerwheel if metal or plastic. No field trial sticker also