Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => Collector's Corner => Topic started by: ntophones on January 06, 2010, 02:27:56 PM

Title: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: ntophones on January 06, 2010, 02:27:56 PM
<edit> Since we merged several topics about AE Navy phones Type A through F together here, lets get a picture of each into this first post on the topic.

Terry

Pictures below in order:

Type - A
Type - D
Type - F
Type - Unknown
Not shown are the AE 40's and 50's with the wire clips to hold the handset in place.
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 06, 2010, 03:23:58 PM
Hello,
Do you guys think this is an AE ringer in this phone? Also, what kind of dial is this? Thanks.
I know the handset doesn't belong.

Here is the link....

http://tinyurl.com/ybjaccp dead link to this topic
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: Dennis Markham on January 06, 2010, 03:40:58 PM
Nto, it's difficult to tell without being able to see the clapper.  Maybe the seller could provide another photo from a different angle.

The handset is a Western Electric F1 handset.
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: LarryInMichigan on January 06, 2010, 03:58:22 PM
nto,

The ringer looks alot like the one in my AE50 http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/LarryinMichigan/AE50/Open.jpg (http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/LarryinMichigan/AE50/Open.jpg), but the screws which should be holding it to the backplate are missing.  I don't know what kind of dial it has, but it certainly looks like an AE style finger wheel.

Note that, in every picture, there is no sign of the hook switch plunger assembly .  It screws into the metal plate above the switch, through the bakelite cover.  The cover cannot be removed without first removing the plunger assembly.  If the plunger assembly is missing, you will not be able to hang up the phone.  I noticed an AE50 plunger assembly listed an ebay a few weeks ago for $11 or so.  It may still be available.

I also notice that there are open grooves in the cradle arms.  I haven't seen that before.  On mine, there are no such openings.

Larry
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 06, 2010, 04:46:34 PM
I saw those grooves, too. I thought that was very strange. Thanks for the info about the ringer assembly.
I emailed the owner about the ringer.
Thanks.
Does anyone else know about the grooves?
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 06, 2010, 05:24:31 PM
Hi ntophones ,
                        The grooves are for the wire handset holders. This phone was on a ship or train. Here's one with the holders. I have one without the springs also.The springs are riveted in case!!!    stub
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 06, 2010, 05:42:03 PM
Oh--what a great fact. When you say riveted, I wonder if they could be replaced?
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 06, 2010, 05:58:03 PM
ntophones ,
                   Maybe, just don't get it too tight, it will bust!!!! I made some springs for mine, out of clothes hangers,but didn't have any piano wire the same size. They work and don't look to bad. I still need to get nickle or chrome wire and make some more. Those I made I fixed it so I could snap them over the rivets on the inside.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  If you get it I will try to find my pattern for it and send it to you if you remind me!!!   stub
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 07, 2010, 10:09:48 AM
Thanks, stub!
I wonder if it was on a ship, since the fingerwheel is brass. In that case, I wonder if the handset had brass trim on it, also. How interesting.
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: LarryInMichigan on January 07, 2010, 12:52:24 PM
nto,

If you want to bid on the phone, you might want to ask the seller if the hook switch plunger is missing.  If they answer that it is, that may put a damper on bidding.

Larry
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 07, 2010, 06:35:37 PM
Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing. I think it is missing. I looked at replacement parts on Oldphoneworks, and it is expensive to replace that. On the other hand, maybe it will keep the price down on the phone.
I asked him about the ringer. He says it doesn't have any markings on it. I thought AE phones were pretty good about marking what type of frequency ringer they put in there. I wonder if this was sort a parts phone?
Thanks
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: LarryInMichigan on January 07, 2010, 06:41:29 PM
Here is what it needs:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-A-E-50-Plunger-Assembly-for-Wall-Phones_W0QQitemZ250539806989QQ (http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-A-E-50-Plunger-Assembly-for-Wall-Phones_W0QQitemZ250539806989QQ).  -- dead link
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 07, 2010, 09:36:27 PM
Yikes, Larry, great find! Thanks! I never saw that one! That helps me out a lot!
--nto
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: Dennis Markham on January 07, 2010, 10:56:35 PM
Nto, I don't know if you saw it in my earlier posting but that is not the proper handset for that AE50 either.  That is a Western Electric F1 handset.  Just FYI.

~Dennis
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 08, 2010, 11:49:17 AM
Oh, yeah, I knew that. I have an extra handset, but will need the transmitter and receiver parts, but, I'm not worried about that, yet...thanks.
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 10, 2010, 02:11:24 PM
Well, I actually won that AE50 with the grooves for the wire holders. I hope I got a good phone, but, you never know. I'm concerned about the ringer assembly, but, that is neither here nor there at the moment.
However, I am very interested in your pattern for the wire holders. stub. I think I'll just make mine out of coat hangers, if I can bend them properly. I may need your help, but, I will make an attempt.
Could you post a copy of your pattern?
THanks,
nto
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 10, 2010, 02:16:25 PM
You can find 3' sections of piano wire (in various dia.) at various hardware stores. Around here you can buy it at Ace.
Harbor freight used to sell a small wire bending jig that would probably work great for this application.


Jim S.
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 10, 2010, 02:56:13 PM
Oh, say, thanks--per your earlier post, I went ahead and bought one set! Thanks!!!! I really appreciate it!.
Of course, I think on this phone, I'll need all the help I can get, since I don't even know what ringer that is in there. It looks pretty ragged inside. I'm a little scared, but am anxious to get it!
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 10, 2010, 02:58:13 PM
It turns out that I will also need receiver part for the handset I have. I have a transmitter. I wonder, is oldphoneworks the best place for one? Or do you guys know someone cheaper for that?
Thanks,
nto
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: LarryInMichigan on January 10, 2010, 03:45:51 PM
nto,

I was just speaking with Steve Hilsz.  Has says that he has the receiver capsule for $3.50.  He has a web site at http://phonesurplus.com/ (http://phonesurplus.com/).

Larry
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 10, 2010, 04:17:13 PM
Oh, great! I will email him! Thanks, Larry!
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 10, 2010, 04:39:41 PM
Piano wire...great idea. What is a jig, exactly?
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: LarryInMichigan on January 10, 2010, 04:43:54 PM
A jig is a Celtic dance ;D,  or a special tool for bending wire into a specific form.
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: Jim Stettler on January 10, 2010, 04:59:54 PM
The jig I am talking about would be called a wire-bending jig.
It is a perforated base plate that has movable posts. You can place the posts in different locations and bend the wires around them. The posts allow you to create the desired curve radius to the wire.

Piano wire is a very high tensile wire. It is located by the small specialty tubing.

The piano wire is probably going to be the closest match to original wire. The jig would be the easiest way to bend the wire to the pattern.


Jim S.

Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 10, 2010, 05:44:31 PM
Thanks.
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 11, 2010, 02:37:54 PM
Ntophones,
                 Where do you want to start?  Do you have the cover off the phone ? I have mine here and it's apart , what do you need a pic  of?  stub
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 11, 2010, 02:44:15 PM
Well, I don't have the phone, yet and can't figure out how to show you the insides.
But, I am interested in the Hook assembly and the way you attached the wires. Also the plunger. I got one that is not quite correct. I purchased one for a regular AE50 phone. But, the one I won on Ebay, is a Navy phone.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320470071127&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_500wt_1182 -- dead link

According to Steve Hilz, the plunger should have a spring in it and sit on (I think) the wire assembly. I wonder if your phones do that, or, if you got your working with a regular plunger. I am super interested in how yours look inside.
Thanks. (I know I'm premature, but, I can't wait to see how these things work.)
I really appreciate your help!

I'm looking into getting piano wire and a jig for it, asap.
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 11, 2010, 03:24:04 PM
Ntophones,
                    Here's the the plunger that was in mine. It may take a while to find pattern!!!!!  Hope these pics help.  stub
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 11, 2010, 04:07:10 PM
Beautiful--Thank you!
Your plunger is different than the one I bought. If you don't mind, could you do one more picture with the plunger part installed? And, one more from above showing from the ringer assembly to the bottom part of the phone. I think that will show the hook assembly. (I hope you haven't put your phone together, yet.)
Thanks so very much...I know it is a lot to ask.
I really appreciate your help! Yours is a very beautiful job!

I'm really getting excited about it. BTW, could you also show how you attached the wires to the front of the case?
Thanks. (I hope this is not too much to ask)
nto
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 11, 2010, 04:12:43 PM
Nto,  Sure, It will take alittle while i'm on dial-up!  stub
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 11, 2010, 04:25:32 PM
I'm so sorry....I hope it is not too much.
BTW, how do you attach these phones to the wall?
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 11, 2010, 04:26:50 PM
Ntophones ,
                      Here you go . If you need anymore help, just let me know!!!!!   stub
                 
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 11, 2010, 05:03:09 PM
Ntophones,
                   The pic of back of phone , the 4 holes, with nothing in them ,are mounting holes.  2 round and 2 elongated, down at the bottom ,out of pic.   Btw I forgot to tell you the shouldered bolt on  paper is the correct bolts to hold the ringer, and the ringer looks right for your phone if it's a  straight line.  stub
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: LarryInMichigan on January 11, 2010, 07:17:17 PM
nto,

Where did you get a plunger?  I expect that a standard AAE50 plunger will work in your new phone.  I do not think that the plunger needs to have a spring.  The outer part of the plunger assembly screws into the threaded hole in the middle of the hook switch assembly, and the wide end of the plunger pushes down on the lever to break the hook switch contacts.  The lever will spring back up when the weight (ie. handset) is removed from the plunger.  Just remember that the plunger assembly goes into the phone after the cover has been attached, and it must be removed to remove the phone cover.  The annotated picture might help a bit.

Larry
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 11, 2010, 07:27:03 PM
Ntophones,
                   The plunger may or may not work . Just try it when your phone comes in.  Don't worry , between all of us, we will get you fixed up.!!!   stub
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 11, 2010, 08:40:25 PM
Thanks you guys!
I got the plunger from Adele, last night. But, I was emailing Steve Hilz who told me about the plungers in these AE50B phones. I think the plunger I'm getting will probably work, but, it won't really be original to the phone.
But, I thank you guys for the pictures and the help already. I'm getting it in my mind, so I'll be a little more prepared.
Again, thanks for your help, because I know I can get it with your help! So far, all my phones have been guided by you great people on this forum! I just love this stuff! :) Thank you all.

P.S. Larry, I couldn't ever get that picture! You are a genius to get it and annotate it for me! THank you!
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: LarryInMichigan on January 11, 2010, 08:54:41 PM
nto,

It could be that the plunger was different since the phone was made to go aboard a ship.  It might have had a spring to keep it from bouncing and disconnecting a call while the ship moved.  If anyone would know, Steve Hilsz would.  At any rate, as long as your house doesn't move too much, a standard plunger will likely be sufficient.

I am not a genius, but a software engineer who happens to spend most of his time developing imaging software, so I know a bit about dealing with images.  The image was annotated with my application.

Larry
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 11, 2010, 09:00:41 PM
Very cool.
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 11, 2010, 10:03:30 PM
Ntophones ,
                 I found pattern.  Send me your address and I'll mail it to you.
 I'll have to find the wires I made for mine to show a pic., wife made me move some of my stuff ( she calls junk ) downstairs. It's packed in something, somewhere?
                                 
                    stubblefield5354@bellsouth.net                       stub
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 12, 2010, 08:15:06 AM
Ntophones,
                 The back of your phone has the screws in it for the ringer!!! Be sure to look for them in box, when it comes in and the ringer appears to be a straight line. Yours has the pivot with the adj. nut like Bill has been talking about in the frequency ringer post. The mounting  hole are the 2 sm. round holes ,at the top, and 2 elongated ,at bottom, and lg round hole is for phone line in.
                 It appears you may be in better shape than you thought!!!!  Just put your ringer back in place and tighten it up, bingo you are ready to go. There are numbers ,on the base, at the bottom,    R   G   T    L1    G    L2
                                                             L-1 to GRN     L-2 to  RED   Hook up your phone like this and it should work.  After you carefully put cover on, gently snug up the two cover screws and then place switch plunger into hole , then place the spanner nut over the hookswitch plunger and tighten. Then finish tightening the 2 cover screws. Not too tight, the bakelite will bust!!!!!!! When you get this done we'll start the hard part-- wire bending!!!!!  stub
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 12, 2010, 10:18:10 AM
Thanks, stub!!! I couldn't tell anything about the ringer from the picture. I'm so excited. I'm glad you told me about tightening the screws, though--I'd hate to break it.
How in the world did you interpret those letters and numbers at the bottom?
Do you have a manual or something for this phone?
Quote from: stub1953 on January 11, 2010, 09:30:18 PM
Ntophones,
                   Larry is right. My AE 35 has the same switch plunger. It should work . It's shown to be used from the 40's to at least 53, on my papers. Hope all of this pic makes it !!!   stub      use your scroll button to enlarge this pic
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 12, 2010, 10:23:43 AM
Notphones,
                This info is from AE Circular # 1712A -  Replacement Parts  -1953     stub
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 12, 2010, 10:38:06 AM
Oh, I missed that. Thanks. I didn't even see that little attachment--it is tiny! :)
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 12, 2010, 10:39:23 AM
Ntophones ,
                       Pattern is in the mail!!!!!!  stub
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 12, 2010, 10:40:25 AM
BTW, what can I open the attachment with? I have a mac. Could this file be saved as a jpeg? I understand if that is too much trouble, though, so, please don't go to any extraordinary measures. Thanks.

Thanks for mailing it so quickly!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 13, 2010, 02:13:12 PM
Ntophones ,
                   Mail person didn't pick up all the letters yesterday. I found yours in box this morning. They got it today.
                   BTW did you find any piano wire? I have to make some more handset holders for my AE -50.  Yeah, I hid them from myself!!!! The wire gauge will be  AWG- 9 (.114) or AWG-10 (.101) if you can find it.  stub
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 13, 2010, 03:51:53 PM
Stub--
Haven't found the wires, yet. I was waiting to measure, but, since you have given me the gauges, I can start looking for some. I'm also scouting around for a jig!
THanks, again.
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 23, 2010, 03:14:33 PM
Hey there--
I made the clips. They aren't that great, but, as of now the best I can do.
I ended up using some old antenna cable (copper center.) Very pliable and the right size. Then, I used the piano wire I bought (very stiff--couldn't bend it), for the bar in the back, to hold old copper wire, which I used instead of clips.
It doesn't look too bad, if you don't look at it too closely. But, they work.

Stub--
Thank you so much for the pattern and the pictures. They really helped me, but I couldn't get as good a clip as yours.
As you can see, in the third picture, my clips are not even on the inside, which bugs me, but, I kept getting worse the more clips I made, so I decided to call it a day on clip building.  :P
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: Wallphone on January 23, 2010, 03:53:17 PM
I don't have any piano wire to experiment with, but I think you would have better luck working with it if you heated it with a propane torch first.

Dougpav
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 23, 2010, 04:29:59 PM
Oh, man, that's a little out of my league....I'll bet you're right, though.
I was lucky to cut it... :)
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 23, 2010, 04:42:00 PM
Ntophones ,
                    That looks pretty good from here!!! You will just have to adjust them just a little. The heat will help soften the wire , then you can bend it up and adjust for the best fit . When you get it just right ,take them out and heat to red hot and cool suddenly in water and this will return some of the hardness and they won't bend easily, then clean and paint , your done!  stub
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 23, 2010, 08:19:35 PM
Thanks, stub!
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 29, 2010, 05:53:36 PM
Finally finished and hung the AE50B phone!
I made clips out of steel coat hangers, like you, Stub. Then, I painted them black.
I got the whole phone hung today. It works and looks great!
Thanks for your help!
nto
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: Craig T on January 29, 2010, 06:42:41 PM
Nice job fabricating those clips! You should post a fresh pic when you get a chance.
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 29, 2010, 07:44:29 PM
Oops--forgot the picture!
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: stub on January 29, 2010, 08:11:27 PM
Ntophones,
                  Nice job and your welcome!!!!!!!!!  That new handset really looks great !!!!!!!!!!!!   Very nice looking phone!!!!!!!!!!!!  stub
Title: Re: What do you think about the ringer of this phone?
Post by: ntophones on January 29, 2010, 08:16:28 PM
Thanks! I'm super excited. It looks much better in person, actually--the brass looks good. That old handset was one I had, but it really shined up nicely! Thank you so much for the clip pattern. Mine are not perfect, but if you don't look too closely, they match well enough. I'm really glad they are there, since I can see me pulling the handset off if I'm in a hurry.
Title: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: Ryan_M on February 15, 2012, 11:01:09 AM
Hi there... This is my first post to a forum of any kind. I have only been collecting phones for about 2 months. I just purchased a Bakelite wall phone which I believe is an AE 50 for $20.00. The plunger is missing, and the threads of the handset are cracked. Phoneco is helping me with both of those issues. Can anyone tell me if this is a ship model? What have I got here? Also, Where can I find dates for it?
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: LarryInMichigan on February 15, 2012, 11:18:33 AM
Ryan_M,

Welcome to the forum.  Your phone is an AE50 which may very well have come from a ship, or possibly a train.  You got a great bargain for $20, especially with the banded handset caps!  Replacement plungers can be found.  Adele Vaverchak (ebay link (http://myworld.ebay.com/adele0283/)) has sold them on ebay before.  You could ask her or Steve Hilsz (http://phonesurplus.com/ (http://phonesurplus.com/)).

Dating those phones is not easy.  AE did not stamp anything with dates during the years that those were made.  The phone was made sometime in the 1940s through mid 1950s.

Larry
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: Ryan_M on February 15, 2012, 11:48:07 AM
Thanks a lot for the info Larry... I appreciate it!
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: stub on February 15, 2012, 12:43:31 PM
Ryan_M,
              Welcome to this forum and that's a great find for that price!!!  Here 's a link for some of the AE phones.   stub


                                                   http://tinyurl.com/43qngsz
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: G-Man on February 15, 2012, 04:11:03 PM
Quote from: Ryan_M on February 15, 2012, 11:01:09 AM
Hi there... This is my first post to a forum of any kind. I have only been collecting phones for about 2 months. I just purchased a Bakelite wall phone which I believe is an AE 50 for $20.00. The plunger is missing, and the threads of the handset are cracked. Phoneco is helping me with both of those issues. Can anyone tell me if this is a ship model? What have I got here? Also, Where can I find dates for it?
Hi Ryan-

Definitely NOT used on a ship! Instruments used on a ship had locking handset cradles. Steve Hilsz has probably removed thousands of them during his navy salvage career.
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: Doug Rose on February 15, 2012, 05:36:46 PM
G-Man.....I  disagree...this looks to me like it has a locking apparatus on both sides where the handset would rest in the cradle.

Ryan...Welcome to the Forum...can you post a side view of the cradle. Also open your phone up and we'll see what you need for a plunger assembly. I might have a plunger that will work. .....Doug
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: stub on February 15, 2012, 06:11:15 PM
I saw the AE- 50's, with the spring holders, on the USS DRUM ( Sub) in Mobile, Ala.  stub
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: twocvbloke on February 15, 2012, 06:57:59 PM
Quote from: stub on February 15, 2012, 06:11:15 PMon the USS DRUM ( Sub)

I bet that was a hit.... :D




(I know, I have an awful sense of humour!!)
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: Ryan_M on February 15, 2012, 07:21:16 PM
Here you go G-Man...
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: G-Man on February 15, 2012, 07:32:29 PM
Quote from: Doug Rose on February 15, 2012, 05:36:46 PM
G-Man.....I  disagree...this looks to me like it has a locking apparatus on both sides where the handset would rest in the cradle.

Ryan...Welcome to the Forum...can you post a side view of the cradle. Also open your phone up and we'll see what you need for a plunger assembly. I might have a plunger that will work. .....Doug

Thanks for pointing it out!

I am unable to see the locking mechanism but considering the condition of my eyesight I couldn't swear that it's not there.

So yes, if it is there then it was most likely used on a ship.

Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: Ryan_M on February 15, 2012, 08:09:21 PM
No problem G-Man. I appreciate all the input guys.
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: liteamorn on February 15, 2012, 09:15:55 PM
Ryan, Welcome to the forum! You will find a world of help here. The AE50 is one of the coolest looking phones I have ever seen! I love the looks of them and the sound of them. These phones are not dated like WE phones.

Terry (AE collector)is collecting numbers for these phones and while the actual dates were not available he was able to derive a very nice history of my AE 50 based on the numbers on the base and the actual parts inside the phone (and what they were made from).
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: bushman on February 15, 2012, 10:11:33 PM
Here is a pic of my 40 that I am currently working on.  Seems to have the same style spring clips. I was at Chuck Irwin's shop talking to him about these. He said that they were used on an aircraft carrier he was on.

Bushman
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: Ryan_M on February 15, 2012, 10:34:34 PM
Wow! Thank you for that Doug... The hole is threaded. After closer inspection I believe it was probably on a ship. I've noticed some corrosion in places.  I took some pictures of the numbers on the back of the case for 'AE Collector' liteamorn. Like I said I am completely new to phone collecting and web forums... I would have no idea how to get the information to 'AE Collector'.

Does anyone know how to take the faceplate of the finger dial? Do I just pry it off? I don't want to break it, but I want to clean underneath the finger dial.
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: Ryan_M on February 15, 2012, 10:38:54 PM
That IS a beautiful phone Bushman! I could see that sitting on some high-ranking officer's desk! (I was enlisted for 10 years!)
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: stub on February 15, 2012, 10:56:57 PM
Ryan_M,
              This download will show how to remove dial card.  stub

                                     
                               http://tinyurl.com/6pvqj6b
Title: Re: AE 50 Ship Phone?
Post by: AE_Collector on February 16, 2012, 02:24:29 AM
Hi Ryan_M:

Stub has given you the instructions to remove the number card and finger wheel from the dial so you've got that under control.

Interesting numbers on the back of that AE50. I have a data base of all the info I can find on AE phones and I don't think that I have any of the 50's with the handset clips on my list so far so I may ask you for more info from the inside of the phone. I am still a long way from cracking all of the codes but "one day"!

A good deal for $20 for sure, especially since it has the chrome banded handset caps! You mentioned the threads of the caps are broken? Is that the caps or the handset handle portion?

As for the plunger assembly there are two pieces t oit so be sure to get both. The bullet shaped button and the "nut" that threads into the steel plate inside the phone to hold the plunger button in place.

As for the AE40 with the clips that Bushman posted, more often the AE40 with the heavy duty clamps on each side to hold the handset in place is the one that is seen. I can only recall seeing the 40 like Bushman's with the wire clips once before.

Terry
Title: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: bakerbrett741 on April 24, 2012, 11:05:23 AM
American Pickers showed an American electric type D rotary admirals phone. What a nice piece.
Title: Re: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: paul-f on April 24, 2012, 01:13:02 PM
Was it featured - with a description or story?

Here's a Type D photo for reference ...
Title: Re: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: twocvbloke on April 24, 2012, 02:58:56 PM
Dunno why, but that thing reminds me of one of these "Spirit of St. Louis" phones:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180865454597

Obviously the SOSL phone is probably about as rugged as an Austin Maestro, compared to the Type D shown above... :D
Title: Re: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: bakerbrett741 on April 25, 2012, 12:12:05 PM
  paul-f: YES that was the phone that was featured. They said they were used on ships and showed a black & white picture of an air craft carrier. They showed the rates of using the telephone back then and its equivalent in today's money. I think it was around 60-80 $ in today's economy. I looked on the internet to try to find a pic. and info on them, but I found nothing. The show gave a quick description on the phone. Nice to see a picture of one. Is there any where  would show the internals of one?  
Title: Re: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: Russ Kirk on April 25, 2012, 01:20:10 PM
Can someone give a ballpark figure as to the going ebay/FMV cost for this phone shown on American Pickers?  I recall something in the $200-300 range.....

Russ...
Title: Re: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: Doug Rose on April 25, 2012, 02:09:36 PM
my guess is the $1200 to $1300 range...Doug
Title: Re: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: bakerbrett741 on April 25, 2012, 02:42:31 PM
wow! the American pickers totally riped off the person they bought it from. I think they gave the seller $150.0 on the show. I'm not sure how much of it is scripted. I often wonder how the items that they showcase or spot light effects the market of collectors for that specific item. I don't like how they laugh in peoples face when they throw out a price of an item and then they show that they are going to ask triple what was paid. Price is usually what the market will bear though.
Title: Re: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: Doug Rose on April 25, 2012, 04:34:05 PM
What was the condition? The one pictured looks to be new old stock. The handset cord alone is worth at least  $75 new with the tag....Doug
Title: Re: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: paul-f on April 25, 2012, 09:44:58 PM
The Type D pictured above is (as I recall) from an ebay auction in May 2011.  It was presented as a MIB (unused) set, complete with a rather large junction box.  The condition was exceptional and the starting price was $7,500.  Shipping across the country to me would have been another $126.

I believe the seller had at least two of them!

It closed with no bids, so you may still have a shot at one of them!   ;D

ISTR seeing several in fair to poor condition sell on ebay in the $500 - 1,000 range.  Of course, so few of them sell that there is no "market price."  Like everything else, finding one off ebay with little competition will help save your wallet contents.

I've attached some photos of one in slightly less exciting condition that's in my project queue to tidy up for display.

Anyone have a wiring diagram?   ::)  ::)  ::)
Title: Re: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: HarrySmith on April 25, 2012, 09:56:38 PM
I remember that auction also. I emailed him and if I recall correctly he had 3 of them, 2 new in box and 1 with no box. I was drooling over it!
Title: Re: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: bakerbrett741 on April 26, 2012, 09:54:09 AM
Doug Rose: the telephone on the t.v. show looked to be in fair condition. The cord was braided like the one above. How were these sets hooked up? Were they wired to an antenna? Can one be wired to a land one? I would guess with all the old goodies this set has inside it, one would be able to wire up a land line to it. What would be the best "key words" to use while searching eBay for this set? I would be interested in seeing a wire diagram as well. What type of junction box was used with these sets?  The pictures are great to see.
Title: Re: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: HowardPgh on April 26, 2012, 10:39:42 AM
That type D looks to be way more than just a telephone.  It looks like the control head to a very sophisticated radio communication system.
Title: Re: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: paul-f on April 26, 2012, 11:41:33 AM
TCI members will find several interesting articles on the AE Type D in the March and September 1995 issues of Singing Wires.

These were part of shipboard communication systems used on large vessels, such as battleships and aircraft carriers.  Several styles of AE phones were used, connected by a Strowger step switch.

As you can imagine, hundreds of extensions were involved.  Typical legends for Type D intercom pushbuttons include:  Captain's Cabin, Deck Officer, Flag Office, Exec. Off. Office, Exec. Off. S.R. (State Room), Ch. of Staff Cabin, etc.

One member won the "Most Educational" award at the 1995 Erlanger show with a display showcasing his set, which was from the battleship U.S.S. Missouri.  This was the ship used for the signing of the peace treaty with Japan ending WWII.
Title: Re: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: Dan/Panther on April 27, 2012, 05:10:06 PM
Probably equivalent to early ship to shore radio phones. Or at least tied into the ships communications center.
D/P
Title: Automatic Electric Type A - F US Navy Phones
Post by: Gilas on May 30, 2012, 02:13:34 PM
Found a group of phones on craigslist and ended up getting it all for $30.  I could see that there was a 354 and a spacesaver in the group as well as a 500 series.  When I got them I found that the 354 has a toggle switch to the side(?).  I also found that one of the other "phones"in the group was a Navy intercom labeled "Type CME-51008 Navy Department - Bureau of Ships".  It also has a metal tag stating Puget Sound Naval Shipyard 1399.  The 500 has a push button on the lower section of the phone so they are all just a bit different.  The spacesaver is a 43A but needs the hook.  Any help on these would be appreciated.  The intercom is pretty cool and looks great for it's age, no chips in the handset, slices in cords etc.  Also found a spare F1 in great condition in the box so not a bad haul.
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: Doug Rose on May 30, 2012, 02:18:00 PM
What a great haul! I really like the AE Navy phone. These are a tough find. You did really well.....Doug
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: LarryInMichigan on May 30, 2012, 02:39:20 PM
You certainly got much more than your money's worth.

Larry
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: stub on May 30, 2012, 03:08:03 PM
 lowrey340 ,
                I think you got a great haul :o for the money. I like the Navy AE also! Wish I had one!! stub
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: HarrySmith on May 30, 2012, 06:50:50 PM
Nice find! Great deal at that price! Congrats. The spacesaver has the often missing and hard to find mounting bracket too!
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: Gilas on May 30, 2012, 06:55:42 PM
I found that the toggle switch on the side of the 354 is hooked up to the ringer for a kill switch.  The 500 also has a US Navy ID on the bottom as well.  Anyone have any clue where I could find more about the AE Navy phone/Intercom?
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: Dennis Markham on May 30, 2012, 08:12:43 PM
Quote from: lowrey340 on May 30, 2012, 06:55:42 PM
Anyone have any clue where I could find more about the AE Navy phone/Intercom?

I would e-mail Steve Hilsz.  He does salvage work from Navy ships.  His web address is www.navysalvage.com

His e-mail address is:

jydsk@tds.net
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: AE_Collector on May 30, 2012, 08:35:35 PM
I would guess that the Navy Phone/Intercom with AE handset is not an AE phone other than the handset. It says "Radio Mfg Engineers Inc" and Peoria Illinois and shows a contract number. Most likely a piece of equipment that this company manufactured to a fill a Navy order and they happened to source the AE handsets. Of course AE did have a good history at supplying various telephone sets and equipment as well as PBX's to the military and in particular to the Navy.

Terry  
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: Doug Rose on May 31, 2012, 09:04:15 AM
Interesting Terry,  I have two, one black and one not painted. Exactly the same as pictured but no push to talk. I'll check mine out tonight to see if AE is mentioned, I always assumed it was an AE....Doug
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: Doug Rose on June 01, 2012, 09:08:49 AM
Terry...right again, no mention of AE on either plaques, just on the handsets. It is a mazing what I assume. It is one cool looking phone...thanks...Doug
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: AE_Collector on June 01, 2012, 11:12:09 AM
The fact that you also have two of them Doug suggests that there were a lot of them made! Interesting. Can one of you post a picture of it with the handset sitting on the "cradle"?

Terry
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: Doug Rose on June 01, 2012, 01:11:29 PM
Terry....I bought three of them together in the very early stages of eBay. I kept two and sold one for much more than I paid for all three. I haven't seen very many of them. I get a picture off this weekend....Doug
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: AE_Collector on June 01, 2012, 05:48:42 PM
Check your Inbox for an email from Stub!

Terry
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: stub on June 01, 2012, 07:45:53 PM
 Terry,
       Here's what I have saved from earlier e-place sales.  
Doug,
        Can you post pics of the handset and the transmitter element so we can see if it is a AE Type 22 Sound-Powered Handset .  Trx. capsule - D-38348-A   Thanks ,     stub
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: Gilas on June 01, 2012, 08:01:06 PM
Looks just like mine.
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: stub on June 01, 2012, 08:21:07 PM
AE- Circular 1905       3-58 pg. 22     stub

Doug Rose,
                 I apologize for jumping in front of you with the earlier pics , they were just a couple of clicks away and I think I answered my own question. Again , sorry.  stub
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: Doug Rose on June 01, 2012, 09:24:20 PM
Stub...no worries my man. I will get pictures this weekend.  Mine ARE push to talk, my memeory deceived me yet again, then again I thought for sure they were AE all the way.....Doug
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: Doug Rose on June 02, 2012, 10:02:06 AM
My Navy with AE push to talk in black...Doug
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: Doug Rose on June 02, 2012, 10:05:26 AM
bare metal
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: Gilas on June 02, 2012, 04:06:57 PM
I think I like the painted one better.    Did you touch up the painted one at all?  Also does yours have any other emblems on it?  Mine has the Puget Sound one on the end of the base.  I'll see if I can get pics up.  Won't let as good as yours I have done nothing with mine yet.
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: Gilas on June 05, 2012, 01:25:31 AM
I found more about the "restored by Puget Sound Naval Shipyard" tag on mine.  According to a website about the shipyard, "During World War II (1941-1945), the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard's primary mission was the repair of Pacific Fleet warships damaged in battle."  Kinda cool.  The 1941 date inside the phone would correspond to that.  Would be great to be able to figure out what ship etc.
Title: Re: Craigslist find and couple questions
Post by: Doug Rose on June 05, 2012, 10:40:13 AM
Quote from: lowrey340 on June 02, 2012, 04:06:57 PM
I think I like the painted one better.    Did you touch up the painted one at all?  Also does yours have any other emblems on it?  Mine has the Puget Sound one on the end of the base.  I'll see if I can get pics up.  Won't let as good as yours I have done nothing with mine yet.
No touch up on the black one. As found. IMHO just a very cool design. You don't see them very often. The rubber is still great on both....Doug
Title: Different AE 40
Post by: Doug Rose on January 19, 2013, 04:11:37 PM
I found this AE40 with what looks to be factory locking for the handset. New gray cloth cords were already on the set. I just put a new rubber gasket on the bottom. This sure is a beauty. Frequncy ringer, but it gives a beautiful ring. I love the design of the AE 40, one of my favorite sets. Any info in the handset lock is appreciated.....Doug
Title: Re: Different AE 40
Post by: Doug Rose on January 19, 2013, 04:15:41 PM
few more pics
Title: Re: Different AE 40
Post by: AE40FAN on January 19, 2013, 05:21:06 PM
I love AE40s (obviously)...the condition on yours is amazing!  Even the carry bar seems to be free of chips.
Title: Re: Different AE 40
Post by: teka-bb on January 19, 2013, 06:24:53 PM
Beautiful phone Doug, thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Different AE 40
Post by: stub on January 19, 2013, 07:57:26 PM
 Doug Rose ,
         Nice find!!!!!! I haven't seen these springs on a 40 before. I have a AE 50 with the springs to hold the handset. I was told that the phones were used on ships and trains. Maybe Terry and poplar1 will know more..   stub
Title: Re: Different AE 40
Post by: Greg G. on January 20, 2013, 12:34:23 AM
Aren't the handset locks used for ships?
Title: Re: Different AE 40
Post by: AE_Collector on January 20, 2013, 01:25:50 AM
Yes this is a different version of a ships AE40. Different than the 40 with the super heavy duty handset locking hardware. I think these are for ships where as the other version is for military applications. I have seen this variety once or twice before but I don't have one. Like Stub, I do have an AE50 with this handset lock arrangement though.

Terry
Title: Re: Different AE 40
Post by: paul-f on January 20, 2013, 02:06:55 AM
Steve Hilsz wrote an article for Singing Wires in March 1995 that identified several versions of AE shipboard phones.

The one that looks like an AE40 with the heavy handset clamps is designated Type A.  I posted some of the various ID Plates that were affixed to some on Collector's Weekly:
   http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/169-ae-40-ship-phone-info-plates?in=user (http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/169-ae-40-ship-phone-info-plates?in=user)

Some are clearly identified for shipboard use.

I believe the version with the smaller clips (like Doug's) is a different variation of a Type A set.

Type B includes the AE50 with similar small clips and a larger panel-style set.

There are other versions up to at least Type F.
Title: Re: Different AE 40
Post by: Greg G. on January 20, 2013, 02:21:02 PM
Here's another version I found:
Title: Re: Different AE 40
Post by: AE_Collector on January 20, 2013, 08:24:16 PM
Yes that is the one I refered to as "Heavy Duty"! That one would keep the receiver on hook on the "Poesidon".

Terry
Title: Re: Different AE 40
Post by: HowardPgh on January 22, 2013, 03:20:40 PM
Very pretty and interesting AE40.  Those grey cords look like switchboard cords. Are they cloth cords?  Howard
Title: Re: Different AE 40
Post by: Doug Rose on January 22, 2013, 04:59:51 PM
Howard....they are cloth cords and very supple. They are too good, they have to be new, especially with the modular end on the line cord. Not stiff at all.

Really a cool phone with the factory cuts for the handset locks. I have seen the others with the above locking device, but I have never seen this before. ....Doug
Title: Automatic Electric Type A - F US Navy Phones
Post by: Nick in Manitou on February 13, 2013, 09:20:02 PM
I don't know if this is the same battleship phone that was referred to in a previous thread on the forum when it was offered for sale on Craigslist for $800 in un-restored shape or not, but I thought it was pretty cool looking. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221185014261 -- dead link

As I saw there was only one bid on it, I didn't mention it until the auction was over.

I am sure that in its original livery it looked much more utilitarian, but it looks good this way.

It is certainly out of my price range, but it would look great hanging on the wall of my office!
Title: Re: Battleship phone
Post by: AE_Collector on February 14, 2013, 01:59:09 AM
AE made some nifty phones for use on ships. This is definitely one of them.

Unknown winner of this one. 7***n [88]

Terry
Title: Re: Battleship phone
Post by: Sargeguy on February 15, 2013, 07:28:35 PM
Anyone see this one?:

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qio9gCfaYzE/UR7Se3j6KpI/AAAAAAAAZRY/7LW56mOEf-s/s800/%2524T2eC16JHJF8E9nnC6UIwBRFTl%2528hJKw%257E%257E60_57.JPG)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H5LCBowjXRo/UR7Se-cmA4I/AAAAAAAAZRc/kZFCUxmDNKE/s720/%2524T2eC16hHJF0E9nmFTLzOBRFTmopYd%2521%257E%257E60_57.JPG)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111010453902 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/111010453902) -- dead link
Title: Re: Battleship phone
Post by: Nick in Manitou on February 16, 2013, 03:10:17 PM
It is a good thing that I missed that one...I would have been tempted!!
Title: Re: Battleship phone
Post by: AE_Collector on February 16, 2013, 04:03:39 PM
These ones come up on ebaY fairly often. AE listed all of the ship type phones as "Type X" with the X being a letter. I think the 40 with handset lock is a Type D...isn't it? Most have a metal plate on them somewhere with the "Type" number and contract that it was ordered on for the Navy etc.

We should work on a topic with pictures of all of AE's shipboard phones. We have two of them here now.

Terry
Title: Re: Battleship phone
Post by: AE_Collector on February 16, 2013, 04:29:02 PM
Oops, the 40 is NOT a type D. Here is a discussion about the "Cadillac" of the AE shipboard phones, the Type D.

Terry

Title: Re: Type D american Electric telephone on American pickers
Post by: AE_Collector on February 16, 2013, 04:34:11 PM
Quote from: paul-f on April 25, 2012, 09:44:58 PM
The Type D pictured above is (as I recall) from an ebay auction in May 2011.  It was presented as a MIB (unused) set, complete with a rather large junction box.  The condition was exceptional and the starting price was $7,500.  Shipping across the country to me would have been another $126.

I remember them on ebaY as well. Except I thought that it was priced at $250 or maybe $350 range. be the $350 figure was with shipping. MayI know he had more than one and at least one, probably two were NIB or at least Refurbed in box possibly. Shipping was over $100. I too talked with him after the auction as they didn't sell but didn't manage to make a deal on them. I think he was in Sacramento area.

Sur would like to find one in that price range now!

Terry
Title: Re: Battleship phone
Post by: paul-f on February 17, 2013, 01:38:44 AM
I've been working from past Singing Wires articles and past ebay auction photos to piece together a photo album of the Type A to F variations.

Posting may have to wait until the work on the next phase of the TCI Library is completed.
Title: Re: Battleship phone
Post by: davidbholcomb on February 17, 2013, 08:00:46 PM
I posted this today Click Here (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=8806.0) but it could have been posted here.
Title: AE Type F - US Navy Phone
Post by: jfrutschy on September 10, 2013, 06:35:50 PM
Ok folks a year ago I just had to have one of those big navy phones made by AE.  I have just acquired another similar style.  A type F.  Can find anything on the downloaded catalog of AE phones on this type.  It just amazes me, great addition to my AE family collection. I guess the question is where would I find documentation on this type?
Title: Re: AE Type F
Post by: G-Man on September 10, 2013, 10:11:30 PM
Wrong number card for a U.S. Navy ship but here is a general description...

The TYPE F bulkhead telephone can be installed in any station except those on weather decks. The type F telephone is a non-watertight unit designed for mounting on a bulk-head or on the side of a desk. It consists essentially of a metal housing on which are mounted the handset, dial, and ringer. The line connections are made at a terminal block inside the housing.

Title: Re: AE Type F
Post by: AE_Collector on September 10, 2013, 10:37:37 PM
Way Cool! One of the few phones that I really like "brassed out"!

I would love to get the entire "Navy Series" of AE Phones. All I have is the 40 and a 50 modified for use on ships. Somewhere on here we started a topic on all of the possibilites. Of course the (is it Type D?) switchboard phone has to be the undeniable "King" of AE Navy Phones. I would love to have one of them and had a shot at one for something like $3xx a few years ago but wasn't able to make a deal with the seller near Sacramento CA.

Terry
Title: Re: AE Type F - US Navy Phone
Post by: stub on September 10, 2013, 10:49:07 PM
John,
       That's a nice one !!!!!!! I need to get one also. The only one I have is the 50.   stub
Title: Automatic Electric Type A - F US Navy Phones
Post by: AE_Collector on September 10, 2013, 11:39:48 PM
Time for a compilation of Automatic Electric's US Navy Phones. I merged a bunch of discussions about different types of AE US Navy Phones together into this topic.

Terry
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: stub on September 11, 2013, 01:30:19 AM
John ,
        Here's a wiring diagram for your phone (Type F ) if you didn't have one.  stub
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: jfrutschy on September 11, 2013, 08:48:07 AM
What would be an appropriate dial center card for this phone?  I do want it to look perfect next to my other navy phones.

The amount of moving parts in this phone is amazing, the restorer said it took 40 hours and its the hardes phone to do...guess I will need a lot more knowledge!!!

Thanks everyone.  And....

Thanks for the schematic Stub...

Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: G-Man on September 12, 2013, 05:25:10 AM
Types of Telephones
Revised 1976

The types differ mainly in the form in which the components are assembled. The components perform the same function, but the enclosure and method of mounting for each type is of special design.

The TYPE A desk set telephone is installed in staterooms, cabins, offices, and similar stations. The desk set consists of a phenolic case (containing the ringer, dial and other working parts), a handset, and connecting cord with a terminal block for making the line connections.

The TYPE F bulkhead telephone can be installed in any station except those on weather decks. The type F telephone is a non-watertight unit designed for mounting on a bulkhead or on the side of a desk. It consists essentially of a metal housing on which are mounted the handset, dial, and ringer. The line connections are made at a terminal block inside the housing.

The TYPE C splash-proof telephone is installed at stations on weather decks and at any other stations exposed to moisture.
The type C telephone is designed for bulkhead mounting and consists essentially of a metal housing on which are mounted the handset and dial which are enclosed in a splash-proof box.

The TYPE G telephone is used in all new dial telephone system installations and is used to replace the type A, C, and F telephone of older installations as they wear out. The basic type G telephone is available with three different enclosures which adapt it to use in place of the A, C or F telephones.
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Slal on October 29, 2014, 09:52:45 AM
Discovered an "F" phone is heavy and difficult to work on. 

Also, couldn't find much info about them.  A search lead back to CRPF.

Stubs, thanks for schematic!   :)

1.) Anyone have a technical manual for this phone?  Assume varistor = dim or brighten lamp?   

Problem is lamp doesn't work & don't want to go digging into phone half-cocked.  Hoping it's a wiring mistake.
______________
Telco green----> L-1
Telco red-------> L-2 + move red-blue (ringer) from "G"
Telco Yellow---> "B"  + blue to lamp.  suggestions here?
Telco black (not in use)
______________

2.) Anyone know where I can get the "lock" mechanism for HS? 

If Mr. Hilsz doesn't have one, am guessing these parts will be difficult to find or fabricate.

On bright side, fact that it's missing this mechanism probably only reason seller accepted offer. ; ) 

thx

--Bruce
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: unbeldi on October 29, 2014, 09:58:54 AM
I increased the lighting in the dark areas of the picture to what the "varistor" pointer points to, and I see a screw.

??

PS: I see now where you got the idea from.   I think this is a potentiometer for adjusting the light...


Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Kenton K on October 29, 2014, 10:48:47 AM
is that a varistor or potentiometer?
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: unbeldi on October 29, 2014, 11:08:04 AM
There was a diagram posted in the history of this thread.  Here it is again a little cleaned up and enlarged. 

You see that the lamp is in series with a resistor (250 Ω) and a 100 Ω potentiometer, which is likely the recessed screw head accessible from the outside to calibrate the lamp intensity. The lamp is enabled by  the hookswitch and powered from leads coming into the phone from ship's wiring. It is powered from the same control leads as the ringing voltage, so it appears this is for signaling during a call. So, when not on a call, ringing signal is sent, when on call, lamp is used for signaling.  So you have to examine the lamp for the voltage needed. Does the ringer work in standard voltages?  It seems, you have to build a little switchboard replacement for this phone in order to use the features.

Does anyone have information what the loop and signaling voltages were for ship switchboards?  Don't connect the lamp to anything until you have determined its specs.
I would also not just blindly move the ringer wire from G to L2, as you are suggesting.  Do you know the ringer in fact works on 90V ringing?  Perhaps this is a low-voltage signaling system that would be destroyed by standard ringing voltages!

G: common for ringing and lamp
B: lamp signal
L1: switched by cradle switch between talk circuit (off-hook) and ringing (on-hook)
L2: talk circuit

Someone who has actually and successfully worked on one of these should chime in.
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: unbeldi on October 29, 2014, 01:01:57 PM
The switching system used for the Automatic Electric type ship telephones was initially a Strowger switch, but I haven't found the electrical specs for station loops.  The SXS system was later replaced by the Marine Dialmaster MDM/100 system, which is an XY-Universal switch, and the same type of telephones could be used, so there is compatibility.

Here is some material I found in my library:
US Navy 1976, NAVEDTRA 10864-D Shipboard Electrical Systems
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: rdelius on October 29, 2014, 09:22:23 PM
all the lamp was was lighting the dial .If the overhead lighting was off , it would have been hard to see the dial.There was a seperate voltage 28v?to run the lamp.Lamp is an instrumention lamp like airplane cockpit instruments .I rewired many of these sets when I was with COT.Think of this like a brass princess set!
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: unbeldi on October 29, 2014, 09:27:07 PM
Ah, thanks for the first-hand knowledge.
Did the power come from the switch room or from a transformer nearby?
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Slal on October 30, 2014, 08:54:54 AM
Thanks for replies.

Update after talking to Mr. Hiltz.  (Back from vacation so he didn't have materials in front of him.)

Lamp:
If understood him correctly, lamp mainly comes into play if power failure or unlikely event the ship is boarded.  (Don't think this has happened since the USS Pueblo but assume they still train for it.)

Anyway, if boarded they'd lock things down and cut the lights out. Phone's lamp very faint & only enough to reveal location in near total darkness, dial, etc.  It would not be bright enough to give away a crewman's position & have someone shoot at him!  Bottom line: lamp not intended to brightly illuminate dial like on a princess phone for example.  Dim & probably not even visible with lights on.

Tech manual & parts: 
No doc's, or parts for HS lock.  He was kind enough to give contact info for a gentleman whose hobby is military & navy phones.  "If anyone has parts and would know more about them, it's 'Joe.'  He's a nice guy.   Been around forever."

Update (if anyone interested) when talk to him.

thx

--Bruce
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: unbeldi on October 30, 2014, 10:07:48 AM
That conflicts a little with the Navy training manual, according to which the dial system was only supposed to be used for administrative communications in non-combat, non-emergency situations, while during combat or emergencies (loss of power...) the voice-powered systems were used.

It also conflict with the facts of the circuit diagram which only turns the light on when the telephone is off-hook. So when lit, the phone would be an easy target to shoot the user.
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Slal on October 30, 2014, 06:28:26 PM
What?  I mean no disrespect, but where did you get the idea that the lamp was a kind of night light?  I never said that.  The lamp (if too bright) could be used by an *enemy* to find the phone's position & shoot at it or a crewman.  If that was ambiguous-- my apologies. 

The lamp in the phone is really no different from a light switch in your kitchen.  It's only activated when the handset is removed & the hook switch makes contact.   

As for Navy procedures.  Don't know.  Never been in the service and don't know if Mr. Hiltz has either.  Maybe Steve talked to some crew members or maybe he just likes spinning a yarn!  Your guess is as good as mine. ; )

But back to topic:

How to get the lamp to work if so desired?

Here, a collector is of the opinion that the lamps are so dim-- very few people even know they're in there much less willing to go to the trouble of getting them to work.  He claims it *is* possible, but unless the room is almost pitch dark-- really won't see much.   His advice: not worth the trouble because phone isn't historically accurate.  No lock mechanism, incorrect handset, incorrect cord, and also incorrect number card & ring.

According to 'Joe.'

Phones were all built to military specifactions.  The civilian handset I have on it is *not* what they would've used.  (He'll sell me one the navy would've had on it for 5 bucks.)

Also claims the cords used by the military were 'fatter' than civilian cords-- something to look for when 'spotting' shipboard phones in the internet.

As for locking mechanism, no spares and good luck finding those parts! 

Since he's working on one, said he'd send photos when he gets to that stage so I can try making a replacement. 

Caveat though.  (paraphrase)

"Parts have to be removed to even get at the nuts holding the front of it in place.  F phones are a b*tch!  They have to be disassembled and reassembled in sequence or you'll have a mess on your hands.  Feel free to call if you run into problems.  Be happy to help.  Or if you get tired of it, I'll give you $100 for the parts."

That last bit was reassuring.  Least I was in the ballpark & didn't get taken to the cleaners again!

One last item of interest-- repainting it.  Claims maritime paint on them almost impervious to paint stripper.  He even tried using lye on one!  If really want nice paint job-- said he had one of his sandblasted.  Find surplus military paint if want 100% accurate.

Rather more than I bargained for, but it will fun project to see if I can replicate the handset lock.  Krylon 'Navy Gray' will have to do when paint it. ; )

thx

--Bruce
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Nick in Manitou on January 04, 2018, 10:25:00 PM
Well, I don't know if I should start a new thread or just charge ahead on this one...so if it should be moved...please have at it!

I bought an AE Type F from an antique store even though I am trying to decrease the amount of stuff in our house.  When I saw the phone in the shop, I said to myself, "I don't need it, just walk away." I did walk away, and then called the shop a couple days later and had to pay shipping to get the phone to my house!

Anyway, the phone is now in my possession and I have just started looking into it.

I looked up the contract number shown on the data plate, "DLG 16/G-C-23" and per Wikipedia, that is the contract for the ship, USS Leahy (DLG 16) commissioned on 4 August 1962 as a guided missile frigate. Per Wikipedia, "Leahy served longer than any other ship of her class. After more than 31 years of active service all over the globe, the "Sweet 16" was decommissioned on 1 October 1993. After another 11 years in the reserve fleet, she was scrapped in Brownsville, Texas, in 2005."

I connected the phone to the VOIP service we have in the house and was able to get a dial tone and to receive a call. The receiver and the transmitter both work as the phone is currently wired.

The ringer didn't react when a call came in, but I am assuming that some rewiring will be required to test the ringer. (I have a nickel plated gong for the MC-131 ringer ordered from Steve Hilz, but if anyone has a plain brass gong that will fit, please let me know!)

Lots of questions at this point, but one of the first ones is, (a confession as well as a question) would it be a sin to clean this phone up and "brass it out"? These phones are pretty cool in their Battleship Gray livery, but I really like the way they look in polished brass.

Unfortunately, before the recent move from Colorado to Arizona I sold my bench grinder/buffer!

The transmitter and receiver seem to be dated from 1960, and there is what also might be a date visible inside the phone, "12-60-11"??

Earlier in thread http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1979.135,  in reply #148, SLAL said that he was told that the handset he had on his Type F was not the correct handset for the phone. Can anyone here tell me if the handset on this phone is correct? This one is seriously dirty and overall pretty sad looking. If it is incorrect for this phone, what would the correct one be? What are the differences? Are there correct handsets for these phones available?

How about the handset cord? Can anyone say if the one on the phone is correct or not?

It seems that the lamp (bulb) that is intended to illuminate the dial is burned out...no continuity. I am not sure that it is worth the effort to find a correct bulb, but I will include a photo in case someone has a few of these lying around!

The plastic that covers the numbers behind the finger wheel is extremely scratched and oxidized. Perhaps a good restoration effort will bring it back to life.  The dial will have to go to Steve Hilz as it is in need of his assistance.
   
So I will give the verbiage a break for now and put up a few photos of what I am looking at. (Progress won't be fast, as other responsibilities call, but I hope to move forward steadily.)
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Nick in Manitou on January 04, 2018, 10:29:16 PM
A few more photos



(Edited to change the image of the schematic so that it was vertical.)
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: rdelius on January 04, 2018, 11:22:58 PM
you appear to be missing the cover over the dial light. can be made from sheet brass .The lamp is a standard aviation instrument  lamp.Handset is correct . the brightness was controlled by the adjustment.Separate lamp supply,  pot When I brassed these out they were impressive.Some came off the  ship mostly brassed out anyway.some had a steel and  not a brass gong.     
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Slal on January 04, 2018, 11:40:07 PM
Quote from: Nick in Manitou on January 04, 2018, 10:25:00 PM
Well, I don't know if I should start a new thread or just charge ahead on this one...so if it should be moved...please have at it!

Good idea to put topic here.  Looks like I'm still subscribed and got an e-mail.  Tried making a handset lock for mine, but material too thick.  Never got around to second attempt.  ;)

Anyway, happy new years & congrads on your find!  Heavy beasts aren't they?

Does yours have a type 24 dial with a later version of a pawl quieter found on 50s or 51 dials?  Never got an answer on that one.

My theory (unproven of course) is that they had this tech earlier than 50 and maybe war effort had them putting it on military equipment in lieu of the piano wire found on the 24A36

QuoteThe ringer didn't react when a call came in, but I am assuming that some rewiring will be required to test the ringer. (I have a nickel plated gong for the MC-131 ringer ordered from Steve Hilz, but if anyone has a plain brass gong that will fit, please let me know!)

Tested it with power supply?  An AE transformer 110AC to 12V DC will make most anyhthing ring!   ;)


QuoteLots of questions at this point, but one of the first ones is, (a confession as well as a question) would it be a sin to clean this phone up and "brass it out"? These phones are pretty cool in their Battleship Gray livery, but I really like the way they look in polished brass.

Your property.  In hindsight, would probably have looked better leaving it brass after all that work completely disassembling.  Hardest phone I've ever done.  Built like a tank!

QuoteIt seems that the lamp (bulb) that is intended to illuminate the dial is burned out...no continuity. I am not sure that it is worth the effort to find a correct bulb, but I will include a photo in case someone has a few of these lying around!

I threaded a tiny lamp from an old vintage reciever up in there.  Made a toggle switch near the base to switch on/off.  Not authentic, but looks cool and made a nice night light.  (Always knew where my Navy phone was in dark living room.)

Long & short though.

Mine has been sitting in attic for couple of years now.  If you need parts, have entire phone you can use as spares— ringer, brass gong, dial plate, etc.

No charge.  Parting it out better than recycling it!  PM if interested.  No charge unless you want the whole shootin' match.  Then I'd have to get with USPS or UPS and find out how much they're charging for shipping.  As said, these phones are heavy beasts!

Best wishes on it, and congrads again on a cool score!

—Bruce
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Slal on January 05, 2018, 10:14:24 AM
PM received.

Before mailing, might have been mistaken on the gong.  Looks to be thin brass coat or nonferrous metal. (see photo)

A word about handsets:

If memory serves correct, don't know if you can tell by looking at a handset.  Maybe folks like Stubs (Kenneth) can.  : )

The weight  of HS is important though.  This phone has hook switch springs from hell!  A HS from civilian phone isn't heavy enough to completely switch them. 

Example:  Hang up phone will cut dial tone.  Discovered by accident that part is still in contact?  I can hear conversations from other phones!  Felt like I was FBI or something.  Don't know how you would adjust those heavy duty springs if even possible. 

I guess a good test for HS would just be hooking phone up & hang up without locking handset.  Talk on another phone.  If you can hear conversation, obviously wrong HS or hookswitch adjustment?

Attached are some photos.  Let know if still want for the gong & plate near finger ring, or hold out for brass.

dead link
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Nick in Manitou on January 05, 2018, 11:08:00 AM
Quote from: rdelius on January 04, 2018, 11:22:58 PM
The lamp is a standard aviation instrument  lamp.

Where would one find a replacement for the lamp? Is it a military aviation specific bulb, or would the local aircraft repair shop carry it?



Slal,
Bruce, thanks for the tip on testing the handset/hook switch effectiveness. I will check it out.

Nick
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: rdelius on January 05, 2018, 04:44:11 PM
You dont want to buy these new, they might be expensive. Look on ebay for surplus aircraft gauges or parts

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-REPLACEMENT-BULBS-FOR-MILITARY-MS25236-8623-1-12W-28V/142566707174
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: rdelius on January 05, 2018, 05:07:27 PM
both the navy and civilian type 41 handsets will work.I took off the navy ones-note lots of cloth filler and put on civiliam ones with brass bands.if mechanism in complete and in proper adjustment, the handset will snap into place. Thumb lever will pop it up.The PTT type 27 hanssets will  not work.
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: TelePlay on January 05, 2018, 07:23:26 PM
I googled "MS25236-8623" and got a lot of hits for bulbs and cross reference lists. Here are two bulbs by the each.

     $3.99 + shipping == https://www.interlight.biz/light-bulb/MILITARY-MS25236-8623
     $2.00 + shipping == https://www.replacementlightbulbs.com/lamp8623.html

Attached reference list from this site:  http://www.donsbulbs.com/cgi-bin/r/b.pl/25236-8623~military-standard.html
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Slal on January 05, 2018, 08:24:11 PM
Quote from: rdelius on January 05, 2018, 05:07:27 PM
both the navy and civilian type 41 handsets will work.I took off the navy ones-note lots of cloth filler and put on civiliam ones with brass bands.if mechanism in complete and in proper adjustment, the handset will snap into place. Thumb lever will pop it up.The PTT type 27 hanssets will  not work.

Ah... Were they designed to work as wall phone without using lock mechanism all the time?  Might've been using it more like a 554 and never using lock mechanism.

Found the big spring that controls bottom cradle, but too much tension?  If just put HS on top cradle, lever that opens contacts doesn't go all the way down. 

Just curious.  I might not have been using it correctly and might be of benefit if topic comes up on search engine.
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: rdelius on January 05, 2018, 09:09:14 PM
you might be missing part of a thumb latch. When pulled down into the cradle, a spring operated latch locks the handset into place. It will not come out unless the latch is operated with your thumb. these parts might be chromed but can be brassed out.I do not have a set in my collection to make photos. they look nice  but i did not want to go through the brassing out process.if you do polish one you will need to replace some steel screws and remove some plating.good luck if the mounting bracket is missing .it might have left aboard the ship
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Nick in Manitou on January 06, 2018, 12:42:26 AM
Thanks for all the feedback!

It is late, but I wanted to respond to say thanks for all the information!

Nick
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Nick in Manitou on January 08, 2018, 12:01:02 AM
With regard to the light bulb - what is the source of the part number?

Is there a parts list or a manual of some sort for these phones. I have been looking on the forum and around on the web and have not found one.

Thanks,
Nick
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Nick in Manitou on April 02, 2019, 11:21:10 PM
This AE Shipboard phone does not fit between the A and F, but I would assume that this would be a good place to show a telephone I spotted in a restaurant in Sausalito, CA recently.

The ID plate declares that it is a model SPB. I don't see any mention of a model SPB anywhere else on the forum.

Anyone seen one of these before? I did a search on the internet but the only reference I could find to this model of telephone was from Worthpoint who wanted me to pay them to tell me what it was worth!

Photos aren't great, but I didn't have a "real" camera with me.

Nick
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: hemijim on January 11, 2020, 02:53:43 PM
hi,my name is jim sherck and ive been looking at the automatic electric navy type a-f phones forum. i have 3 type f phones in working order. i have an original brass dial center for the type f and have had some card stock duplicates made. i also have 5 of the lock mechanisms to hold the handset in place. i also have a few bulbs for that phone. if anyone is interested you can contact me at 870-200 1739. thanks for your time.jim(hemijim)
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: countryman on July 09, 2022, 12:36:13 PM
I just found this Automatic Electric Type A shipboard phone. The seller had interesting information about it's origin. According to him, the phone was installed in the astern guard post of the German destroyer Lütjens (D185). The battleship was built in 1967 by Bath Iron Works in Maine, USA for the Bundesmarine, and obviously was equipped according to American standards. In 1982 the telephone system was remodeled and the phone was decommissioned.

As a funny side note, the ship ran aground right on it's transfer to the port of Kiel and the sonar was destroyed because the crew mixed up nautical fathoms and meters while calculating the depth of the water...
The Lütjens was decommissioned 2003 and was wrecked 2012.

The elements of the phone are marked (19)74, and on the bottom plate there is a vermilion stamp 11 74 57. I could not find any other hints to identify the age? 1974 seems late? or was it overhauled then?

Looking at the diagram, there is not only a network but also a "side tone coil" connected to a "bumber insert" (?) right in the center. What are these for? The said coil is installed on the bottom plate and has a DC resistance of about 9 ohms.
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: countryman on July 09, 2022, 12:37:32 PM
more photos:

Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Nick in Manitou on January 08, 2023, 01:36:10 PM
It seems that somewhere there should be information about that contract number. I just tried a Google search on it, but didn't come up with any information.

I have a few Navy phones and was able to find information about what ship one of them was on based on the contract number. (I will have to find my old notes and see what the source of that information was...but it would have been the result of a Google search.)

I would GUESS that the '74' in the contract number is the year of the contract, but that doesn't agree with the seller's statement of the history of the phone.

Nick

Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: countryman on January 08, 2023, 03:38:40 PM
Thinking it over, it would make sense that a 1957 phone was installed on the ship in 1962, which then was overhauled in 1974. The "57" stamp seems to be a bit offset compared to the "11-74". The elements are also from '74 (renewed at the overhaul?).
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: MADhouseTelephone on January 22, 2023, 09:59:29 PM
Just picked up this one. Not going to say how much it cost (!), but it is complete and polished up. Stamped USN inside cover. Unique latch on outside. The only components with dates are the transmitter and receiver, both dated March, 1945. There is a very slight bit of corrosion at the bottom of the cover. The insides are on a hinged plate with 16 brass screws holding it shut. There is one like this pictured at the beginning of this section, but it has no cover.

 If anyone can help ID the model and the ship it came out of, please do.     
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Doug Rose on January 22, 2023, 10:04:18 PM
Beautiful!
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Contempra on January 22, 2023, 10:08:02 PM
Nice phone !
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: RDPipes on January 23, 2023, 06:27:32 AM
What dreams are made of........at least mine, LOL!
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Nick in Manitou on January 25, 2023, 04:53:02 PM
In response to Countryman's entry showing the contract number on his Navy phone:
From the website https://www.armynavywarehouse.com/post/contract-number-dating I just copied the following:


Nick
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: countryman on January 25, 2023, 05:35:42 PM
Very interesting, so you think that '74 is the original manufacturing date of the phone? It was a quite "conventional" design by that time already. But maybe what the military wanted. The plate clearly states  US property, while it allegedly was off of a West German ship built in the US in 1962? Why would it be labelled US property if delivered as a spare part?
Maybe the seller was just in error or told me old wive's tales... a nice phone however ;)
I'll add a clearer pic of the plate:
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: MADhouseTelephone on February 02, 2023, 08:58:44 PM
Quote from: MADhouseTelephone on January 22, 2023, 09:59:29 PMJust picked up this one. Not going to say how much it cost (!), but it is complete and polished up. Stamped USN inside cover. Unique latch on outside. The only components with dates are the transmitter and receiver, both dated March, 1945. There is a very slight bit of corrosion at the bottom of the cover. The insides are on a hinged plate with 16 brass screws holding it shut.

Thanks to Steve Hilsz, I got a proper white number/black face number plate for the dial:
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Doug Rose on February 02, 2023, 09:57:28 PM
Did Steve tell you it should be a white dial plate?

I have two different and both have the Black with White letters.

Steve has forgotten more than I will ever know. I trust him. One of the good guys....Doug

Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: MADhouseTelephone on February 07, 2023, 11:06:49 AM
The white plate was one I had. The phone came with a numbers/letters plate and I put in the white numbers only plate while waiting for the black one. Now all is right.
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: Doug Rose on February 07, 2023, 01:13:29 PM
Quote from: MADhouseTelephone on February 07, 2023, 11:06:49 AMThe white plate was one I had. The phone came with a numbers/letters plate and I put in the white numbers only plate while waiting for the black one. Now all is right.
got it....thanks...great phone....Doug
Title: Re: Automatic Electric Type A to Type F US Navy Phones
Post by: countryman on April 06, 2023, 04:09:44 AM
My phone from above  (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1979.msg256215#msg256215)seems to have a twin:
https://www.ebay.de/itm/175674813005