Western Electric 5306C on eBay

[deedubya3800]

I'm not interested enough myself, but there is a 5306C for sale on eBay for forty bucks, plus twelve shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310235705050

http://www.paul-f.com/we300typ.htm gives this description: Party line, 4-party selective, 8-party semi-selective, 101A coil, B3A ringer, 426A tube

[JorgeAmely]

Did someone say tube inside? That should be fun to bring back to working conditions.

[Kenny C]

what was the point of putting tubes in phones?

[paul-f]

The tube was used in the ringing circuit for selective ringing on party lines.  The connection diagram may help understand its use:
  http://www.telephonecollectors.org/DocumentLibrary/BSPs/502Division/502-400-404-i5-Telephone-Sets-306A-C-5306C.PDF

If you're tininking of getting this, ask whether the tube is still inside (or for inside photos).  Even though it's marked530C, it may have been nodified to a 5302 after party lines lost favor.

[Kenny C]

i already have a 5302 so i dont need one

[easytiger]

My first post on the forum (below) was a plea regarding what I thought was a non-ringing WE302 with a "weird tube" inside.  With the help of this forum I learned it was a WE306, and with Jorge's help we got it ringing USING the tube.  It was a red letter day all around.  Thanks again, Jorge!  It's still ringing...

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=3026.0

[Sargeguy]

I have been watching that one for a few days.  I am a sucker for tubed sets.  If it were $10 cheaper, or if I weren't waiting on a few items I really want,  I would own it already.  I am hoping it doesn't sell and he re-lists it for less. 

[JorgeAmely]

... Thanks again, Jorge!  It's still ringing...

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=3026.0

Glad to be able to help you. These tubes barely get stressed doing this ringing job. It will last for many decades.