C-stock Western Electric

[poplar1]

Besides the conversions and non-standard colors, even more common are the C-stock items. As Chuck pointed out, these were telco property items that were refurbished by WE and billed time and material.  

Here are some examples. The first is a 554 wall set. There is a second date stamped on the back. Also, note the label on the box--"Telephone Company Property." This is usually in green ink.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300885676421

B. B. Wingo told me that in his experience as a Bell PBX tech, the refurbished sets were even better than new sets, because they went through more tests. Sometimes you could tell they were refurbished only because the tops of the clear plungers were painted the same color as the housing. If he came across a really bad 565 set on a trouble, he would cut the mounting cord near the back of the set. That way, that set would probably not make it back out to the techs.

[poplar1]

82-A apparatus blanks--C-stock

http://www.ebay.com/itm/390571452789

[poplar1]

Here's a 564 that has been reissued at least 3 times: