Author Topic: Bizarre May 1938 (Yes, 1938) 5302 (Read 1349 times)

zaphod01 · « **on:** September 07, 2013, 10:32:57 AM »

I bought this BIN for 29.95 just because I wanted to see it in person.

Listed as " Vintage Black 1960's Bell System Western Electric Rotary Telephone".

It's a dates matching 5-38, single hump, reverse network 302 converted to a 5302.

Case is dated 3 23 60. Handset is grooved, solid core. Could be original to the base.

I'm shocked they would convert a 5-38 302 to a 5302!

poplar1 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 07, 2013, 10:49:45 AM »

If you're looking for dates in the handset: The earliest ones have the date stamped in ink near the cord entrance. The others have a 2- or 3-digit code--such as 51 (for 5-41 solid or 5-51 hollow), 39 (3-39 or 3-49), 101 (10-41 or 10-51), etc.--embossed in the handle at the top.

I have seen a 1937 302 that was converted to a (Bell System) 5302. And a 500 dated 1955 converted to a 2500DM.

zaphod01 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 07, 2013, 11:17:17 AM »

I checked my three solid core F1's and found the one on the 5302 was marked 2D2 but not at the top. No other marking were visible.

My other two are:

40 (April '40) on a '39 302
100 (October '40) on a '49 5302

Thanks for the info!

rdelius · « **Reply #3 on:** September 07, 2013, 12:37:58 PM »

Saw 100s to 1000s of 302s 5302s and related sets. Metal 302 sets were prime candandates to be rebuilt into 5302s .They had been out in the field 15-20 years by the mid 1950s and the metal housings were heavy and needed repainting.Saw many converted to 5302s and they had #4 and converted #2 dials in many cases

poplar1 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 07, 2013, 12:49:39 PM »

Quote from: rdelius on September 07, 2013, 12:37:58 PM

Saw 100s to 1000s of 302s 5302s and related sets. Metal 302 sets were prime candandates to be rebuilt into 5302s .They had been out in the field 15-20 years by the mid 1950s and the metal housings were heavy and needed repainting.Saw many converted to 5302s and they had #4 and converted #2 dials in many cases

Are you talking about the Bell System housings or the non-Bell? 5H dials were usually restamped 5M and 6A became 6H when equipped with black 164C-3 number plates in the WE shop. Out of 1000s of 302s and 5302s, I've never seen a 4-type or converted 2-type dial installed in a Bell System 5302. Most have 6H. I grabbed every 302 at ACI if it had a 4- or converted 2-.

zaphod01 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 07, 2013, 01:11:39 PM »

Mine has a 5M and it's stamped 60 which matches the date on the case.

rdelius · « **Reply #6 on:** September 07, 2013, 03:49:18 PM »

These were Bell rental returns .Bought in the mid 90s from Texas? when the refurbishment moved to Mexico and these sets were not being rebuilt.Took many of the older late 30s chassis 5302s and put metal shells back on them while at chicago old telephone

McHeath · « **Reply #7 on:** September 09, 2013, 10:05:08 AM »

An interesting find. The phone company had no interest in the collectable value of their stuff eh? It was just product to them.

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