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Wanted: Western Electric early model 500 not T or C/D

Started by Brian-Eifert-1999, June 18, 2023, 12:14:41 AM

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Brian-Eifert-1999

I'm really wanting to get one of those early model 500 telephones. I just tried bidding on one on eBay and lost it. I will either purchase or can trade for one of my nice telephone sets. If anyone is willing to give up their early model 500 please let me know. I have been searching for one for quite a long time.

david@london

How early do you have in mind?
Could you post a link + a photo of the one you were bidding on?
Thanks.

Brian-Eifert-1999

Someone actually has a post of the one I bidded on. It says 5/50 500.

FABphones

A collector of  'Monochrome Phones with Sepia Tones'   ...and a Duck!
***********
Vintage Phones - 10% man made, 90% Tribble
*************

TelePlay

Quote from: david@london on June 18, 2023, 05:37:53 AMHow early do you have in mind?

Still waiting on your realistic range of phone years. 1950 WE 500s are rare with high demand so will always sell over $250-300.

Would you be happy with a 1952-1956 with metal finger wheel?

I can't remember seeing a 1951 ever. What years would be in your purchase year and price wheelhouse?


tubaman

#5
Quote from: TelePlay on June 19, 2023, 07:27:49 AMStill waiting on your realistic range of phone years. 1950 WE 500s are rare with high demand so will always sell over $250-300.

Would you be happy with a 1952-1956 with metal finger wheel?
...

Something like this perhaps -https://www.ebay.com/itm/325691793085 - although no base photo, but given the straight handset cord it's likely ok?
Looking on eBay there doesn't seen to be a great shortage of metal fingerwheel sets but if you want a really early one, eg 1950, then you are likely to need to dig deep into your pockets as @TelePlay has said.

Quote from: TelePlay on June 19, 2023, 07:27:49 AM...
I can't remember seeing a 1951 ever....


I've got a '51 501 but I'm not sure that counts - http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=20663

poplar1

Quote from: tubaman on June 19, 2023, 08:53:58 AMSomething like this perhaps -https://www.ebay.com/itm/325691793085 - although no base photo, but given the straight handset cord it's likely ok?

That one has a damaged handset cord at the cord end of the grommet. That is a typical weak spot in these cords.
Mets-en, c'est pas de l'onguent!

"C'est pas une restauration, c'est une rénovation."--François Martin.

tubaman

Quote from: poplar1 on June 19, 2023, 10:34:35 AMThat one has a damaged handset cord at the cord end of the grommet. That is a typical weak spot in these cords.

I did see that. By 'likely ok' I meant the phone's date being as described even though there is no picture of the base.
 :)

HarrySmith

Harry Smith
ATCA 4434
TCI

"There is no try,
there is only
do or do not"

tubaman

Quote from: HarrySmith on June 19, 2023, 12:20:03 PMStates in the description 12/54

It does, but there is no evidence, and if I were looking to buy I'd ask to see a picture of the base.

Brian-Eifert-1999

The oldest 500 I currently have is 4/51. I have lots of others from 1952 to 1956. Yes that was the link I'm sorry I didn't post it I wasn't sure how to do it. I thought maybe someone on here might be willing to sell or trade or their early model 500. I'd prefer it to be somewhere in 1950 because those older sets have like the clear plungers, the operator kinda circled around the zero, and there is the equalizer. I just feel it would be really nice to have one of those early sets.

tubaman

Quote from: Brian-Eifert-1999 on June 20, 2023, 12:09:47 AM... I'd prefer it to be somewhere in 1950 because those older sets have like the clear plungers, the operator kinda circled around the zero, and there is the equalizer. I just feel it would be really nice to have one of those early sets.

I, and I'm sure many others here, would like one of those too, but as you've found they don't appear often and fetch a good amount of money when they do.
 :)

HarrySmith

I too have been wanting one of the early 500's with the curved operator. I have a couple dated in late 1950 but none of the early ones. I have been looking for a few years now. Whenever I  spot a 500 with a straight handset cord I get excited and have to check it out. I have also been looking for an early 554 to go with it, one with the black handset hook.
Harry Smith
ATCA 4434
TCI

"There is no try,
there is only
do or do not"

Brian-Eifert-1999

I'm the same way when ever I see one with a straight handset cord I look at immediately. I have went to an antique store I always go to and gave them a description of the telephone I'm looking for. So hopefully they might find one for me.

Brian-Eifert-1999

I just wanted to post an update here about my search and I will make a separate post as well. I won an auction on eBay the other day. It was for an early model 501 made in January 1951. It does not have the curved operator around the zero but the operator font is smaller. It is close to the set I have been looking for so I am happy.