Is this a real 302?

[5415551212]

I spotted this phone at a local Habitat for Humanity (HFH) thrift / surplus store, they are asking $100 for the phone.

At first I scoffed and thought it was a cheap 302 replica, but it has a F1 handset.

I don't know much about 302's the only markings on the bottom was a sticker;
"FAIRFIELD ELECTRONICS CORP. PO box 1801 Indianapolis, Indiana" 

What do the experts think this a real 302?

[TelePlay]

Looks like a 302 sold to an independent phone company without a dial or ringer. Normally those contract bulk sales had a F1W handset. The independent would install their "preferred" dial and ringer (usually a frequency ringer) for use on their "private" or proprietary system.

Not worth $100, nothing special about it and may need a straight line B1A ringer to be fully functional.

I doubt they would let you open it up in the store to check the ringer.

[5415551212]

Thanks
I was surprised to see it there the store sells stuff like surplus building supplies at bargain prices to raise money for Habitat for Humanity (They help provide housing for families in need)
I bet it will be there for a long time.
They would let me open it up.
I don't collect 302's but thought I'd share if anyone in the area is interested in a 302 I bet they are negotiable on the price. They may have a ebay store also.

[RDPipes]

You can always check for a ring by lightly pounding on the side of the case with the heel of your hand.
If a ringer is present you'll hear it. Never fails and never damages the case.
Personally I would give them anymore the $20 for the phone because of the AE dial and the F1W handset.
Basically a parts phone as far as I'm concerned.

[TelePlay]

You can always check for a ring by lightly pounding on the side of the case with the heel of your hand.
If a ringer is present you'll hear it.

I would give them anymore the $20 for the phone because of the AE dial and the F1W handset.

I would hold the phone by the front and back and shake it front to back, the direction the clapper moves, to see if I get a tinkle. But that won't tell the difference between a straight line and frequency ringer.

It has an F1 handset, which might be original or a replacement but due to the durability of a Bakelite handset, I'd go with original.

That light brown line and handset cordage is unusual.

I'd pay a bit more than $20 if it had a SL ringer.

[5415551212]

You can always check for a ring by lightly pounding on the side of the case with the heel of your hand.
If a ringer is present you'll hear it. Never fails and never damages the case.
Personally I would give them anymore the $20 for the phone because of the AE dial and the F1W handset.
Basically a parts phone as far as I'm concerned.

Very interesting thanks how did you spot the AE dial?

[TelePlay]

Very interesting thanks how did you spot the AE dial?

"0" location. WE at 4 o'clock, AE at 6 o'clock.

[MMikeJBenN27]

It's real.  Either it was originally sold to an independent non-Bell operating company and has a replacement handset, or someone more recently installed that Automatic Electric dial assembly.  Maybe it originally was a non-dial unit.

Mike

[RDPipes]

Very interesting thanks how did you spot the AE dial?

Finger stops are always lower then WE's, ya just get use to seeing which is which
when it comes to dials and other aspects of phones.

And I've seen a lot of these with AE dials and never liked them because of the mixing of different
manufactures and it being a made for an independent. I just don't see much value in them.

Strange too because Leich used AE dials and that doesn't bother me.

[RDPipes]

Looks like a 302 sold to an independent phone company without a dial or ringer. Normally those contract bulk sales had a F1W handset. The independent would install their "preferred" dial and ringer (usually a frequency ringer) for use on their "private" or proprietary system.

Not worth $100, nothing special about it and may need a straight line B1A ringer to be fully functional.

I doubt they would let you open it up in the store to check the ringer.

I would hold the phone by the front and back and shake it front to back, the direction the clapper moves, to see if I get a tinkle. But that won't tell the difference between a straight line and frequency ringer.

It has an F1 handset, which might be original or a replacement but due to the durability of a Bakelite handset, I'd go with original.

That light brown line and handset cordage is unusual.

I'd pay a bit more than $20 if it had a SL ringer.

I noticed that too, but it looks too new and fuzzy, probably reproduction I would think.

[MMikeJBenN27]

I never liked AE dials because they are awkward for left-hand dialing - I am left - handed.  WE dials are much more accommodating for left - handers.

Mike