W.E. Dial candlestick phone

[Fordman 1966]

Hello all. A friend gave me this phone yesterday he saved it from the trashman. Main question is what is the tube for and how does it work. Looks complete and nice and dirty.The tube is marked 333A. It has been updated in the 1940's

[poplar1]

The tube allows 4-party selective ringing or 8-party semi-selective ringing.

Depending on how the ringer and the tube are connected, the ringer will respond only when that party is being signaled:

Tip +
Tip -
Ring +
Ring -

[TelePlay]

That looks like a #2 dial (external finger stop) and maybe a notchless number plate. If so, that would be a rare dial worth serious money.

Can you post a picture of the number plate under the finger stop?

[Fordman 1966]

Here's pictures of the dial& finger stop. I'm guessing the I 46 is the date if so makes sense cause induction coil marked 1946, transmitter is 1945. Just got to get it wired correctly. it is a 51AL with 3 wire to ringer/coil box and found a 634AT marking next to painted over paper label

[TelePlay]

A #2 dial even with a notched number plate is worth some money, a lot more if the plate didn't have the notch.