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Fantastic Western Electric 302 - Chrome Trim Version!
This wonderful working example of 1930s design is sure to fit your period decorating scheme. What I love most about this phone is the great RRRING that will be sure to get the attention of everyone in your household!
The Model 302 desk telephone was introduced in 1937. Created by famed industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss, the first versions had a die-cast zinc housing, however, demands for metal during WW2 necessitated a shift to thermo-plastic housings on later models.
The 302 series was the first Western Electric desk telephone to contain the ringer and induction coil within the phone. Previous desk models required a separate subscriber set or bell box that was attached by the line cord. While the 302 series telephone is predominately found in black, it was also produced in nine colours. When the thermoplastic housings became the standard, the colours were moulded in the plastic of that colour rather than being painted on as was the case of the die-cast phones.
Over the years the metal version of this phone has often been plated with various metallic finishes such as nickel and chrome. The Model 302 was manufactured until 1954 and during it's lifetime it was the workhorse of the phone system. This metal 302 dates from the late 1930s or early 1940s and it has a much sought after alphanumeric dial plate that shows virtually no wear. We have highlighted this classic with Chrome trim. We feel it really shows off the lines of the phone.
The phone has been completely disassembled, carefully stripped, and then expertly refinished with a beautiful black powdercoat finish that is unsurpassed in both appearance and durability. The red alphanumeric dial has been cleaned and timed and is ready to give another 50 years of faithful service.
As a finishing touch, a new black cloth covered handset cord, and a modular line cord has been added to this classic. These cords were produced using the same machinery that Western Electric used over 60 years ago. All components have been fully overhauled and tested to ensure that they will function properly both now, and in the years to come
Our model 302 telephones are built with an original Western
or Northern Electric number 6 dial. This was the last 3 inch dial made by
Western and Northern and performs flawlessly. You can choose your own dial from
the drop down menu on your product listing if you prefer an older dial. All of
these dials look virtually the same when installed.
We have carefully rebuilt, lubricated and each dial to
ensure years of faithful trouble-free service. Here is a breakdown of the
different dial types.
Number 6 - default - The last technology jump for 3 inch
dials. A smooth return and light weight for dialing highlight this choice. It
is sturdily built and very reliable.
Number 5 - The predominant dial of the 40's and 50's was
replaced by the number 6 for a more universal fit. The number 5 dial features a
"whirr" sound upon its return and a good weight for dialing.
Number 4 - This is the first 5 contact, 3 inch dial. The
real joy of the dial lies in the highly sought after "clickity-clack"
sound that was eliminated with the introduction of the number 5. What was
eliminated from customer complaints, is now one of the features that collectors look for most in hunting out the
vintage phones.
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