Western Electric Model 500 Rotary Telephone — Bell System, Black, 1952 View Watchlist >
- Winning Bid: $51.00
- 25 Bid(s) View Bid History
- High Bidder: DebPaul
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Lot # D811
System ID # 27992791
Start Date
End Date
11 Watching
Western Electric Model 500 Rotary Telephone — Bell System, Black, 1952
The Western Electric Model 500 is the foundational desk telephone of the American Bell System — introduced in 1950 to replace the Model 302, it became the instrument of record in homes and offices across the country for three decades. This example carries a base date code of 3/52, placing manufacture in March 1952 and making it a first-generation production unit. The black thermoplastic housing carries the molded “BELL SYSTEM / MADE BY / Western Electric” stamp inside the case; the handset shaft is similarly marked. Dial center label reads “4-0753,” the original paper insert still in place.
CONDITION
Good — body is structurally sound with honest surface scuffing and light scratching throughout. One base corner has chipped with substrate exposed; line cord has been cut with bare wires at the terminus, and the handset transmitter and receiver caps are detached. Untested.
DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS
- 4.75" H × 8.25" W × 9" D
- Material: Thermoplastic (black)
- Maker: Western Electric for Bell System
- Model: 500
- Date Code: 3/52 (March 1952)
- Dial: Rotary, “OPERATOR” at 0 position
- Dial Center Label: “4-0753” (original paper insert, present)
- Mark: “BELL SYSTEM / MADE BY / Western Electric” (molded interior stamp)
- Line Cord: Cut, unterminated (bare wires)
- Handset Cord: Curled, intact
