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WESTERN ELECTRIC
300-series Telephone Types

Self-contained Rotary Sets.

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WE 302    WE 464 keyset   WE 5302 with F1 handset

ON THIS PAGE:   MARKINGS     SINGLE LINE      KEYSETS      5300-SERIES            F_HANDSETS    F1_VARIATIONS

RELATED PAGES ON THIS SITE:    COLORS      WE 300 DEVELOPMNT TIMELINE
WE 500-SERIES     WE 1500-SERIES     WE 2500-SERIES

 
The 300 series was made from 1936 until 1954.
The basic design is found in models numbered from 250 to 466.
During its lifetime, over 25 million sets were produced.

The 300 series was Western's first desk set family that included the ringer, coil and capacitor in the base, forming a complete phone in one package.  Previous models required an external subscriber set (subset), which contained these components.

Base housings were made of metal from 1936-46.
Thermoplastic housings were made from 1941-1954.

The Family's life was extended into the 1960s as parts were refurbed in to the "modern" looking 5300s, which looked somewhat like the 500-series (announced in 1949).



This page is intended to be a quick summary of the models produced and major functions. 
Western catalogs and technical documentation only show the models that were in production or service at the publication date.  To understand the full scope of models produced we must compile data from many years of documents.



Model Number, Suffix and Mounting Code

Each phone has a 3-digit model number beginning with 2, 3 or 4.  These are usually, but not always marked in ink on the bottom of the phone.  If a model number is not found, look for a mounting code.

Model numbers have suffix letters that define variations, such as manual/dial or number of mounting cord conductors.  Some are defined below, but for details check the Bell System technical documentation (e.g. catalogs and BSPs - Bell System Practices).

Mounting codes are assigned for combinations of mechanical and electrical features unique to each model.  They are typically located near the rear cord hole, on the outside stamped into the metal on early sets and inside in red ink on later sets and thermoplastic sets.  You can usually see the mounting code even if inside, by looking  around the line cord or in the recess for the rear bottom plate screw.

H1 mounting on steel base  WE 302 H1 marking near cord hole
H1 mounting code on:
outside of an early die cast zinc base and inside a later Tenite plastic base.

Typical Suffix codes - e.g. 302CW (See each set's BSPs for details)
A - manual
B - dial, numbers only
C - dial, numbers and letters
D - dial, party line (letters JMRW)

W - no Bell System markings

If you're identifying a phone, you still need to check the internal components as many phones were refurbed and had internal components changed or removed.  If done in a Bell System refurb facility, the code on the bottom was usually repainted or remarked.  Many independent shops or field mods were not remarked with the accurate model number.



NOTE: You can "search" for mounting codes or model numbers on this page by adding # and the code to the page URL.

For example:
http://www.paul-f.com/we300typ.htm#H1
http://www.paul-f.com/we300typ.htm#306

This is useful if you have found a mounting code on a set and want to find the model number, or
know the model number and want to find the mounting code.

For color information, see: Phones in color!

For a chart showing component evolution on early 302 sets, see this chart prepared by Hal Belden.

Most info in the chart below is from manufacturer catalogs and ads plus discussions on the ATCA and TCI listservs.

No claim is made regarding accuracy or completeness.

If you're enjoying looking at this level of detail and haven't joined one of the phone clubs yet, see the links page.

This page is a work in progress.  Please send comments, additions and corrections.

Last update: 20 January 2022


 
SINGLE LINE AND SPECIALTY SETS

Photo
Model,
Mounting
Code
Major Functions
(all are desk sets unless noted otherwise.)
BSP
WE 302
(External Photo: Same as 302 below)
250

AA1
Common battery, no coil, condenser or ringer. F1AW handset, D4U-9 mounting cord.
 
Typically used as a desk stand replacement, where a magneto subset was already in place.
e.g. replacing a D-series mounting or 20AL desk set.
 
Catalog 11: "...intended for use in individual line, regular PBX extensions and bridged stations.
Each set consists of a hand set, a telephone set mounting and the necessary cords and wiring. The telephone set mounting coded AA1-3 is the same as the NO. H1-3 Telephone Set Mounting except that the condenser, ringer and induction coil have been omitted. Each set, therefore, requires a suitable subscdriber set associated with it in order to complete the station equipment.
If desired, the No. 250 type Telephone Set can be readily converted to the No. 302 type Telephone Set simply  by adding the condenser, ringer and induction coil."
 
250AW: 82A-3 apparatus blank.  250BW: 5HA-3 dial and 59A dial adapter.

AA1 Mounting Code

NOTE: For those searching for an "AA1" cradle phone, try looking for the A1 instead.
      http://www.paul-f.com/weHandsetMountings.html#A
C32.301

Catalog 11,
   p.195 includes
  Wiring Diagram

(Copy in the TCI
Members' Area.)
XXXXXXXXX


Wiring Diagram
in the TCI Library
251

AB1
No ringer or Bell System markings. F1AW handset, D3AL-9 mounting cord.  Has a special mount for a harmonic ringer. Typically sold to independents, who would add a straight line or party line ringer as required.
 
Catalog 11: " The No. 251 type TelephoneSets are intended for use in common battery manual or dial service on selective party lines using a harmonic ringer. Each set consists of a hand set, a desk type telephone set mounting, the necessary cords and wiring.
 
The telephone set mounting coded AB1-3 is similar to the No. H1-3 Telephone Set Mounting except that it is furnished without a ringer and is provided with a special ringer mounting for a harmonic ringer."
 
251AW: 82A-3 apparatus blank.  251BW: 5HA-3 dial and 59A dial adapter.
Catalog 11,
    p.195

Wiring Diagram
in the TCI Library

WE 354 wall
                  set
(External Photo: Same as 354 below)
252

[none]
Wall set, No ringer or Bell System markings.  F1AW handset. Has a special mount for a harmonic ringer. Typically sold to independents, who would add a straight line or party line ringer as required.
 
Catalog 11: " The No. 252 type TelephoneSets are intended for use in common battery manual or dial service on selective party lines using a harmonic ringer. Each set consists of a hand set, a wall type telephone set mounting, the necessary cords and wiring.  This set is the equivalent to the 251 type Desk Set.
 
The telephone set mounting is similar to the No. M3-3 Telephone Set Mounting except that it is furnished without a ringer and is provided with a special ringer mounting for a harmonic ringer."
 
252AW: 94A-3 apparatus blank.  252BW: 5HA-3 dial and 59A dial adapter.
Catalog 11,
    p.196

Wiring Diagram
in the TCI Library

WE 325BW Outdoor, no Bell System
                  markings
(External Photo: Same as 325 below)
300

[none]
Outdoor Use, metal enclosure.  Replaced by 325.
 
E1D handset, 147A condenser, 149D condenser, 155B induction coil, 68L ringer.
 
300AW:  80A apparatus blank. 300BW: 4HA-3 dial. 300CW: 4hB-3 dial. 300DW: 4HE-3 dial.
C55.251 (Description)

C38.820
C65.857

502-410-400

Catalog 9,
   p.281
WE 301A telephone
WE 301A with 1010A handset
301

[none]
Rugged, Portable magneto telephone.

Several may be used on one line.

Early set with issue 1 wiring diagram has a 1010A handset. Sets shown in catalogs have F3 handsets.

WE 301A open
Found set

NE Catalogs
  T7, p89 - 1947
  T8, p166 - 1955
WE 302, Standard single line desk set
302

H1
Standard Single line Desk Set, 101A coil, B1A ringer

C32.502
C32.504
C38.551
C63.411
502-400-100
502-400-401
302AA, 302AC

H13

(some found sets are marked H1)
Party Line  "lift plunger to dial or talk" stamped in white on cradle.  Right plunger lifts. 101A coil, B1A ringer.
For a similar cradle, See Photos of the 307.
C32.502
C32.504
502-400-100
502-400-400
303

H1
modified
For use at a Key Station - 1A key telephone system wiring plans.
4-conductor mounting cord to separate ringer and talking circuits. 101A coil, B1A ringer. 

The H1 mounting is modified to prevent crosstalk.  Induction coil equipped with 39A shield.
C32.502
C32.504
C63.412
C63.416
304

H3
Tip-party station of message rate, automatic ticketing, and automatic message accounting. 101B coil, B2A ringer
C32.502
C32.504
C38.555
C63.413
502-400-402


WE 305 (H4 mounting)

Photos from Tom Heckhaus

WE 305 (H4 mounting), switch with
                  "ON-OFF" label
305

H4
Single line, ringer cutoff switch marked "ON  OFF"  to left of dial.  101A coil, B1A ringer
C32.502
C32.504
C38.557
C63.413
502-400-100
502-400-403
WE 302,
                  Standard single line desk set
(External Photo: Same as 302 above)
306

H5
Party line, 4-party selective, 8-party semi-selective.  B3A ringer, 195C Capacitor, 101A coil and 333A, 372A or 426A electron tube.

Variations: 306A (manual), 306B, 306C, 306D
C32.502
C32.504
C38.559
C38.560
C63.414
502-400-100
502-400-404
502-400-405
WE 306G
                  Cradle, Lift Plunger...
306G

H14
Party line, 306 components plus a hookswitch labeled "lift plunger to dial or talk".  Right plunger lifts.
For a similar cradle, See Photos of the 307.
C32.504
502-400-100
502-400-406
WE 302, Standard single line desk set
(External Photo: Same as 302 above)
307

H7
Local Battery talking, common battery signalling antisidetone. For use on nonpolarized ringing lines.  B1A ringer, 387A capacitor, 104A coil, 266A inductor.

307A may be wired to a magneto subscriber set (C38.565).

Unusual party line modification has a hookswitch labeled "lift plunger to dial or talk"   See Photos.
C32.502
C32.504
C38.563
C38.565
C63.415
502-400-100
309

H12
Local battery talking, common battery antisidetone signalling set for use with 4-party selective and 8-party semiselective services. It is similar to the 307 type except that it employs the B3A ringer, 195A capacitor, and in addition, a 405A or 426A electron tube.  The manual set is coded 309A and the dial set 309C
C32.502
C32.504
C63.418
502-400-100

WE 320 Hazardous Location
320

--
"Explosive atmosphere." 

Large round heavy wall set that screws onto a large mounting bracket.  Works are in an inner compartment, so any sparks generated are contained.

F6AR handset, later sets (or refurbs) used G11A handsets.

Very similar to the later 520 shown here.
C38.807
C55.152
502-415-100
502-415-200

WE 321, for
                2A KTS master station distant talking

WE 112A
                amplifier for 321 telephone set
321

--
Provided with 2A key telephone systems to furnish the loud speaking and distant talking facilities at the master station. 

Apparatus is mounted on a metal chassis and enclosed in a walnut veneered cabinet.  Three position volume control and talk/off/signal switch on front. 

Requires separate 112A tube amplifier.
C53.161
C53.162
C53.164
502-410-400
502-560-100
502-560-201

WE 322 Elevator Phone
322

--
Elevator - flush mount.

Often mounted flush with the interior wall with a frame and glass or metal door.
C38.815
C55.301
502-402-100

WE 324
                Portable Set
324

--
Portable set in wood box for use on pierheads and vessels.

2-wire or 4-wire, 592 ringer (see below), and handset or head-chest set.
C55.252
WE 325BW Outdoor, no Bell System
                  markings
325BW - without Bell System markings
325

--
Outdoor, weatherproof - Door with rounded top and bottom.
 
WE 325 Outdoor Set,
                    open

Several variations were produced, some to fix problems with the hookswitch.  See the BSPs for details and wiring alternatives.

The KS-8028 lock provided self-locking when the door was closed.  For non-self locking, the lock was replaced with a KS-7861 lock.  With no lock in place, the door was still self-latching, so would stay closed - although not secure.

KS-8028 lock and key also used on the later 525 shown here.
C55.251
(Description)

C38.817
C38.818
C38.820
C65.857

502-410-400
502-560-100
502-560-201
WE 326 Outdoor Set
326

--
Outdoor, weatherproof - Rectangular box enclosing a 211 set and 592 ringer.

592 Ringer
WE 592 ringer
Basically a B1 ringer and capacitor in an enclosure.
C55.251
C65.857

WE 328 set
                Cording
328

S1
Single line for use with M1 subscriber carrier system. 

Similar in appearance, but somewhat larger than, the 302 type.  F1G handset, 14-conductor mounting cord, 5HB dial, 3 resistors, condenser, B3A ringer and multicontact switchhook.  J98701A  and M1S1 Subscriber Terminal  use 2 of 10 channels for bidirectional communication over power lines to remote locations.
C55.731
C55.735
WE Cat. 11

WE 329
                inside view
Photo from Charles Ring
329

P339939
No ringer, capacitor or coil. 4-Operating Spring hookswitch with auxiliary spring (C32.575).  10-terminal connecting block, D10D-9 cord and F2B handset.  Provision for separately ordered 7-type buzzer and 152A capacitor.
C32.502
C32.575
C38.802
502-400-407

WE 330 Telephone Set for 2B KTS
330

--
Provided with 2B key telephone systems to furnish the loud speaking and distant talking facilities at the master station.

Apparatus is mounted on a metal chassis and enclosed in a walnut finished wooden cabinet.  Power on/off switch, volume control and off/talk/signal switch and pilot lamp on front.  Amplifies speech in both directions.
C53.161
C53.162
C53.164
518-510-100
518-510-200
518-510-400

WE 331A
331

--
For private lines, e.g. radio broadcasting

331A:  In gray-green metal rectangular box with carry handle, contains magneto, batteries, 104A coil, cap and F3B-3 handset.

331B: Later set in bright blue with G5CR-3 handset.  Sets made after 3/78 use a Trimline-style network on a printed circuit board.
C32.516
C32.517
C38.803
C65.868
  (Listserv)
510-810-100
WE 332 Volume Control
332

H8
Receiver volume control (right hookswitch knob has 3 marked positions - H, M and L).  Requires 4.5 vdc to power the amplifier.

See photos.
For more, see TCI's Singing Wires from June 1998, May 2004, and July 2010.
C32.508
C54.111
C54.114
C65.113
502-400-100
502-400-408
334

H9
Receiver volume control (right hookswitch knob has 3 marked positions - H, M and L), Requires 4.5 vdc to power the amplifier.

For party line, polarized ringing.
C32.508
C54.111
C54.114
C65.114
502-400-100
502-400-409
WE 354 wall set
352

M1
Wall, Single line, 101A coil, B1A ringer

  [only made by NE, not WE (?), 1946-60]
NE T-8 catalog,
  pp 155 - 156

502-400-100CA
502-400-410CA
 [Listserv]
354

M3
Wall, 101B coil, B2A ringer. (Wall 304)
Used at common battery antisidetone stations on nonpolarized ringing lines -- Individual lines, 2-party selective (flat or message rate), 4-party semiselective, divided code ringing, nonselective party lines, regular PBX stations, 755A and 750A keyless stations, 2-party automatic ticketing, 2-party flat rate, automatic message accounting and zone registration service.

Note: 354C Special wall set modified for 2-line operation.  See photos.
C32.523
C32.509
C32.522
C38.575
C63.433
502-400-100
502-400-410
356

M5
Wall, party line, 426A or 333A tube (ringer isolator for long rural lines), B3A ringer, 101A coil. (Wall 306)
Used at common battery antisidetone stations -- 4-party selective and 8-party semiselective service.
C32.523
C32.509
C32.522
C38.577
C63.434
502-400-100
502-400-411
357

M7
Wall, Local battery talking, common battery signalling, B1A ringer, 104A coil, 387A capacitor, 266A inductor.  Used in same services as 354 except tip party dial message rate stations.

(Wall version of the model 307.  See Photos of the 307 for component identification.  The 266A is mounted to the left of the ringer in the 357.)
C32.523
C32.509
C32.522
C38.579
C63.435
C63.289
502-400-100
WE TP6A military desk telephone
TP-6

--
WE 302-AW-3 set used in the military.

Bottom plate secured by 2 screws.  If converted to dial, usually has a TA-45-type dial by AE or Telephonics.
Signal Corps
TM 11-468
12/54
TP-6-A

--
Military version of 302.  Designed to be moisture resistant, fungus resistant and to keep insects out of the set.  Rubber grommets seal the cord holes.  Intended for use in damp tropical climates (South Pacific, WWII).

Bottom plate secured by 4 screws (different design than production 302s).
Telephonics or AE dials used, with finger stop near the 6 o'clock position.

See photos.
C32.502
D-173487

--
Modified version of the TP-6.  Used after the war in civilian applications where moisture could be a problem, such as along waterfronts or marshy lands, laundries, etc.  When parts needed replacement, standard 302 parts were used, including WE dials. 

e.g.:  Inductor: D-161107  (S-11-45)
        Ringer:   D-161769  (S-7-45)
        Capacitor:  D-171240, 2 mF 130v, 0.5 mF 200v.
        Dial: WE 5H (1-12-49)
        Bottom plate with 4 screws.  No grommets on cords.
        F1 handset

Once an original part is replaced with a  non moisture-treated part,  "These sets are treated as 302-type telephone sets."
C32.502
C32.504

Found Sets
D-170901

--
Appears to be a military variation -- uses the TA-45G/GT dial and was Fungus Treated in June 1945.

e.g.:  Inductor: D-161107  (S-II-45)
        Ringer:   D-161769  (S-6-45), modified B1A
        Capacitor:  D-171658, standard size, rubber covered
        Housing dated  S 511 45
        F1W handset

Wiring diagram in a found set is marked for use with D-167964 (manual), D-168869 (dial), and D-170901 (manual) Telephone Sets.

D-170901  D-170901 internals
Found Sets
D-161583

--
Inductor: D-161107  (III 42)
Ringer:   D-161769

A wiring diagram shows a 6-conductor mounting cord, separating the ringer leads and providing an extra hookswitch contact closure -- probably for use with a PBX.

D-161583  D-161583
Photos from Doug Rose
Found Sets

SC5634A
SC5687A


D2993F
D2993-G
D2993-H
D2993-L


Sets with these markings have been found.

Note that SC5634A is marked on the D-161583 above.

Sets marked D2993 all appear to have frequency ringers.
  the -G suffix may indicate a 50 Cycle ringer.
  the -H suffix may indicate a 66 2/3 Cycle ringer.
  the -L suffix may indicate a 42 Cycle ringer.

Please send any additional found set markings or descriptive info.
Found Sets



WE 444 keyset  WE444

KEYSETS
Photo
Model,
Mounting

Code
Major Functions
(all are desk sets unless noted otherwise.)
BSP


WE 401 Right Plunger (Exclusion
                Key)

401

H6
single line with exclusion key (right plunger lifts), for 1A KTS
C32.525
C38.591
C38.592
C38.593
C53.151
C53.152
C53.153
C53.154
502-430-100
502-430-300
502-430-400
402

--
single line with exclusion key (plunger lifts), for 1A1 or 1A2 KTS
C32.511
C32.525
C38.591
C38.592
C38.593
502-430-100
502-430-300
502-430-400
WE 410, 2-line, J1 mounting

Photos from Tom Heckhaus

WE 410 Line Switch


410

J1
2-line or KTS 1A system, turn-switch on front left corner.

Key can be wired for 2-line pickup or one line pickup with extension cut-off, ringer cut-off or headset control.
Push button for signalling.

Note: Earlier knobs were opaque.  Later knobs were clear.

Note: 354C Special wall set modified for 2-line operation.  See photos.
C32.511
C32.525
C38.591
C38.592
C38.593
C53.151
C53.152
C53.153
C53.154
502-430-100
502-430-300
502-430-400
411

J2
2-line or KTS 1A system, turn-switch on front left corner
  - same as 410 plus exclusion key on plunger
C32.511
C32.525
C38.591
C38.592
C38.593
C53.151
C53.152
C53.153
C53.154
502-430-100
502-430-300
502-430-400
412BC

--
Secretarial service (transfer line to secretary or answering service using turn-switch)

see WE Secretarial Sets
C32.525
C38.591
C38.592
C38.593
502-430-100
502-430-300
502-430-400

WE 440, 4 button keyset,
                non-illuminated

WE 440 - Showing opaque buttons
Photos from Tom Heckhaus

WE 440 keyset, non-illuminated
                buttons
44x

--
4-button keyset

 440 = no lamps or exclusion  (opaque buttons)
 441 = no lamps, exclusion (pull up right plunger)

 444 = lamps  (clear buttons)
 445 = lamps and exclusion (pull up right plunger)

Buttons could be hold, pickup, signal or cutoff (turn button). 
Check the BSPs for details on the numerous variations and suffix codes.  A good starting point is 502-435-100.

Cutoff or Exclusion may be on a right turn button or the right plunger, depending on model.

WE440GC-3 Exclusion Turn Button   WE445F
                Exclusion on Right Plunger
C32.525
C32.601
C38.591
C38.592
C38.594
C53.151
C53.152
C53.153
C53.154
502-435-100
502-435-300
502-435-400

 WE 464
              keyset, illuminated buttons

WE 464 - Showing clear buttons
Photos from Tom Heckhaus


WE 464 keyset, illuminated buttons

46x

L3
L7
6-button keyset

 460 = no lamps or exclusion  (opaque buttons)
 461 = no lamps, exclusion   (pull up right plunger) (L3K)

 464 = lamps  (clear buttons)
 465 = lamps and exclusion   (pull up right plunger) (L7A)

Buttons could be hold, pickup, signal or cutoff (turn button). 
Check the BSPs for details on the numerous variations and suffix codes.  A good starting point is 502-435-100.
C32.525
C32.530
C32.601
C38.591
C38.592
C38.594
C53.151
C53.152
C53.153
C53.154
502-529-400
502-435-100
502-435-300
502-435-400
462
466

L4
6-button keyset for use with 755A PBX.  Only one set of Tip and Ring go to the set, as line switching was done in the PBX.

 462 = no lamps  (opaque buttons) (L4A)
 466 = lamps (clear buttons)
C32.530
C38.851
502-529-400




5300-Series

WE 5302 with F1
            handset


5300 series sets are 300 sets disguised as 500 sets.
(Click photo above for a comparison.)

The base and components from  a 300-series set were covered with a new thermoplastic housing that looks similar to a 500-series set. 

Since the bottom plate of the 300 is shorter than that of the 500, the housing is shorter and looks cut off in the back.

5302
                    side view    5302 bottom   

The 3" dial is mounted in the housing, as on a 300 set.

5M or 6H dials included a
black porcelain number plate with white dots, like the plate on the number 7 dials.
A new double injection molded plastic number ring surrounds the dial, completing the disguise.

5302
                    dial ring    164D-3
                    number plate


 The 5302's normal handsets were a standard F1, or a "GF" handset that used a G1 handle with adapters and different caps for the HA1 and F1 elements used by the 300 series (Photos below).  G1 or G3 handsets with the later T1 and U1 elements are also found, as are other G handset variations, such as a G6 amplified handset -- often supplied where their transmission characteristics were required, or added during refurb or by collectors.

The cradle has a unique shape with depressions to accommodate the narrower F handset shape, as well as the G handset.

5300
                  cradle


Another enhancement is a ringer volume control lever added to the B-series ringer,
simulating the adjustment wheel on the 500 set's C-series ringer.

Ringer
                  Adjustment on bottom     Ringer
                  adjustment - inside view



Since most sets did not have the transmission characteristics of a 500 set, they were limited to installation in zones relatively close to the central offices.

Produced from August, 1955 - ?
Housings from the mid-60s have been found, but may have been made as repair parts.

The 1955 introduction date is found in several internal Bell System memos and articles,
including an Events in Telecommunication History entry for August, 26, 1955, and
a Bell Laboratories Record article, August 1956, page 313.
BSP references start in 1956.



Introduction was 6 years after the announcement of the 500-series.

Contrary to the popular rumor, the 5302 was not the missing link "between" the 300 and 500 families, but was developed later to make productive use of the huge supply of 300 series parts that were within the Bell System.  Subscribers could get a modern looking phone that looked like the 500, while the Bell System improved their return on investment.



5300 sets were not made "new" on the production line.
Housings and ringer adjusters were installed on batches of sets that were returned for refurb.

There is a great variation in the way sets were marked on the bottom -- both in color and location of the bottom stamping.

Western Electric sold conversion kits with instructions to refurbishers.  Like many other sets sold to independent phone companies, kits had housings marked Western Electric and without Bell System markings. Often refurbishers took short cuts, such as not marking the model number on the bottom or not installing the ringer adjustment hardware.

Sets produced by independent refurbishers have been found with different model numbers, such as 5310.

Note that dates on the set and internal components are usually those from the "donor" 300-series phone that was converted to a 5300-series set, and do not indicate the assembly or conversion date for the 5300-series set.

5300-series phones are difficult to date, as no assembly dates were usually indicated on the phone.
The assembly date can generally be assumed to be after the date the housing was made.
However, it is possible that the set was converted and then later refurbished with a newer housing.

The models shown below were created from standard 300-series sets.  A 5 prefix was added to the model number.
Technical information can also be found in the BSPs for the original 300-series model number.



Photo
Model
Major Functions
(all are desk sets unless noted otherwise.)
BSP*
WE 5302 5251
No ringer or Bell System markings
  (Found set)
5302
Single line, 101A coil, B1A ringer
C32.567
C32.568
C32.569
C32.570
C38.551
C38.685
C38.689
502-400-101
502-400-401
5304
Party line, 101B coil, B2A ringer, no tube
C32.567
C32.568
C32.569
C32.570
502-400-101
502-400-402
5306
Party line, 4-party selective, 8-party semi-selective, 101A coil, B3A ringer, 426A tube
C32.567
C32.568
C32.569
C32.570
C38.559
502-400-101
502-400-404

(5354?)
Single line wall set, 101A coil, B1A ringer. 
(Reported but not documented. Sounds like a 354 with a G handset.)
  (Listserv)
(Please send a photo!)
5410 line
              switch 5410

2-line.  Key (turn-switch) below and to the left of dial.

The 410's line switch knob was replaced with a longer knob.
C32.567
C32.568
C32.569
C32.570
C38.593
502-430-400
  
 
* Also see the BSP for the basic related 300/400 series set for details .

For color information, see: Phones in Color!





F Handset Models

F1 early (no groove) and later (groove)

Note:  Handsets for use within the Bell System were marked "Bell System".
Handsets for use outside the Bell System were marked "Western Electric" and model numbers had a W suffix.  e.g. F1W
Model
Major Functions
BSP
F1
F1 handset handle
 
F1W
F1W -
                Without Bell System Markings
Standard handset for general use with 3-wire cord.  HA or LA series receiver and F series transmitter elements.

F1W has no Bell System markings and was sold outside the Bell System.
C32.203
C63.341
501-210-101
F2
F2 handset
              handle
With 4-wire cord.  Some have 289B dual phone plug for PBX use where the operator preferred a handset to a headset.
C32.203
C63.341
501-210-101
F3
F3 handset
              button
With a pushbutton in the handle.  For push-to-talk, push-to listen, amplifier or external circuit control.
C32.203
C63.341
501-210-101
F4
F4 handset
              handle
With G handset receiver element (U1 receiver and F1 or T1 transmitter) and 3-wire cord.  For applications on long loops.
 
Some time between 7/54 and 2/56, the transmitter was changed from the original F1 to the later T1 with a spacing ring.
C32.203
C63.341
501-220-100
501-230-100
F5
With G handset receiver element (U1 receiver and F1 or T1 transmitter) and 4-wire cord.  For applications on long loops.
 
Some time between 7/54 and 2/56, the transmitter was changed from the original F1 to the later T1 with a spacing ring.
C32.203
C63.341
501-210-300
501-220-100
501-230-100
F6
F6 handset
              handle
For explosive atmospheres, 320 set and KS sets.  HA1 receiver and K1 transmitter.
C32.203
C38.807
C55.152
C63.341
501-210-101
502-415-100
502-415-200
GF
(See photos below)
Standard F1 handset elements in a G1 (or occasionally G3) handle with special inserts and caps.  For 5300-series sets.
Receiver cap is marked "H" and Transmitter cap is marked "F"     See photos below.
502-400-301 NY
TP6A
WE TP6A
              marking
The handle is stamped with the US Government contract reference, and has no Bell System markings.
 -
Link to similar info on G Handset Models.


F handset parts
F Handset parts.


GF Handset parts
GF Handset parts.
Note that handles are usually marked G1 or G3 (the pre-conversion marking), NOT GF.
Cups in transmitter and receiver cavities adapt to the F and HA elements.

GF Handset caps
GF caps
Transmitter cap is marked "F" in center.
Receiver cap is marked "H" in center.


 
F1 handset handle variations and evolution*
11 variations
Handle Construction
Markings
Variation number.)    Terminal Arrangement
Handle Dates*
SOLID CORE “UNGROOVED”  BELL SYSTEM
MANUFACTURED BY
Western Electric Company
1.) Separate R and BK terminals 1936
(IV 36)
BELL SYSTEM
MANUFACTURED BY
Western Electric Company

F1
2.) Separate R and BK terminals

c.1936-37
(5/37)

SOLID CORE GROOVED  BELL SYSTEM
MANUFACTURED BY
Western Electric Company

F1

3.) Separate R and BK terminals

4.) R  and BK terminals combined with contacts

c.1937-39
(9/37 - 1/39)

c. 1938-40/41
BELL SYSTEM
MADE BY
Western Electric
F1

5.) Separate R and BK terminals

6). R  and BK terminals combined with contacts

c. 1937-38

c. 1938-40/41
Western Electric Company
U.S.A.
F1W
(For Independents)

7.) Separate R and BK terminals

8.) R and BK terminals combined with contacts

c. 1937-38

c. 1938-40/41
HOLLOW CORE GROOVED
BELL SYSTEM
MANUFACTURED BY
Western Electric Company

F1
9.) Wires running from receiver contacts to W and R. c. 1940-42
BELL SYSTEM
MADE BY
Western Electric Company

F1
10.) Wires running from receiver contacts to W and R. post WWII
Western Electric Company
U.S.A.
F1W
(For Independents)
11.) Wires running from receiver contacts to W and R. post WWII

  Note: Dates in parenthesis are earliest and /or latest dates observed on marked handles.

*The info in the chart is from observations of many F1 handsets by Dave Johnson, with additions by Paul Fassbender and Doug Rose and discussions on the ATCA and TCI listservs, and Classic Rotary Phones Forum.  Handles made after early 1939 generally have an abbreviated date code, including only the last digit of the year. Where there was confusion, handle dates were estimated using sets with matching dates on other components (handset elements, bottom plate, inductor, ringer, etc.).

Late production F-style handsets were made of plastic, rather than the heavier bakelite.  C32.203, issue 8, August 1955 includes the following:

2.02 Lightweight F1-type handsets may be distinguished from the regular handsets by their lighter weight plastic, hollow handle, and an embossed dot following the code number on the handle. Transmitter and receiver caps for light-weight handsets are not interchangeable with regular caps because the threads are different. Caps for the heavier handsets have a number molded in the center of the underside of the grid; lightweight caps do not have such a number.

2.03 A lightweight handset should not be used to replace a regular handset. Its lighter weight may not operate reliably a switchhook designed for a regular handset.


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