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RELATED
PAGES ON THIS SITE:
COLORS
WE 300 DEVELOPEMNT TIMELINE
WE 500-SERIES WE 1500-SERIES WE 2500-SERIES |
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The basic design is found in models numbered from 250 to 466. During its lifetime, over 25 million sets were produced. Base shells were made of metal from 1936-46. Thermoplastic shells 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). 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. 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. Each model had suffix letters that defined 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). Most info in the chart 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. 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 code on: outside of an early die cast zinc base and inside a later Tenite plastic base. Suffix codes - e.g. 302CW 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. For color information, see: Phones in color! For a chart showing component evolution on early 302 sets, see this chart prepared by Hal Belden. This page is a work in progress. Please send comments, additions and corrections. Last update: 28 December 2009 |
| Photo |
Model, Mounting Code |
Major Functions (all are desk sets unless noted otherwise.) |
BSP |
(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. |
C32.301 Catalog 11, p.195 |
| 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 | |
 (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 |
 (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. |
C38.820 C65.857 C55.251 502-410-400 Catalog 9, p.281 |
|
|
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 |
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 C63.416 502-400-100 502-400-400 |
|
| 303 H1 |
For use at
a Key Station - 1A, 4-conductor
mounting cord to separate ringer and talking circuits. 101A coil, B1A
ringer |
C32.502 C32.504 C63.412 |
|
| 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 |
|
 Photos from Tom Heckhaus  |
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 |
|
(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 |
 |
306G H14 |
Party line,
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 |
|
(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. Unusual party line modification has a hookswitch labeled "lift plunger to dial or talk" See Photos. |
C32.502 C32.504 C38.563 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 |
|
 |
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. Very similar to the later 520 shown here. |
C38.807 C55.152 502-415-100 502-415-200 |
  |
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 |
 |
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 |
 |
324 -- |
Portable
set in wood box for use on pierheads
and vessels. 2-wire or 4-wire, 592 ringer, handset or head-chest set. |
C55.252 |
|
325BW - without Bell
System markings
|
325 -- |
Outdoor,
weatherproof - Door with rounded top
and bottom. |
C38.817 C38.818 C38.820 C55.251 C65.857 502-410-400 502-560-100 502-560-201 |
 |
326 -- |
Outdoor,
weatherproof - Rectangular box
enclosing a 211 set and 592 ringer. |
C55.251 C65.857 |
 |
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 |
 Photo from Charles
Ring
|
329 P339939 |
No ringer,
capacitor or coil. 4-Spring
hookswitch. 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 |
 |
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 |
 |
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 |
 |
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. |
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 |
|
|
|
352 M1 |
Wall,
Single line, 101A coil, B1A ringer [only made by NE, not WE (?), 1946-60] |
(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 |
|
 |
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-A. 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. Once an original part is replaced with a non moisture-treated part, "These sets are treated as 302-type telephone sets." |
C32.502 |
WE444| Photo |
Model, Mounting Code |
Major Functions (all are desk sets unless noted otherwise.) |
BSP |
 |
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 |
|
 Photos from Tom Heckhaus  |
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 |
|
| 412 -- |
Secretarial service (transfer
line to
secretary or answering service using turn-switch) |
C32.525 C38.591 C38.592 C38.593 502-430-100 502-430-300 502-430-400 |
|
 WE 440 - Showing opaque buttons Photos from Tom Heckhaus  |
44x -- |
4-button keyset 440 = no lamps or exclusion (opaque buttons) 441 = no lamps, exclusion 444 = lamps (clear buttons) 445 = lamps and exclusion |
C32.525 C32.561 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 -
Showing clear buttons
Photos from Tom Heckhaus  |
46x L3 L7 |
6-button keyset 460 = no lamps or exclusion (opaque buttons) 461 = no lamps, exclusion (L3K) 464 = lamps (clear buttons) 465 = lamps and exclusion (L7A) |
C32.525 C32.530 C32.561 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 (L4A) 466 = lamps |
C38.851 502-529-400 |
|
This series is a 300 set disguised as a 500 set. (Click photo for details.) The base
and components from
the corresponding 300-series set were covered with a new
thermoplastic
shell that looks similar to a 500-series set. Since the bottom
plate of the 300 is shorter than that of the 500, the shell is shorter
and looks cut off in the back. The 3" dial is mounted in the
shell,
as on a 300. The porcelain plate is replaced with a black plate
with white dots, and a plastic number ring surrounds the dial,
completing the disguise.
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.  Another enhancement is a ringer volume control lever added to the B-series ringer. Shells from the mid-60s have been found, but may have been made as repair parts. 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. These sets were not made "new" on the production line. Shells and ringer adjusters were installed on batches of sets that were returned for refurb. |
|
* Also see the BSP for the basic related
300/400
series set for details .
For color information, see: Phones in Color!
|
| 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
 F1W  |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 502-400-301 NY |
| Link to
similar info on G Handset Models. |
||
|
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 |
|
| SOLID CORE GROOVED | BELL SYSTEM MANUFACTURED BY Western Electric Company F1 |
3.) Separate R and BK
terminals |
c.1937-39 |
| BELL SYSTEM MADE BY Western Electric Company F1 |
5.) Separate R and BK
terminals |
c. 1937-38 |
|
| Western Electric
Company U.S.A. F1W (For Independents) |
7.) Separate R and BK
terminals |
c. 1937-38 |
|
| 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 |
|
©2004-9 paulf. All rights reserved.
|
