WESTERN ELECTRIC
300-series Telephone Types

Self-contained Rotary Sets.

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WE302G

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

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.

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. Details can be found in 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.

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: 20 June 2008

SINGLE LINE AND SPECIALTY SETS

Model	Mounting Code	Major Functions (all are desk sets unless noted otherwise.)	BSP
250	AA1	Common battery, no coil, condenser or ringer. 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.	C32.301 Catalog 11, p.195
251	AB1	No ringer or Bell System markings. 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, p.195
252	"Similar to M3"	Wall, No ringer or Bell System markings. Has a special mount for a harmonic ringer.	Catalog 11, p.196
300		Outdoor Use, metal enclosure. Replaced by 325.	C38.820 C65.857 C55.251 502-410-400
302	H1	Standard Single line Desk Set, 101A coil, B1A ringer	C32.502 C32.504 C38.551 C63.411 502-400-401
302AA, AC	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 C63.416 502-400-400
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
305	H4	Single line, ringer cutoff switch marked "ON OFF" to left of dial. 101A coil, B1A ringer	C32.502 C32.504 C38.557 C63.413 502-400-403
306	H5	Party line, 4-party selective, 8-party semi-selective. B3A ringer, 195C Capacitor, 101A coil and 426A electron tube.	C32.502 C32.504 C38.559 C38.560 C63.414 502-400-404 502-400-405
306G	H14	Party line, hookswitch labeled "lift plunger to dial or talk". Right plunger lifts. For a similar cradle, See Photos of the 307.	C32.504 502-400-406
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 variation has a hookswitch labeled "lift plunger to dial or talk" See Photos.	C32.502 C32.504 C38.563 C63.415
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
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.	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
322		Elevator - flush mount	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
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
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. Internal amp amplifies speech in both directions.	C53.161 C53.162 C53.164
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 (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 C65.113 502-400-408
334	H9	Receiver volume control (hookswitch knob has 3 marked positions - H, M and L), party line, polarized ringing	C32.508 C54.111 C54.114 C65.114 502-400-409
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.	C32.523 C32.509 C32.522 C38.575 C63.433 502-400-410
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 C63.434 502-400-411
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
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).	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. Once an original part is replaced with a non moisture-treated part, "These sets are treated as 302-type telephone sets."	C32.502

WE444

KEYSETS

Model	Mounting Code	Major Functions (all are desk sets unless noted otherwise.)	BSP
401	H6	single line with exclusion key (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
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.	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
44x 440 441 444 445		4-button keyset (see photo above) 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
46x 460 461 464 465	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

5300-Series

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 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. 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.

Another enhancement is a ringer volume control lever added to the B-series ringer.

Produced from August, 1955 - ?
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.

Model	Major Functions (all are desk sets unless noted otherwise.)	BSP*
5251	No ringer or Bell System markings	(Found set)
5302	Single line, 101A coil, B1A ringer	C32.567 C32.568 C38.685 C38.689 502-400-101 502-400-401
5304	Party line, 101B coil, B2A ringer, no tube	C32.567 C32.568 502-400-101 502-400-402
5306	Party line, 4-party selective, 8-party semi-selective, 101A coil, B3A ringer, 426A tube	C32.567 C32.568 C38.559 502-400-101 502-400-404
5354	Single line wall set, 101A coil, B1A ringer	(Listserv) (Please send a photo!)
5410	2-line. Key (turn-switch) below and to the left of dial.	C32.567 C32.568 C38.593 502-430-400

* See the BSP for the basic related 300/400 series set for details .

For color information, see: Phones in Color!

F Handset Models

Model	Major Functions	BSP
F1	Standard handset for general use with 3-wire cord. HA or LA series receiver and F series transmitter elements.	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.	C63.341 501-210-101
F3	With a pushbutton in the handle. For push-to-talk, push-to listen, amplifier or external circuit control.	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.	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.	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.	C38.807 C55.152 C63.341 501-210-101 502-415-100 502-415-200
GF	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"	502-400-301 NY 502-400-301 NY

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)
SOLID CORE “UNGROOVED”	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 Company 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. Handles made after early 1939 are generally not dated, so handle dates are estimated using sets with matching dates on other components (handset elements, bottom plate, inductor, ringer, etc.).

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