Western Electric 202 - White

History

The Western Electric and Northern Electric 102/202 series telephones were the first widely distributed phones which adopted the use of a single handset rather than a separate transmitter and receiver. The Model 102 - B1 mount was available from 1928 - 1930 and is characterized by a round base and raised dial. In 1930 the Model 102 was modified with an elongated ovoid base. This revised mounting scheme was known as D1. At the same time the Model 202 - D1 was introduced on the same chassis with a new "antisidetone" wiring scheme. The dial on the D1 chassis was recessed into the front of the phone as opposed to sitting on the frame as with the "102 V B1 mount". Model 102/202 - D1 telephones were manufactured until 1938. Like the candlestick phone, the 102 and 202 contained only the switchhook and switch. The network and ringer were contained in a subset which was mounted on the wall. This 202 is been upgraded with a modern network in the base that eliminates the need for a separate subset. Due to space limitations in the chassis, there is no ringer internally, although external ringers are readily available.

The Restoration Process

Dial – The dial has been fully disassembled, cleaned, lubed and timed to ensure years of trouble free service. The outer edge of the dial has been stripped and repainted with a gloss black enamel. Unless the dial is removed, this is something you will rarely ever even see, but this is how it would have come from the factory. The number plate has been cleaned and a perfectly matching overlay has been applied. The finger wheel has been professionally chrome plated for a beautiful mirror like finish. A brand new die cut dial card and acetate cover have been added as well

Cords – The phone has been outfitted with brand new colour matched cloth covered cords that are made in house on the same type of equipment originally used by the phone companies. They look amazing.  The line cord has a modular connection to facilitate a modern connection to your wall jack.

Shell – The shell has been stripped down and sandblasted using a glass grit and professionally painted in a high gloss using Polane. This is a very durable and scratch resistant paint that will hold up for years. This is the same process the phone companies used to refurbish their own telephones. 

Handset – The F1 handset has been ultrasonically cleaned to get all embedded debris out. It is then sanded and painted with the same process as the shell.

Network – The 202 is outfitted with an AE mini network. This allows the telephone to connect to a modern network without the need for a subset, although a subset with ringer is available.

Base – The base is carefully sand blasted and rewrapped with super soft pig skin white suede leather to ensure it does not damage the table it proudly sits on.

The phone goes extensive testing before to ensure it is in perfect working condition prior to shipping.

Dial Options

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 "whiir" 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

Do you currently have any rotary phones? If the answer is no, it is always a good idea to call your local phone company and check if they still support “pulse” dialing. If they do, you are all set to go. If they do not, your phone will not be able to place calls without a converter. We have internal converters that we install during assembly available for $79.95.

Dials * and # from your rotary phone to access computerized services.

Use legacy equipment on tone-only lines.

Compatible with VOIP services.

Provides last number redial functionality.

Adds 7 programmable speed dial locations

As an alternative, we provide an option to use this phone as an extension of your cell phone. The XLink Bluetooth gateway is an device external to the phone that gets it’s power from a standard AC outlet. The cord from the phone will then connect to a phone jack on the gateway. When you pair the gateway to an active Bluetooth enabled cell phone, you will be able to use the vintage phone just like it was connected to a traditional landline. When someone calls your cell phone, the vintage phone will ring, and you will be able to dial out using the dial on the vintage phone. If you want to be able to call # and * using your rotary dial, you will also need to add the pulse to tone converter option.