Western Electric 302 - Deep Red - Chrome Trim

History

This wonderful working example of 1930s design is sure to fit into your period decorating scheme. What I love most about this phone is the great RRRING that will be sure to get the attention of everyone in your household!

The Model 302 desk telephone was introduced in 1937. Created by famed industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss, the first versions had a die-cast zinc housing and were changed during the War to a thermoplastic housing. The 302 series was the first subscriber desk telephone to contain the ringer and induction coil within the phone. Previous desk models required a separate subscriber set or bell box that was attached by a line cord. While the 302 series telephone is predominately found in black, it was also produced in nine colors. When the thermoplastic housings became the standard, the colors were molded in the plastic of that color rather than painted on as was the case of the die-cast phones. The Model 302 was manufactured until 1954 and during it's lifetime it was the workhorse of the phone system.

This is NOT an original Thermoplastic Red 302, rather it is an original black thermoplastic 302 re-painted in the Western Electric red. We feel this is an excellent opportunity to complete your 302 collection without breaking the bank.

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 white 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. We have added a freshly chrome plated finger wheel and dial card ring, as well as die cut dial card and acetate cover.

Cords – The phone has been outfitted with brand new colour matched red 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 painstakingly put through a multi-step restoration process which includes sanding with 400, 800, 1000, 2000 grit. This ensures that there are no scratches, dents or dings. The shell is then professionally painted in a high gloss red 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.

Base – The base is completely stripped of all its components and painted with a high gloss black. The components are then cleaned, tested and reinstalled.

Feet – The feet are disassembled and sand blasted. They are then rewrapped with super soft pig skin suede leather to ensure it does not damage the table it proudly sits on.

The phone goes through 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 "whirr" 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.

We are now also offering the option to have your telephone number printed on the dial card in the center of your fingerwheel. Select this option with the drop down menu.