Western Electric 202 - Imperial - Gold Plated

Western Electric Imperial Model 202 - was made in 1951 in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Western Electric.

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 – 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 ivory 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 brand new fingerwheel and die cut dial card.

Cords – The phone has been outfitted with a brand-new colour matched cloth covered curly ivory handset cord that we make 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. There is also an option to have either straight cloth covered cords or vinyl.

Shell – The shell has been professionally gold plated and will not peel like most home plating. The finish is absolutely stunning and will last a lifetime.

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.

Handset – Handset has been ultrasonically cleaned to get all imbedded debris out. It is then sanded through a 4 step process (400, 800, 1000, 2000 grit) and painted in a beautiful high gloss ivory

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