Western Electric 102 - Chrome

Original Western Electric 102 with E1 Handset, Freshly Chrome plated - no subset required.

History

The Western 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-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.

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, repainted with a gloss black enamel and a chrome band has been placed around it. The number plate has been cleaned and a perfectly matching overlay has been applied. The finger wheel and dial card ring has been professionally chromed plated. A brand new die cut dial card and acetate cover have been added as well

Cords – The phone has been outfitted with brand new black 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 professionally chrome plated and will not peel like most home plating. The mirror finish is absolutely stunning and will last a lifetime.

Handset – The E1 handset has been ultrasonically cleaned to get all embedded debris out. It is then sanded through a multi-step restoration process which includes sanding with 400, 800, 1000, 2000 grit and buffed back to its beautiful original shine. 

Network – This 102 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 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 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.

Number 2 - Characterized by its fingerstop screwed to the outside of the dial and its loud clickity-clack sound when dialing. This dial was only found on candlesticks and the 102. (Due to the finger wheel being on the outside of the dial, the outer edge of the dial will be painted black)

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.