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)

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, and type in the request in the comments section of the order or email us at Oldphoneguy@Oldphoneworks.com