Anyone here collect old phones? Todd?.....>>>>>

[Johnny SixPack]

I know you collect old radios, Todd, so I was hoping you might have some insight on old phones.

A buddy was over a couple months ago and got my grandparent's old outside ringer working, and I guess that started it off.

That and the same buddy has a couple Western Electric (WE) model 302s (the later version with the thermoplastic base).

So he started me out on this.

I found a couple vintage phone sites on the interwebs, but they were selling 'restored' 302s costing $195 (thermoplastic '41 - '54), or $215 (metal '37 - '41).

I also looked at WE 202s ('30 - '37), but they're more expensive still.

Did some hunting on ePrey, but since I don't know the market, I'm hesitant to just jump in.

If anyone here has any hints/tips/prices I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.


Johnny

[Todd Wilson]

Theres a guy on another forum I am at that collects old phone equipment. He's so hardcore he gets the whole operator switching stations. He is always looking for phones. Older phones are missing the 0 on the dial or something.  Other then some of his comments I dont know a thing.

The old analog phones are cool but they may not work in some areas now that the phone co has went to tone dial operation.

Todd

[Johnny SixPack]

Yeah, but as I read it the older phones can be 'upgraded' to the newer system by swapping some of the internals.

If you would, please ask him what a 302 in fair - good condition should cost.

Thanks, Todd.

I figured if it was pre-1950 I'd ask you. 

[The70RT]

I have a few. My problem is.....what don't I collect. I will post some pics later.