Antique 1920's Western Electric 317 S Wooden Wall Phone. Restored WORKS

Description: This Western Electric wall phone dates from around 1920. It is a later style WE 317 as indicated from its steeper shelve, bulldog transmitter, and short transmitter arm. The "S" refers to units used at the end of long phone lines where a larger magneto might be required and this phone has a hefty 5 bar magneto which works. This phone was likely upgraded during its life with its internal parts dated earlier and 3 inch gongs more in-line with the 1910's. The transmitter arm and shelf have internal signs of being changed but are vintage. I have restored this phone cosmetically and mechanically. Cosmetic Restoration: I applied a hand polished cherry stain and black wax finish to it's old varnished yellow oak, polished the Bakelite and black hardware which appear to be original lacquer throughout with a nice patina on the brass transmitter cup and hookswitch, and applied a water transfer label of my creation. The receiver has faint signs of WE markings on its Bakelite top. The bulldog transmitter is internally marked and all four retention bolts are present. I replaced the receiver cord with an old reproduction one. Some small spots of latex paint remain where I did not want to disturb the old finish. Mechanical Restoration: This phone was originally powered with three large dry cell batteries that rested in the empty compartment. This compartment now makes for a nice cubby or hiding place. I have maintained all internal connections as found but added two additional wires to power the phone without batteries using line current from a modern phone line. I have added a modular connection/ RFI filter to the appropriate internal terminals to allow connection to a standard RJ11 modular phone line. There is an existing hole and channel in the back for threading of the phone service wire. Both the transmitter and reciever are protected from high ringing current by the existing equipment. Cranking the arm will still power the magneto which will ring the gongs. These are the same gongs that ring when the phone is called. Cranking has no function in making a call except a novelty one. CRANKING WHILE THE RECEIVER IS OFF HOOK could damge the phones components and a startling non-lethal shock could be encountered if internals are contacted while cranking or receiving a call. (I would be happy to disconnect the magneto prior to shipping if you do not want the crank to do anything but turn.) Preserving the existing wiring results in the phone taking up to 15 seconds to hang up once a call is completed and the receiver placed back on its hook. This phone has 'sidetone' technology which produces a bit of a muffled and echo-y sound consistant with its era. This phone is heavy and will require mounting to wall studs. I have included four large flat head wood screws I think would work well as these are sometimes hard to come by. FULLY FUNCTIONAL with disclaimer: This phone will work (ring and answer) on a standard landline that supports pulse dialing. I have tested it on my residential Spectrum Cable line that supports multiple vintage phones. The best way to make sure it will work at your location is to currently have a rotary phone. If not, it is always a good idea to call your local phone company and check if your "service still supports pulse dialing from an old rotary phone". If your phone service does, great. If it does not, your phone will not be able to place calls without a converter. These are available on ebay and elsewhere for purchase. RESTORATION is meant to restore the phone to how it may have looked in use. There will be no cracks or deep gouges but signs of use and slight color variations may remain as each phone is unique and not presented as mint or new. For example there may be small scratches or nicks around high use areas like the handset cradle where removing them might change the antique look of the phone. The phone has been chemically cleaned inside and out, removed of rust, dust and grime. Wired to work on a landline, this phone has been tested, then polished through several steps. I have taken multiple pictures of this phone inside and out because I have learned the hard way when buying phones. I always pop them open because seeing is better than wishful thinking. The whole unit is very heavy weighing over 30 lbs. Stored and packaged smoke free. Please see all pictures and ask questions before purchase.NC sales tax will be added. All shippers have increased their rates recently, so please choose the carrier who works best for you. I pack up on weekends so handling time is 1 to 10 days depending on when you purchase and when you pay.

Price: 349.99 USD

Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

End Time: 2024-12-20T17:37:22.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD