Condition

Antique pre-owned condition with visible age-related wear, scratches, finish loss, dust/soiling and patina consistent with decades of use and storage. Bell System Western Electric F1 handset is clearly marked. Rotary dial turns. Telephone has not been connected to a telephone line or otherwise fully tested and is being sold as untested. Includes the separate subscriber/ringer box shown in the photos. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition.

Description

Authentic vintage Bell System / Western Electric rotary desk telephone with separate subscriber/ringer box.

This early-style Western Electric telephone features the classic oval D1-style metal desk mounting, rotary dial and separate external box used to house telephone components on this generation of Bell System equipment.

The handset is clearly molded:

BELL SYSTEM

MANUFACTURED BY

Western Electric Company

F1

The telephone also retains a wonderful period exchange-number card reading:

SYcamore 8-4549

The SYcamore exchange was associated with the Holly Oak / Wilmington, Delaware area, giving this telephone an especially interesting Delaware connection.

Because Bell System equipment frequently remained in service for many years and components were replaced or upgraded as needed, the F1 handset and exchange card may date from later in the telephone’s service life.

Features:

* Genuine Western Electric / Bell System telephone

* Early oval D1-style desk mounting

* Western Electric F1 handset

* Original-style rotary dial

* Number card marked SYcamore 8-4549

* Holly Oak / Wilmington, Delaware exchange connection

* Separate subscriber/ringer box included

* Black finish

* Cloth/wired connections as shown

* Authentic age-related wear and patina

* Excellent display piece for a telephone, Bell System, Western Electric or Delaware-history collection

Testing: The telephone has not been connected to an operating telephone line and is therefore being sold untested. No guarantee is made regarding electrical operation, ringing or dialing functionality.

I have intentionally not identified the telephone definitively as a Western Electric 102 or 202 because that distinction depends on its internal wiring/electrical configuration. It is being accurately represented as a Western Electric D1-type desk telephone based on the visible characteristics.

This is a particularly attractive survivor because it retains its Western Electric Bell System F1 handset, rotary dial, SYcamore exchange card and separate subscriber/ringer box.

Please review all photographs carefully. They are an important part of the description and show the actual telephone, markings, wiring, accessories and cosmetic condition.