Bell System Western Electric Company Telephone

I pulled this telephone out of storage where it has been for about 20 years or so. My grandmother gave it to me out of her attic, but I have no idea where she got it from. She was a telephone operator at some point in the late 40s or early 50s. I would like to know more about it so that I can research the value.

I have only been able to find one other like it on the internet, it was on a collector's site on a "show and tell" thread. I replied to that post but I don't think I will hear back because the original post was a year ago. I am going to attach his picture as well as my own because that picture is much clearer than mine; however, I just want to make it clear that the first photo is NOT my piece, but the second and third photo are my own.

The information on the other person's photo states this, "This is a Western Electric Bell System manual ring-down phone that was installed on the floor on the New York Stock Exchange in December of 1930 (according to a tag inside the phone) and used until the early 1980s when the NYSE was migrating to more modern multi-key units. I'm guessing many of these units didn't survive and I can only speculate on its rarity." I have googled until my fingertips hurt, and I can't find anything to back up this information.

On the handles of the receivers it says "Bell System" and then under that "Western Electric Company." On mine there is a small piece of paper inside the box that I can't get a clear photo of but it does say "December 1930" and then has an inspector number handwritten. I cannot find any other markings.

I appreciate any information or speculation that you may have. TIA.

This is not my photo - it is from a collector's website, but it is much clearer than my photos.

 

There's a myriad of special business phones. Generally the collectors have less interest in them than in home phones. The two handsets should be saleable at $25 each if in good condition.

 

Western Electric tends to have a premium interest with collectors over other companies. those handsets were in use from 1939 through the early 50's. I think these business/ office variations are interesting - much fewer made then the standard home models. Neat item !

 

Thanks for your input.

 

Thank you