Western electric 51AL candlestick phone

51AL Western Electric Dial Candlestick with 634A metal ringer box

I have always wanted to look for a real vintages candle stick phone for display and use.

This is a classic Western Electric model 51AL dial candlestick with a 634A ringer subset which i have found recently. This wonderful Western Electric Dial Candlestick Telephone has been restored and to assure top quality this unique Art Deco style candlestick has been disassembled, thoroughly tested, cleaned and reassembled and coated to a rich black gloss.

It was made in the 1920s for the Bell System.  An F1 capsule has been added to the transmitter for better transmission clarity, it has the early 144 type receiver which is correct for this phone.   I have been very carful to try to search for an original phone.

The dial is a rare notchless number 2 EA and has been cleaned and oiled so it turns smoothly.  The dial has that great clickity-clack sound you can only get form these old dials.  The numbers on the notchless dial face plate so some wear but are very clear.  These dial face plates were used in rural area where calls between exchanges went through an operator.   These notchless faceplates are correct for the early #2 dials and are very hard to find.

This Western Electric dial candlestick is marked on base, below the dial, with the following patent dates: 

PAT IN U.S.A. JAN 26 15   JAN 1 18 MAY 7 18  SEPT 21 20..

The receiver is in good shape, it is the 144 style receiver which came with dial candlesticks and provides good sound quality.

The transmitter face plate reads:                    

WESTERN ELECTRIC

COMPANY

229W

The number card holder on the dial reads:

Wait

FOR DIAL

TONE

This is my 3rd vintage phones namely GPO pyramid, Queen Mary phone and this candlestick phone...