Western Electric 500M Black Rotary Phone Plant Emergencies 1969

This is a Western Electric Model 500M black rotary desk telephone with a Bell System Property base stamp and a date code of 10-69.

The dial rotates freely and the phone feels solid, but it is untested for calls. The black casing shows light scratches and scuffs, the clear dial finger wheel is scratched and a bit cloudy, and the plant emergency dial card is yellowed, all shown in the photos.

Western Electric Model 500 phones were the standard Bell System desk set for decades, leased rather than sold to customers. This piece still carries its industrial dial card reading DIAL 1-2-3, AREA CODE 517, 636-4643, FOR PLANT EMERGENCIES, which suits a telephone collector shelf or industrial decor display.

Details

• Item: Western Electric Model 500M black rotary desk telephone
• Item Type: Rotary desk telephone
• Era: October 1969 (base date code 10-69)
• Materials: Black thermoplastic casing and handset, metal base plate, rubber feet, coiled handset cord
• Color: Glossy black
• Maker and Mark: Cradle stamp BELL SYSTEM MADE BY Western Electric. Base plate stamped L/M, 500M, 10-69, BELL SYSTEM PROPERTY, NOT FOR SALE
• Pattern or Model: 500M (manual ringer volume control)
• Style: Mid century Bell System desk phone
• Dimensions: About 5 inches tall; base 9 by 6 inches
• Special Features: Original plant emergency dial card reading DIAL 1-2-3 / AREA CODE 517 / 636-4643 / FOR PLANT EMERGENCIES; manual LOUD ringer thumbwheel on the base; coiled handset cord present

Condition Grade: Good

Positives

• Graded Good: Complete and usable as a display piece, with clear signs of use named below. Electrical function is untested.
• Rotary dial rotates and moves freely.
• Handset, coiled cord, and base are present and solid feeling.
• Western Electric and Bell System stamps remain readable on the cradle and metal base.
• Plant emergency dial card text remains legible, including AREA CODE 517 and FOR PLANT EMERGENCIES.
• Four rubber feet are still attached on the base corners.
• No cracks or deep gouges are confirmed in the photos on the main casing.

Issues / Wear

• Untested for telephone service. Sold as a collectible and display piece.
• Black plastic shows light scratches, scuffs, and surface dust consistent with age.
• Clear plastic dial finger wheel shows fine scratches, scuffs, cloudiness, and residue around the inner rim.
• Dial card is yellowed with small brown age spots.
• Metal base plate shows oxidation, discoloration, and surface wear.
• Brass toned metal hardware shows age patina.

Find more like this in our Vintage Memorabilia.

If you collect Western Electric Model 500 phones, this 500M with its plant emergencies dial card and October 1969 date code is ready for the shelf. If it's the one you've been looking for, it's ready to come home.