{"product_id":"western-electric-500m-phone","title":"Western Electric 500M Black Rotary Phone Plant Emergencies 1969","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a Western Electric Model 500M black rotary desk telephone with a Bell System Property base stamp and a date code of 10-69.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWestern 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eItem:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Electric Model 500M black rotary desk telephone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eItem Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rotary desk telephone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e October 1969 (base date code 10-69)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black thermoplastic casing and handset, metal base plate, rubber feet, coiled handset cord\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Glossy black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker and Mark:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cradle stamp BELL SYSTEM MADE BY Western Electric. Base plate stamped L\/M, 500M, 10-69, BELL SYSTEM PROPERTY, NOT FOR SALE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePattern or Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e 500M (manual ringer volume control)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid century Bell System desk phone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e About 5 inches tall; base 9 by 6 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Features:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition Grade: Good\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePositives\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGraded Good:\u003c\/strong\u003e Complete and usable as a display piece, with clear signs of use named below. Electrical function is untested.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRotary dial rotates and moves freely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandset, coiled cord, and base are present and solid feeling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWestern Electric and Bell System stamps remain readable on the cradle and metal base.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant emergency dial card text remains legible, including AREA CODE 517 and FOR PLANT EMERGENCIES.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour rubber feet are still attached on the base corners.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo cracks or deep gouges are confirmed in the photos on the main casing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssues \/ Wear\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUntested for telephone service. Sold as a collectible and display piece.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack plastic shows light scratches, scuffs, and surface dust consistent with age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClear plastic dial finger wheel shows fine scratches, scuffs, cloudiness, and residue around the inner rim.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDial card is yellowed with small brown age spots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMetal base plate shows oxidation, discoloration, and surface wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrass toned metal hardware shows age patina.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind more like this in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myreadingvintage.com\/collections\/vintage-memorabilia\"\u003eVintage Memorabilia\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Orders $35+ Ship Free","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50935200481535,"sku":"A4-T10-3724","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2503\/7976\/files\/western-electric-500m-black-rotary-phone-plant-emergencies-hero.jpg?v=1793929371","url":"https:\/\/myreadingvintage.com\/products\/western-electric-500m-phone","provider":"Reading Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}