Vintage Western Electric Bell System Rotary Dial Telephone L/M 500 Pale Yellow For Sale

Vintage Western Electric Bell System Rotary Dial Telephone L/M 500 Pale Yellow

This telephone is part of the 500 series which came out in 1949. Over a number of years, there were variations. This one is the L/M 500 with a 1-68 listed as well. Not sure if that means 1968? Anyway, this rotary phone was the start of the traditional "desk set" telephone. This one was Western Electric's product for the Bell System. Prior to 1983, no phone from Bell System could be resold. They were property of the telephone company and they leased these phones to the user. When there was a divestiture of the Bell Company, this printing was no longer binding to the consumer. The consumer had a choice to buy their phone OR lease their phone. In fact, there was a class action lawsuit against the company for overcharging on leases and the consumers won.

The handset has Western Electric Made in the USA G3.

The unit looks like a real pale yellow, or it could be ivory that is a little discolored. Not sure. Look at photos.

The receiver cord may/may not be original as it is has a color variation compared to the rest of the piece.

The electrical cord is a 4 prong cord that required a special outlet. Therefore, we have no way of testing this piece.