Western Electric 302 Rotary Telephone — Dreyfuss Design, Bell System Bakelite, 1941–1955

The Western Electric Model 302 is one of the most significant American telephone designs of the 20th century — the first desk telephone to house its ringer, induction coil, and network circuitry entirely within a single unit, eliminating the external subset box required by all prior Western Electric models. Designed by acclaimed industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss and introduced in 1937, the 302 transitioned from its original die-cast zinc housing to a molded thermoplastic body in 1941 when wartime material restrictions eliminated metal production. This example is the thermoplastic variant, molded in black with the characteristic stepped pyramidal base and F1 handset marked "Bell System / Manufactured by Western Electric Company / F1." The rotary dial retains its original brushed aluminum finger wheel, individual letter-group buttons (ABC through WXY and OPERATOR), brass finger stop, and "Wait for Dial Tone" center card. The set has been modified with a standard RJ11 line connection for contemporary use.

The lot includes the telephone with attached F1 handset, original black handset cord, and a modern RJ11 line cord.

CONDITION

Good. The Bakelite body presents with strong overall gloss and retains good surface depth; visible scuffs and signs of previous use are distributed across the top and sides of the base. Minor chips are present on the Bakelite housing, and several dial finger buttons show light oxidation to the chrome finish.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 5½" H × 11" W × 7½" D
• Handset Cord Length: 1'
• Weight: 4 lbs 4.6 oz
• Manufacturer: Western Electric Company
• Model: 302 (thermoplastic variant)
• Handset: F1
• Production Period: 1941–1955
• Material: Thermoplastic (Tenite) housing; brushed aluminum dial
• Dial Type: Rotary, finger-wheel with alphanumeric buttons
• Modification: RJ11 line connection
• Campbell's Soup Can (4" H) Shown for Scale