Fully Restored & Working Western Electric 102-B1 Telephone and 534 or 634 Subset


Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this fully functioning and beautifully restored vintage gem of a phone that comes already connected to a fully functioning and restored Western Electric 534 or 634 subset (ringer box). This iconic Western Electric Model 102-B1 was generally in service from 1928 to 1930. The shape and look of the Model 102-B1 were instantly recognizable and led to its adoption as a symbol of Bell System. Its art deco styling will stand out in any décor and is sure to capture the attention of visitors to your home or office.


Also, don’t overpay for this phone and subset. Other eBay sellers charge as much as $100 more for a fully and beautifully restored and working Model 102-B1 mount phone and connected subset.


About the Model 102-B1 Mount Phone

Step into the era of telephony innovation with the iconic Western Electric Model 102-B1 mount telephone. This groundbreaking model was among the first widely distributed phones to feature a single handset, combining the transmitter and receiver. The Model 102-B1 mount boasts a distinctive round base and a raised dial. The Model 102-B1 mount was only made for two years, making it a relatively rare and thus more collectible phone. 


Do not mistake this Model 102-B1 with its round base and raised dial for the later Model 202-D1 with its oval base and dial recessed into the front of the phone as opposed to being raised on the frame.  These later Model 202-D1 telephones were manufactured for eight years (1930-1938), making them less rare, less expensive, and much more common on eBay. 


When first distributed, these phones came with a Western Electric No. 2 dial, still renown today for its highly distinctive “clickety clack” sound when dialing.  Importantly, most of the Model 102-B1 phones offered on eBay, do not have the authentic, era-correct No. 2 dial, but this phone does. Having a No. 2 dial makes this phone more valuable than models with the later No. 4 dials or still later No. 5 dials. If the listing does not explicitly say it has a No. 2 dial, you can be sure it does not have the authentic, era-correct No. 2 dial.




About the 534A Subset (Ringer Box)

The 102-B1 phone comes already fully and properly connected to a Western Electric 534 sidetone subset originally used circa 1918-30, or a Western Electric 634 anti-sidetone subset originally used circa 1928-37. Either subset model is an era-correct model for the 102-B1 phone. This metal subset has been completely disassembled, restored, cleaned, power coated, and it works well. The subset contains the coil, condenser, and ringer required to make the 102-B1 phone fully functional. A phone cord runs from the phone to the subset, and then a line cord with a modular jack runs from the subset to the wall jack. 


The Method of Restoration 

This phone and subset were completely disassembled, powder coated, cleaned, oiled, polished, and tested to ensure they are in original operating condition. The entire restoration process was performed by a former 38-year veteran employee of the Bell System who has collected phones for over 40 years.


Shell of Phone and Subset : The shell of the phone and the cover of the Western Electric Model 534 or 634 subset have been carefully stripped down and sandblasted. It has then been coated with a semi-gloss black finish using powder coating techniques. This finish closely resembles the original 102-B1 phone and 534 or 634 subset, preserving its vintage authenticity. 


Dial: The No. 2 dial is the authentic, era-correct model dial the phone would have come with when first placed in service by the Bell System. The dial operates smoothly, having undergone a comprehensive restoration process to guarantee years of trouble-free service. It has been fully disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, lubricated, and meticulously checked for calibration. The number plate has been cleaned and if needed a perfectly matching overlay has been expertly applied. The metal finger wheel has been freshly powder coated to enhance its appearance. 


Cords: This phone and the subset (ringer box) are equipped with brand new brown cloth-covered cords that are meticulously crafted using the same type of equipment originally used by the phone companies. The line cord from the subset features a modular connection, facilitating easy modern connection to your wall jack. Both the modular line cord and the handset cord are made in the same manner as the originals.


Handset: The beautiful E1 handset complete with its distinctive “spitcup” on the transmitter has undergone a thorough restoration process to ensure it provides both excellent quality voice transmission and voice reception. It has been buffed and polished to restore a beautiful shine.


Base: The felt cover on the phone’s base is in good, smooth condition with no tears, and will do no damage to any surface it sits on.


Own a piece of telecommunication history with this remarkable Western Electric Model 102-B1 mount telephone and connected 534 or 634 subset. 


This phone’s subset has a modular cord so just plug it in to an analog telephone line and begin calling and receiving calls.   If your phone service is from a cable company’s internet-based service, this  phone will only be able to receive calls, unless you add an adaptor such as a “Dialgizmo” to convert rotary dial pulses to touch tones.  These adapters are extremely easy to install and require no modifications to the phone--just plug the phone into the adaptor and start dialing. There are also Bluetooth adaptors like “XlinkBT” which allow these phones to make and receive calls on your cellular service if paired to your mobile phone.  Both these adaptors are available on-line.

Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions. 


Shipping Information


Our Guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy for any reason with your purchase, return the phone and subset in original, unused condition within 14 days for an exchange or refund—your choice. (PLEASE NOTE - the buyer is responsible for the return shipping charges with the exception of out of the box defects during the 14-day exchange period).