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This antique Western Electric telephone is one of the finest most complete examples you will see! This is an authentic Western Electric SP 317-N wall magneto telephone, a special-order Bell System configuration dating to May 12, 1914, confirmed by internal factory date stamps and engraved markings.
This example is exceptionally complete and original, with features and survivability rarely seen together in one phone.
Key Highlights
Correct SP 317-N designation engraved internally (not a standard 317-N)
Solid tiger-oak cabinet with original finish and visible quarter-sawn grain
Five-bar magneto generator (higher-output rural/long-line configuration)
Twin bells present and fully functional
Original paper wiring schematic intact and legible
Original internal components including:
Induction coil
Condenser marked Capacity 1 MF
Cloth wiring
Terminal rail marked COND / L2 / GND / L1
Original Ray-O-Vac No. 6 dry-cell batteries present (extremely rare survival)
Receiver and transmitter are correct and original
Metal Western Electric ID tag (not paper)
Operational Notes
Hand crank turns smoothly
Magneto engages properly
Bells ring clearly and strongly when cranked
Electrical system has not been modernly tested or altered
Batteries are present for historical completeness only and are not connected
Condition
This phone has not been restored, refinished, or modified in any way.
It shows honest, appropriate age wear consistent with long-term use and careful storage.
No rewiring, no conversions, no replacement parts.
Rarity & Significance
The SP 317-N is a special-order configuration, and examples that retain:
original batteries
original schematic
five-bar magneto
intact internals
are exceedingly uncommon.
This is a collector-grade Bell System artifact, suitable for a serious telephone collector, historical display, or institutional reference.
Additional Photos
If you need additional photos of any specific detail, engraving, or internal component, please contact me — I’m happy to provide them. Dimensions 20.75 H x 12 W x 9.5 D 29.2 lbs Local pickup only
