[GreenKeys] Thank you for ID'ing the Western Electric Receiver

[Derek Cohn/WB0TUA]

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to say thanks for ID'ing the Western Electric mobile receiver. 
I can't image where else in the world I could post a photo like that and 
have an answer to what it is in a few minutes.

I also had a private reply from a list member who offered this detail:

The "whatszit" in your question photo is a Western Electric Type 38 (or 39) 
mobile telephone receiver from 1947.  There is a companion transmitter 
normally used with the receiver, and a Type 41A control box went under the 
car dashboard.  These were single channel VHF low band and high band and 
used a 600-1500 Hz tone signaling format which ran a rotary stepper wheel 
under a glass dome located on the receiver chassis (it's been removed from 
the example in the photo.)

When assembled with the companion transmitter, this equipment was the 238 or 
239 car telephone.
Western Electric's last self-made car telephone.  After that they KS- 
numbered phones made by GE and Motorola.

You guys are the best!

Derek Cohn
Morse Telegraph Club - Alton Chapter
Office UD, Sine DJ
Amateur Radio Station - WBØTUA
1969 Brunswick M274A5 Mechanical Mule