70 pages. Informal notes on a trip in 1904 became a historical reference several decades later. Contributed by Steve Cichorsky. OCR and Processing by Paul Fassbender.

One page publication: 'How a Small Telephone System is Operated'

From "Western Electric News," page 3, January 1, 1913.

Explains how a magneto switchboard works, tells about jacks, plugs, cords, drops etc.

8 pages. Contributed by Steve Cichorsky.

Contributed by Steve Cichorsky. OCR by Remco Enthoven. Processed by Paul Fassbender.

Contributed by John Novack.

From Bell Telephone Magazine, Spring 1948. Contributed by Steve Cichorsky.

Contributed by John Novack.

171 pages.? Provides a reference to common terms used in the 021 series of courses.? Marked for internal use within the Bell System.

Topics include: CO Equipment, Apparatus, Equipment, Cable & Wiring, Engineering Aids, References (e.g. Standards, Technical Design Manual, BSPs), and Ordering Apparatus.

Version 2023-06-25. This chart documents the history of Western Electric dial generations of the lineage started by Oscar Forsberg in 1915. It traces the history of apparatus codes through generations No. 1 to 6.  The apparatus codes also trace the application area of each dial type.
This is a work in progress, a snapshot, and will be updated as new information and documentation continues to emerge.

Created and contributed by Karl Brose.

This document is covered by Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. For details, click on the link in the lower right corner of the pdf.

Note: Prints best on 11x17" paper. Printing on 8.5x11" paper results in very small font size.
Most Windows print drivers allow "poster" printing on multiple 8.5x11" pages. For example, to print on two pages, which may be taped together:
    Select: Print / Paper Size & Handling / Poster / Tile Scale: 125% / Landscape

Special issue. Interesting early perspective on the adoption of Machine Switching in the Bell System. Contributed by the Connections Museum. Processing by Remco Enthoven and Paul Fassbender.

April 1920. Chicago Telephone Company. Feature article on Machine Switching in the Bell System.  Contributed by Steve Cichorsky. OCR by Clint Gilliland.

This links to a Library page containing a complete text searchable index that provides access to the full run of BSTJ articles from 1922-1983.  It can be accessed more easily from "Browse the Library" on the black menu bar above.

Contributed by Sam Etler with TCI formatting and site integration by Paul Fassbender.

Scanned by Valerie Flores - From the collection of the JKL Museum of Telephony

INSTRUCTIONS for operating PRIVATE BRANCH EXCHANGE SWITCHBOARDS (Cordless Type)
When Connected with a Dial Central Office (Step-by-Step)

THE BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY OF PENNSYLVANIA AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES - 1922

Shows a WE #2 JMRW  dial. The #2 dial on a deskstand would necessarily be a #2AE dial.
The cordless switchboard shown is a 505C PBX.

Contributed by Steve Cichorsky.  OCR by Clint Gilliland.

From Pacific Tel Magazine. Contributed by Steve Cichorsky.  OCR by Clint Gilliland.

Contributed by Steve Cichorsky.

February 1924.  Machine dialing demonstrations and equipment.  Contributed by Steve Cichorsky.  OCR by Clint Gilliland.

Western Electric News, March 1925, pages 35-37.  Article by E. D, Hall.  Covers the evolution of the New York City exchange system from manual to Panel switching.

The main traffic diagram and the last two photos were quarter page size in the original publication. Scanned at high resolution and enlarged to full page - but the original coarse half-tone screen used in the photos limits the quality that can be gained.

Contributed by Steph Kerman. 

103 pages. Components, Calling, Machine Switching, SxS, Long Distance. Contributed by the Connections Museum. Processing by Remco Enthoven and Paul Fassbender.

October 1928,  "Principles of Electricity Applied to Telephone and Telegraph Work" extract includes pages 90 - 109 and the following sections:  

76.The Telephone Receiver
77. The Telephone Transmitter
78. The Polarized Ringer
79. Plugs, Jacks and Cords
80. Resistances
81. Switchboard Keys
82. Relays
83. Operation of Toll Central Office Circuits in Establishing a Long Distance Connection - No. 1 Switchboard
          Figure 168 - Typical Long Distance Terminating Connection. Open Wire Circuit - No. 1 Switchboard.
84.Operation of Toll Central Office Circuits in Establishing a Long Distance Connection - No. 3 Switchboard
     Plate V - Toll Operating
          Figure 168A - Typical Long Distance Terminating Connection. Four Wire Cable Circuit - No. 3 Switchboard.

Contributed by Steve Cichorsky.