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[Under development. Check back for updates.]
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| Related pages on this site: WE Handset Styles WE Design Line |
K-type handsets were initially released with Design Line sets in the early 1970s. For basic info on Design Line sets using K-type handsets and BSP references see the Handset Styles Reference Table. BSP 501-210-105, issue 1, December 1973 is one page and only includes the K1A. Other variations were soon added for other telephones. BSP Issue 2 was not added until November 1980. Several issues are available for reference in the TCI Library. This page contains some highlights. See the BSPs for details. Thanks to Steve Hart for noticing the differences in several handsets on ComKey sets and posting photos on Facebook. (Photos used with permission.) |
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 No marking on handle  K1-type handset - modular jack  Some Marked in "hanger indentation" (Photos from Steve Hart) |
K1-type Handsets Sealed (nonrepairable). "Hanger indentation" under the receiver is used to hold the handset on wall mounted phones. For Design Line sets in 8 colors: K1A - lightweight, with L-type receiver, no logo. (not compatible with hearing aid pickups) For business, including ComKey 416, and Touch-A-Matic 16 sets: K1C - ivory, standard weight, "Bell System Property, Not For Sale" K1D - black, standard weight, no logo. |
8 colors of K1A handsets used on Design
Line sets -3 black, -50 ivory, -58 white, -93 yellow, -104 brown, -105 dark green, -106 lime green, -115 blue See the Design Line sets on this site page: Design Line |
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 with Bell System Marking  with Western Electric Marking  K2-type handset - modular jack  K2-type handset - screw access hole (Photos from Steve Hart) |
K2-type Handsets Replaced the K1-type handsets. Repairable (screw access hole in hanger indentation), U-type receiver. (compatible with hearing aid pickups) For Design Line sets in 8 colors: K2A - no logo initially. Logo added later. For business and Touch-A-Matic 16 sets: K2C - ivory, Western Electric logo or "Bell System Property, Not For Sale" K2D - black or ivory, marked K2D in hanger indentation. Additional receiver gaskets reduce background noise. |
 (Photo from Paul-F) |
K6-type Handsets With transistor amplifier and volume control wheel on handle. K6A - used on sets originally supplied with K1A or K2A handsets, supplied in 8 Design Line colors. no logo initially. Logo added later. K6C - ivory, Western Electric logo or "Bell System Property, Not For Sale" |
 (Photo from Steve Hart) |
AT&T K-type Handsets After divestiture in 1984, handsets were marked AT&T |
some AT&T post-divestiture K-type
handsets K2-type, K6-type (amplified) K2M2, K2Y2 (dark gray) Amplified handset with battery |
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