1923 Automatic Electric Door for 3-Slot Payphone

Description

1923 Automatic Electric Door for 3-Slot Payphone.  Doors prior and after the 1923 change were different. Prior was a flat steel and cast iron door. The door shown here is detailed with similarity to/with all Gray and Automatic Electric doors up to 1973 except for two main differences: it doesn’t have the dimple where the key goes in, and it doesn’t have the simpler cruder design on the inside/underside where the “hinge” is. This obvious detail differences between later 1920s, 1930s and on into the 1970s are unique. But what also is unusual is the original gathered graffiti which tells the story of years in a place where phone users doodle - scratched with their car keys, lit matches and so-forth. I suspect it could be polished or repainted. This door could be dated between 1922 and 1932.
Doors, Locks and Keys
: Why this: During the 1990s and earlier 2000s, we had doors
made
. Further into the 2000s, they became more and more costly and then we figured we likely had enough old doors to finish our old payphones and put an end to our entire phone business. In around 2014, bought more old Automatic Electric (A.E.) doors. In 2020 it is expected that the cost of having a new door (flimsy flat aluminum simple design metal) will exceed each. And if not each, approach . Genuine old doors were made with the high purpose of protecting / guarding the money behind it; and to have these made in 2020 would likely be a cost exceeding what I offer them for now. Doors are one of many interchangeable parts during the 3-Slotter 60 years of making; but as with anything / most everything there are exceptions. By and large the chrome plating on Northern Electric (N.E.) doors was superior to that on A.E. doors. Even though differences were almost none in payphone bodies from 1912 - 1972, other details abut the payphones did vary such as locks and keys. 1. Doors made by Gray and A.E. from 1922 through 1972 held a 10 L lock. 2. Doors made by Western Electric (W.E.) and N.E. Were made from around 1932 or 1934 through 1972 and held locks with varying numbers, but of the same design and fit. 30 A, B, and C and 22 B were common on W.E. locks during the 1960s and until they ceased making payphones in 1968. Most any lock can be “modified” by removing tumblers. Most anyone then can use even a flat piece of metal to lock and unlock a modified lock after the ziggy - zaggy opening is ground flat. You can do this with patience and a grinder. We have been doing this here for a number of years on our own locks that have no keys.
Please be sure to read the description Sold As IS; and if you have any questions please call us at Phoneco. No returns. We are not responsible for your mistake for not reading our description.
Review images for representation of item(s) you are purchasing. If you would like combined shipping, please wait until you have received your final invoice before making payment
.
If you have any issues with item after receiving, please contact us before leaving negative feedback. Your business is greatly appreciated!
Shipping applies to the lower 48 States, please send an email if you have questions or to request shipping charges for International shipping, and shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico which will cost extra as determined by weight and size.
Orders outside the United States will be shipped the most economical way available to us, and costs may be higher than the shipping cost shown on this listing.