| Name | WE 233G Payphone |
| Date | C. 1960 |
| Manufacturer | Western Electric |
Development of the WE 233G Payphone
| Western Electric 212G and 233G – Factual Notes External Differences The 212G typically features an open coin return. The 233G typically uses a pull-bucket coin return assembly. Internal Coin Control The 233G (prepay) contains a coin relay that electrically controls collection or return of the initial coin deposit after supervision from the central office. The 212G (postpay) does not contain a coin relay. Deposited coins pass directly into the coin vault without relay-controlled collect/return action. Service Type 212G: Postpay payphone. 233G: Prepay payphone. Western Electric 233G – Technical and Historical Notes In 1949, the Bell System introduced the Model 500 desk telephone, incorporating the improved transmitter and receiver and the 425 network, which stabilized audio transmission levels. The 233G was developed as the payphone counterpart to the 500-series desk set. Due to space limitations within the payphone housing, the 425 network and ringer could not be installed internally. Instead, they were housed in an external subset (commonly the 685 subset) mounted adjacent to the payphone. The 233G prepay model, introduced in 1959, was the first Bell System payphone to utilize the single-coil coin relay developed by Bell Laboratories. This represented a refinement in coin-control mechanism design. Evolution Toward Later Models Subsequent revisions incorporating additional anti-theft measures led to redesignation as the 236 series, identifiable by the addition of a barrel security lock and internal cinch plug connection. In later configurations, the external subset was no longer required. Over time, handset cords evolved from standard cords to armored cords in response to vandalism and tampering. Continued public attempts to defeat payphones drove further innovation, culminating in the development of the single-slot 1A1 and 1C1 Fortress paystations, which incorporated the Totalizer mechanism. The Totalizer allowed adjustable local call rate settings and represented a major advancement in Bell System payphone technology. |
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