Western Electric E1 Handset with seamless handle and caps.Here is an all original seamless E1 handset. The postwar effort developed the first standard handset and that result was the E1. This handset was first produced in late 1926, and these units were equipped with the "dome" or "bullet" transmitter. We supply the later F1 transmitter for better sound quality. The E1 handset is made of Bakelite, a phenol plastic first synthesized in 1907. bakelite is heat resisitant and also resisits most ordinary solvents. The bakelite handset has been lovingly buffed to bring out it's original high gloss finish. This particular handset predates 1932. This is due to the lack of seems around both the transmitter mouthpiece and ear cap. After 1932 both the mouthpiece and ear cap were replaced by a seemed version. The unit was later replaced by the F1 handset.
