Pacific Bell 3A Dollar Payphone loc E-8

The 3A payphone, the last model designed by Western Electric for the Bell System. The new aspects of the phone appear to be security, a modern look & the ability to take dollar coins. The lower housing is unchanged, the locking rails work in a similar manner but this model is equipped with a hinged front cover. The coin return button is rectangular, the handset is a K type with a square grommet and the handset cord pivots on the left side. The upper lock is a 29A57 and vault lock is a 30C. This model is believed to be a field test that never went into widespread use. This phone was located at the Naval Air Station North Island Ca. Note the 3A payphones from California have black front covers, the same model used in Colorado would have a light gray cover.