Early Western Electric #4 Dial with Rare Plastic Number Plate

Description

About this item:
This is a very early model of the #4 dial, it's dated 1931 and is not a converted #2. The number plate is a very rare plastic model that's still in excellent condition. The finger wheel turns freely and seems to be in perfect working order. The whole dial is in near mint condition. The number card is a reproduction.
Information on the plastic number plate can be found at paul-f.com.
The plate was made from three layers of cellulose acetate.  The middle layer was opaque, with the printed numerals and letters.  Transparent layers were fused above and below.  The patents claim the device overcomes objections of the traditional number plates -- including cracking porcelain, wear to the numerals and letters and entry of dust into the dial.
The patents were granted to George Cox and Charles Gutberlet of Philadelphia.  Mr Cox was at one time affiliated with Williams & Marcus Co.  The frim advertised itself as "Printers and Embossers, Envelope and Tag Manufacturers."  He also holds patents covering number card design.  See "Protecting the Humble Number Card" in the February 2014
Singing Wires
.
Even though it looks very similar to the Western Electric number plates and fits WE dials, this was designed outside the Bell System.  We have found no evidence so far that it was ever used officially within  the Bell System.
(Western Electric would probably have marked the lower plate with the date code IV-34, not IIII-34.)
About Me:
I have been restoring vintage telephones for 25+ years.
I am a telephone enthusiast, so quality is my primary concern.
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