The Western Electric Co. was part of the mega-giant telephone monopoly.
We installed the switching equipment for the Bell System in the central
offices (switching centers). I worked for Western for a few years in the
1970s. All the manufacturers listed previously were also used by
Western. You'll find their tools stamped . I was always grateful
that they purchased first rate tools. It lent to a sense of pride in
craftsmanship. Regards,

Lee Ireland -------------- Original message --------------From: John
Leyden 
> Gary Maze wrote:>> I have been curious the last few weeks, does anyone
> know of any type of> list of equipment Bell linemen were issued?
> Obviously the Yankee brace,> but I have also seen a Yankee 130 push
> drill and a 6 foot zigzag rule> (don't remember who made that one,
> ironically given the Galootaclaus> postings, I gave it to my good
> little galoot 2 years ago) all marked> "Bell> System". I would guess
> some auger bits,wrenches and screwdrivers were> included, but not sure
> what else would have been in the kit, and if all> the pieces were
> marked.>>>snip snip
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