Westinghouse identification guide
One serial.
Two possibilities.
A WD-12 numbered 10521204 may point to October 1952—but Westinghouse dating requires more than splitting the digits.
Examine the evidence
Working interpretation
Approximately
October 1952
The interpretation fits the model’s production period and matches a collector-reported reading of another WD-12. No original Westinghouse instruction confirming this exact code has been located.
The proposed reading
10521204
Serial 10521204
The most tempting interpretation is:
10 | 52 | 1204
Month, year, then an individual production sequence. The final four digits should not be treated as a day, plant code, or additional date without new documentation.
Identify the machine first
Westinghouse WD-12
The “D” identifies the dry-cooled series, distinguishing it from earlier water-bath designs. The WD-12 followed the WD-10 and used the same basic cabinet envelope with a redesigned interior for greater capacity.
Why October 1952 is reasonable
The evidence lines up—but stops short of proof.
- 01The model fits
The WD-12 belongs to the early-1950s Westinghouse dry-cooler family, so 1952 is chronologically plausible.
- 02A documented comparison exists
An auction listing records another WD-12 plate: serial 10541228, part Y-4033, 115 volts, 4 amps, 60 cycles.
- 03A collector reported the same reading
An owner interpreted a WD-12 serial beginning 1054 as October 1954 and reported that a retired Coca-Cola serviceman considered it likely.
- 04The missing piece
No Westinghouse factory document has yet been found stating that the first two digits are month and the next two are year.
- Model
- WD-12
- Serial
- 10541228
- Part
- Y-4033
- Electrical
- 115 V · 4 A · 60 cycles
A better plate photograph is still wanted
Photograph every line, straight on.
For a useful record, clean the plate gently, light it from the side, keep the camera square, and capture the model, serial, part number, and electrical ratings at full resolution.
If you own the 10521204 machine, its original plate photograph would be the best image for this guide.
How to strengthen the date
Look for a second clock.
Inspect the galvanized liner for an embossed Westinghouse code beginning with W-. Photograph the compressor’s separate manufacturer plate as well; it may provide an independent component date, though a compressor can be replaced.
The careful description today is: Westinghouse WD-12, serial 10521204, probably October 1952 if the collector-observed date pattern is correct.