Make
sure to check out my other auctions after you look at this one. I'm
listing another excellent assortment of mechanical, technological and
musical antiques, and I suspect there will be something to interest just
about everyone. Take a look. You won't be disappointed.
Here's a pristine 1922 Radiocraft D-4 regenerative radio and its matching D-5 two-stage amplifier. This is the 2nd of no fewer than three different versions of the D-4, all of them manufactured illegally by deForest in an attempt to circumvent licensing restrictions that prohibited the company from selling a regenerative radio. The pair come from a lifelong Deforest collector who upgraded and ungraded until there was no place left to go.
As you can see in the photos, the radio and the amplifier are in exceptional condition. Their panels are essentially perfect,
with no scratches, no scarring, no dull or muddy areas. The dials on the radio are clean and correct, with crisp original nomenclature on the celluloid dial skirts, and both of the original transparent celluloid indicators still intact over the skirts (these indicators are missing from almost all D-4's, even the nicest examples). The amplifier is in similar condition, with perfect original knobs and pointers and a wiring diagram on the underside of the lid that's complete and legible, with expected evidence of fading and wear.
The chassis of the radio looks as you would expect given the
condition of the exterior, which is to say almost like new, with
straight, original wiring throughout and a pristine tuning assembly. The chassis of the amplifier is likewise almost like new, with perfect original wiring, secure original soldered connections and good original AF transformers.
The cabinets of the both components are in excellent condition. Clean original handles, clean original latching hardware, clean original finish. A few minor scattered marks consistent with age, but overall two of the nicest Radiocraft/Deforest cabinets you're likely to see any time soon.
As noted above, the radio works, as does the amplifier. The pair can be used with either vintage headphones or a vintage horn loudspeaker. If you want to power them up, you'll need a good regulated DC power supply (such as an ARBEIII) and an outdoor copper line antenna that's at least 100 feet long and 20 feet above the ground. You'll also need a good indoor ground connection and a bit of patience as you ascend the learning curve if you've never used an early 20's battery radio before.
Includes good tubes, all connectors and a working pair of Western Electric headphones.
That's about it. I will pack them carefully and properly. I've been shipping antique phonographs and wireless sets for years, and I know how to get fragile antiques to you safely. Auction participants with no prior feedback history should also contact me before placing a bid. Buyer prepays and includes shipping. Paypal okay.