About this item:
  • Model 3405.5 manufactured by Ducati in 1942 in Bologna, Italy.
  • 5 vintage vacuum tubes / valves: 6V6 6Q7 6K7 6A8 5Y3
  • Circuit Superheterodyne  ZF / IF 468 kHz
  • Medium waves (OM) and 2 short wave ranges (2 x OC).
  • Receives OM from 600 to 1500 Khz; OC from 6 to 11 Mhz; OCC from 12 to 19 Mhz. 
  • AC power supply (AC) / 125, 160, 220 Volt
  • Output power: 3 W 
  • Consumption: 60 W
  • Dimensions: 17.3” (W) x 13” (H) x 12.6” (L)
  • Net weight: 22 lbs
  • See condition notes (after background section below)

Background: About Ducati Radio and the RR3404 “Breadbox” Radio

Long before the Ducati brand was known for the manufacture of motorcycles, it caused great innovation in the world of radio, going so far as to obtain numerous patents and manufacturing  devices of enormous success in the world. In the early 1900s, Adriano Cavalieri started Ducati’s epic journey with a patented a short-wave transmitter, with which he could connect with the United States. Together with his brothers Bruno and Marcello, on 4 July 1926 they constituted Società Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati.

The Ducati RR 3404, known as “The Breadbox” due to its profile, is an elegant pear tree wood radio. The Bologna-based company started manufacturing the RR3404 in the early 1940s, when the economic difficulties tied to the war swamped Italy. The furniture was designed and designed by Marcello Ducati to improve the acoustic quality. The speaker is placed at the top for better reproduction. The success was staggering: in 10 years Ducati provided work to thousands of workers and inaugurated a big manufacturing facility in Borgo Panigale. With World War II, however, the plant became the target of Allied bombardments, which destroyed it on 12 October 1944. From its rubble would commence the conversion into a motorcycle manufacturer and the new Ducati era.

Condition: Overall this unit is in great condition but does not work electrically

Exterior
  • Exterior in great condition with a small chip on the lower bottom right side (pictured)
  • Wood carved Ducati logo is in great condition 
  • Middle gold ring under Ducati logo has three chips—one lower and two upper (pictured)
  • Exterior speaker cloth in tact and in good condition
  • Glass and station selection facing in great condition
  • Knobs turn freely but not tested electrically
Interior: 
  • Overall the interior is in good condition but I did not attempt any restoration
  • Speaker cone is in tact (visible from inside with two pictures included)
  • Moving station indicator is included but need restoration (parts appear to be all present but not verified)
  • Includes original Ducati vacuum tubes (pictured as removed for photos and safe shipping)
  • Electric plug and cord in great condition but not tested (pictured)