Westinghouse / RCA type RA Tuner .. circa 1921 .. Designed in 1919 by Frank Conrad of Westinghouse KDKA designer fame ... usually paired with the matching type DA detector amplifier unit [ie: the RA/DA or RC radios] ... This is the RF tuning unit .. covers the AM Broadcast Band. Clean complete unit, nice original finish on the cabinet .. chassis is totally original ... Beautiful wireless era style wiring on the coil assembly. The last picture shows this unit connected as a crystal receiver and it makes a great crystal set .. very selective with great smooth tuning. Picture is shown only as a suggestion ... the detector and headset are obviously not included in this auction!
Getting difficult to find ... the individual pieces of the RA and DA units were replaced by the RC which combined both the tuner and D/A units into one larger box. The RA shows the influence of earlier RCA and other wireless sets .. beautifully constructed with great attention to detail and wiring. Multiple tap switch on the coil and a precisely made variable condensor allowed for very fine tuning. Combined with the matching DA detector/amplifier it resulted in a very fine radio or .. the RA unit alone made an excellent crystal radio when combined with a good crystal detector unit.
The RA measures approx 9.5" X 6.5" X 9" deep and very well packed shipping weight will be 10 pounds from zip code 24012.