You are looking at a unique and somewhat obscure 1940's era American AG model carbon microphone with classic deco "lollipop" looks. This is a harder to come by microphone made by American Microphone Company for roughly 10 years before being discontinued and I believe they originally sold in the late 1930's. It was much like many of those microphones of the 1920's and early 30's that were using carbon and crystal elements except it was the modern style without springs or a ring. Made in the USA and comes with an early and equally rare Shure S34* detachable desk stand in which to display. More on that later.
Pic # 2 shows this very model in the American line up from an old 1940's catalog I have.
The mics using these elements were considered inferior by the 1950's as most quality mics were using dynamic and ribbon elements. This AG model would have been considered an affordable entry level mic at the time and was used as a general purpose mic.
It should be noted that this mic no longer works but still has the original carbon element inside. It should be used for display, prop or repair purposes only. A quality crystal, carbon or dynamic element would have this mic working great again.
You'll notice right away that the mic has just lite wear on the polished chrome housing with a small area of pitting. The rear of the mics head shows some chrome loss where it has sat for many years exposing a bit of the brass material which is what the mic is actually made of. Despite the wear it's in pretty nice cosmetic condition. Free of any fractures or dents and the front screen looks very good as does the lower yoke. I'd rate the true cosmetic condition a 7 + on a scale of 1 - 10.
The mic is attached to the lower yoke via two screws. The cable exits out the rear of the mic and is appx 8 inches in length. Soft, pliable and has the vintage Cannon male XLR cable connector.
MICROPHONE STAND SHOWN IN PICTURE IS PART OF THIS SALE...
The S34B is a rare 1930's / 40's era detachable microphone desk stand made by Shure Brothers. This unique mic stand was the forerunner to the S38B sold from the 1950's onward. This rare S34B has an aluminum base with a beautiful polished chrome finish. The first of which I have ever seen. These mics always come with a painted base but this one has an uber rare chrome finish. Not polished aluminum...but actual chrome.
It was a clever design that many mic companies of that era embraced as very few people ever held the actual mic at that time. It wasn't until the 1950's and 60's that more musicians started holding the actual mic while live.
Pic # 2 shows this very model of stand in an old 1940's era Shure catalog.
The S34B comes with the painted wooden riser that has the standard 5/8 X 27 thread that allows all American screw on microphones and microphone clips to be mounted. This stand is ideal for all small and medium sized mics. Larger mics will probably be too top heavy and unstable for this stand.
This S34B is in very nice overall condition with virtually no wear on the painted wooden riser. The wooden handle is a black painted scheme and the polished chrome base is damn near perfect with no dents or corrosion. Let the pictures be your guide please.
The stand is appx 5 1/2 inches tall X 4 1/2 inches wide. With the mic on top it's appx 9 inches tall.
I would give this stand an honest 9 on a scale of 1 - 10 physically speaking.
If you are a collector of vintage Americans mics then you know what a unique mic this is. She'll make an awesome display piece anywhere it sits in the home, studio or office.
And as always...
I can promise you will be happy with it for the price paid. If not...I have a no hassle return policy. The shipping will be on you as I believe that's fair but the purchase price would be refunded. Simply return in the same nice condition...period. Check my rating. International buyers are welcome as well. Buyer must pay within 24 hours or an unpaid case will be opened and item relisted. Domestic buyer will get priority shipping.
If you have any questions feel free to ask and...thanks for looking.