You are looking at a gorgeous 1940's era Shure Brothers 55 model (1st generation) dynamic cardioid microphone often referred to as the "Fatboy" made famous by several musicians including a young Elvis Presley himself. Classic, clean deco lines give this mic the attention it deserves. This 55 made it's debut in 1939 and had a run of 11 years until the second generation of smaller 55 S mics came along in 1951. A cast zinc body with a glossy satin chrome finish. It comes with the matching Shure S-36 desk stand shown.
Pic # 2 shows this very model along with a few others being sold at that time in an old 1940's catalog I have.
Pic # 3 shows a young Elvis using a 55 model mic while performing live in concert. His go to mic for several years.
The 55 model had the adjustable impedance switch while the 55A, 55B and 55C did not and all had factory settings of high, Med and Low impedance. That being said this microphone has been tested and still works with the original element still inside. The signal strength is only between 50 to 60% strength however and would make a better display or prop piece.
This would actually make a very nice award for somebody in the singing or broadcasting industry.
A nice early 55 is getting hard to find. This particular 55 has extremely lite wear and way above average compared to most 55 Fatboy's you'll come across on Ebay. The ribs are free of any fractures or dents and this model has the rare violet color scheme which looks very pretty with the polished chrome body. Both the front and rear silk screens are evenly colored and look very nice. There are are just a couple small rips in the silk.
The satin chrome finish has an incredible luster. There is zero pitting, deep scratches or engravings. The Shure badge shows heavy wear and and barely legible.
This 55 comes with original hardware and unlike too many 55's for sale on Ebay...this one still has the original front and rear grills. No mix matching on my mics. The stand thread still screws onto any stand you choose to use and the joint mechanism holds strong. This mic is far above average for a Shure 55 and an easy 8 + on a scale of 1 - 10.
MICROPHONE STAND SHOWN IS PART OF THIS SALE...
This is an S-36 microphone desk stand. This is an all aluminum stand that is period to the mic being manufactured in Chicago, Illinoise. Shure made this stand from 1939 up until 1960. It's the perfect look for this 55 and provides a stable lite weight base.
The stand has the original brass bolt and cable clamp. The 5 rubber pads were missing so 5 new felt pads have been applied. The Shure insignia was not sold with this mic as a factory push to talk button was put in it's place.
This particular S-36 stand has been repainted at some time. It has a beautiful metallic finish that really compliments the 55 and looks very close the original colors used by Shure Brothers. Very lite wear and extremely nice overall.
With the mic on top it's appx 10 inches tall X 5 inches wide X 7 inches deep. This is about as nice as a display 55 as you could want in the collection. You will not be disappointed.
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.