You are looking at a classic Shure Brothers 730B crystal cardioid microphone manufactured during the late 1930's through the 1940's and probably one of the most outrageous mic designs of all time. It was an ultra modern deco style and this was a model that was often used by Billie Holiday as seen in pic # 3. It comes with the period Shure S-36 desk stand shown in which to display.
Pic # 2 shows this very model in an old Shure catalog I have along with it's basic characteristics.
The 730's design incorporated an aviation theme with the front screen replicating a 4 prop radial engine. Many of these older mic designs were influenced by the aviation, and automobile industry that had captured the countries imagination at that time.
While most crystal mics were cheap, entry level mics of that era the 730 was by no means cheap. This was a sophisticated cardioid crystal model that was the best money could buy and the 730 was far more expensive than most crystal mics being sold. It should noted however that this mic has been tested and like most 730 models 80 years later...it barely works. Only about a 25% output so this really can't be used for any live event or recording purposes. It does have all of it's components inside and out.
The 730B itself is in good overall physical condition despite the obvious physical wear. It's very reasonably priced however. It has typical lite wear in the satin chrome housing in the form of small pitting, small scratches and a few small dings. The rear grill is free of any dents or fractures and the black silk inner screens look incredible with very lite wear. The front grill has a couple dents but no fractures and the silk screen is pretty nice with zero holes or rips. Both silk screens are evenly colored as well. The joint mechanism on this mic has lots of tension and works perfectly allowing you to tilt the head backwards as needed.
The Shure 730B badge shows very wear but completely legible. This is the early 1st generation (1930's era) 730B model as the later 1940's model had the Shure logo on the front screen. Mic takes an older 3 pin screw on cable which is not included. same cable type as the Shure 55 and 55S mics.
I'd rate the cosmetic condition of this mic a true 6 on a scale of 1 - 10.
MICROPHONE STAND SHOWN IS PART OF THIS SALE...
The period Shure S-36 desk stand comes with this 730B and has about the same overall wear. The S-36 model was an all aluminum piece that was very modern and very deco in it's time. A smooth, teardrop shape. A classic look that will compliment any older Shure mic. It's a Chicago model meaning it was manufactured sometime between 1939 and 1956. This model makes a very lite weight and stable platform for just about any microphone. It comes with it's original harder to find 2 inch riser giving the mic a bit more height to work with.
You'll notice right away that the stand has the original grey paint scheme. The stand has several scratches, scuff marks and a few paint chips. The stand has the original metal front insignia though the painted Shure logo is worn off. The S-36 has 5 new felt pads on the bottom as the original rubber pads were all but gone. Stand has the original cable clamp as well.
Stand with mic on top is appx 10 inches tall X 5 inches wide X 7 inches deep. The original bolt holds the mic firmly in place to the stand.
Please let the detailed pics be your guide. This is going to look great anywhere it's displayed in the house, office or studio.
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.