Here are a few radios!
Click on the images for very large versions...
Homebrew Crystal Set (1920s)
This is a home-built crystal radio from the mid twenties. Radio waves were detected using a galena crystal and "cat's whisker;" this is visible just above the headphones. Tuning was accomplished by switching the coil taps (at the end of the white coil), sliding the white coil inside the larger one, or moving the slider on top. It looks like this set was built on a board from an old sewing machine. Restored. (1192 x 958 x 16M; 228,122 bytes)
Davison (~1935)
This very deco wood set from the mid-30s uses four tubes. Notice the tuning selector is numbered from 0 to 100; when you found a station you liked, you made a note of the number so you could tune it in again at a later time. By the end of the decade, most radio dials were calibrated with the now-familiar frequency numbers. Restored. (1214 x 1082 x 16M; 315,912 bytes)
Philco 37-604 (1937)
An unusual radio: it has a conical, light-up dial with both AM and shortwave bands. The concentric coarse/fine tuning knobs are on top, along with the volume control and band switch. The wood case completely encloses this radio which looks basically the same from the front or back. (1063 x 864 x 16M; 223,723 bytes)
Silvertone 6103A (1937)
A nicely styled ivory plastic radio. The case completely encloses the radio chassis. This represents an early use of plastic for a radio cabinet. (1121 x 970 x 16M; 267,805 bytes)
Arvin 8576 (1958)
An early transistor radio in a cool turquoise color with brass dial and 50s grille design. It has a combination belt clip and stand on the back. Five transistors. (1028 x 2034 x 16M; 361,360 bytes)
NEC NT-620 (1961)
This nicely styled red radio has six transistors and came with a black leather case with an earphone pouch on the strap. Made in Japan. (1324 x 905 x 16M; 321,855 bytes)
Miniman MG-302 Rocket Crystal Set (1960s)
This toy crystal radio is probably from the early 1960s. It's made of soft plastic. The instructions brag of its "pocketable size" (it's only about 4 inches tall) and "semi-permanent life." Tuning is via the rod, which slides in and out from the nose. Made in Japan.(799 x 1006 x 16M; 222,976 bytes)
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