I came across this old radio on Trade Me and couldn't resist. There were no other bids so I got it for $20. It is a 1948 multiband (ie it covers MF and HF bands) Empire brand. It lights up but there is no sound. The output valve is dead - it's a 6V6GT, so if anyone has a spare... Interestingly, 1948 was the year the transistor was unveiled (also the year Israel became a nation, but that's another story). Valve radios of this style started in the mid 1930s (after the Cathedral designs), and were still being made into the mid 1950s, the only updates being a permanent magnet loudspeaker, and miniature valves.
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Richard
8/9/2011 11:21:20 am
Update: It works! I got a NOS 6V6 valve for a couple of bucks, restrung the tuner for 20c, and gave it a new coat of varnish. Ah, nostalgia; what a warm sound, what a warm warmth. All the AM stations are loud and clear (actually more loud than clear due to the distortion and limited frequency response). I can also get Radio Australia on the Shortwave band. The only thing missing is the 1940s broadcasts.
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