1921 Westinghouse Aeriola Jr Crystal Radio W/Original Detector Pre RCA Minty
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:44036499 | Brand: Westinghouse |
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Here's a beautiful 1921 Aeriola Jr. crystal radio. This is one of the earliest versions of the radio. It was manufactured by Westinghouse and marketed by RCA, although it did not feature any RCA markings on either the dial or the instruction sheet. The radio retains its original Perikon detector, and it comes with a working pair of Brandes Superior headphones, the same headphones with which it would have been sold when it was new, almost a century ago.
As you can see in the photos, the condition of this example is excellent throughout. It's one of the cleanest Aeriola Jr. sets I've ever offered. The painted panel is nearly perfect. No significant marks, no dull or muddy areas, no flaking paint. The detector is likewise in excellent condition, with original nickel plating that still gleams. Both minerals are original, and both are in excellent condition. Spring arm is still resilient. A nearly perfect original Westinghouse Perikon detector -- quite uncommon. The tuning arm is clean, as are all of the binding posts and binding post nuts. The lid hinges latching hardware are also clean.
Inside, the chassis is pristine, almost like new, and the tuning coil is still tightly wound. The cabinet is in excellent condition, and the finish is original, although it may have been French-polished to remove crazing. The instruction sheet on the underside of the lid is original, and it's in outstanding condition. Interestingly, an earlier owner (probably the original owner) reversed the order of 2 and 3, as you can see by enlarging the pics.
The Brandes headphones are in excellent, working condition.
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That's about it. I will pack it carefully and properly. I've been shipping antique phonographs and wireless sets for years, and I know how to get fragile antiques to you safely. Auction participants with no prior feedback history should also contact me before placing a bid. Buyer prepays and includes shipping. Paypal okay.
