The Crosley 2C1 and
ARC's Helping Hand

BY GEOFF SHEARER

WEB EDITION

Geoff Shearer's story of restoring an unusual Crosley radio provides another example of how A.R.C. and fellow collectors help to provide information and solutions. (Editor)

The radio shown in Figure 1 first appeared in the Photo Review section of the July 2003 issue of A.R.C. I submitted the photograph because I thought the radio was unusual for a number of reasons -- the speaker arrangement, the tube count and type, the knobs like the Crosley "Widget," and the embossed metal cabinet.

As found, the cardboard front panel had water damage, the back panel and the tubes were missing, and the chassis was rusted. Figure 2 (see print version) provides a rear view of the radio.

The cardboard front panel is imprinted with a nautical design with simulated embroidery. This front panel also functions as the speaker's diaphragm. The armature of a magnetic speaker driver is attached to the front panel and can be seen in Figure 2 (see print version). This AC-operated radio uses two tubes: a Type 12A7 and a Type 6F7.

The "Helping Hand"

In response to my request for more information in the Photo Review, Bob White of Cincinnati, Ohio, informed me that the set is a Crosley Model 2C1 and that the back cover used a cut-out sunburst design. He confirmed that the front panel was made of cardboard and that it could be removed from the set. He also informed me that other versions of the radio used a front panel with an "Artists" theme that was glued to the cabinet and difficult to remove. I asked him if he was up to duplicating the front panel for my radio, and he came through!!

Figure 1. This 2-tube Crosley Model 2C1, ca. 1934, has some unique features, including the cardboard panel/speaker diaphragm.

Bob took the radio to Terry Hauke, a friend in Cincinnati, who owns a printing company. Bob documented the step-by-step printing process for this article:

Step1. Take a photo of the front of the radio.

Step2. Print the image.

Step3. Transfer the image to "crack & peel" which has backing that you peel off and it sticks like a bumper sticker.

Step4. Take a piece of corrugated cardboard and lacquer the side that is to receive the image.

Step5. Transfer the image and apply four coats of lacquer to the surface.

The difference between my set and Bob's lies in the color. My cover has a green background and his is brownish, indicating possible variations. Bob also made a back for me. He traced it on cardboard. He cut it using a razor and a small punch for the round areas. He then painted it to match. The replacement back panel is shown in Figure 3 (see print version).

So, how much did this cost me? This article -- that was it. This article is more about the care and brotherhood that we experience in this hobby than the actual process of getting a collectible back to its original appearance. Bob had to go way out of his way to help me, and he did it with style. Thanks a million!

(Geoff Shearer, 14408 Brookmere Dr., Centreville, VA 20120)

Geoff Shearer has been a collector for 15 years and is the current President of the Mid-Atlantic Antique Radio Club (MAARC).