VOLUME 23               JUNE 2006                NUMBER  6

EDITOR'S COMMENTS

From Antique Radio Classified for June 2006
(Copyright 1996-2006 by John V. Terrey - For personal use only.)

A 22nd anniversary is worth celebrating, in particular for a small specialty magazine like A.R.C. Most print publications today struggle to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing technology, and A.R.C. is no exception. But, we are grateful to our loyal following and delighted when our mail, as shown in "Radio Miscellanea," indicates that many of you find your subscriptions to be a good investment.

When Gary Schneider conceived of the idea of A.R.C. 22 years ago, and I took it over two years later, there was no Internet. Collectors relied on one-on-one contact, and A.R.C. provided that contact beyond local clubs, meets, and the then expensive telephone. Now the Internet supplements that contact with the ease of communicating information, including photos, more quickly and at a lower cost than in those days.

Another area directly affected by the growth of the Internet is that of auctions. Once largely confined to club activities, auctions have been legitimized and popularized by the eBay phenomenon. With increased acceptance of auctions has come a growth in the number of independent auction houses specializing in radios. A prime example is Estes Auctions whose events appear frequently in these pages.

Yes, times have changed, but some things remain the same. Collectors still like to get together at meets and still like our reports on these events, as well as articles on a wide range of topics. On the other hand, our interaction with collectors via our website is becoming as important as our connection via the printed magazine. We are committed to maintaining both.

In this my 20th year as publisher and editor of A.R.C., I hope you will join me in looking forward to more years of exchanging information and ideas that encourage the preservation of radio history.

Art Redman is intent on doing just that with his continuing research on early Northwest radio manufacturers, such as Hallock and Watson. This company's "Halowat" radios do not appear in common references, but Art was able to supplement his article with excellent photos, advertising, and historical references. Perhaps others out there have information on obscure companies to share with us.

On the theme of one-to-one connections, Don Watson describes his preference for flea market acquisitions over eBay transactions. His Farnsworth ET-066 is a case in point. He also mentions how Ray Bintliff's articles on capacitors helped in his restoration of the ET-066, another indication that A.R.C. continues as a valuable resource. Don also points out that a manufacturer doesn't have to be a big name to make an old radio worth preserving.

Preserving horn speakers is a fruitless exercise if the base and driver are missing. Phil Bliss describes a solution to this problem with his design of a base and a driver that fit a wide range of horns. Phil's step-by-step project is amplified by excellent photos, an article enhancement that we recommend to all contributors.

We haven't had any "Radio Ramblings" for some time, but this month we have two. The first is an update of life here in the Terrey home in the four years since you first heard about my marriage to Sarah Ford. Sarah describes how she came to make a real connection with the hundreds of sets that at last will be moved from our living room to a new barn/museum. Perhaps Sarah's experience will encourage commentary from other "radio wives."

David Kraeuter's daring decision to walk away from cable TV will give you a chuckle or two. At the same time, it's food for thought. It may even make you consider the beneficial exercise that might result when you rise from the couch to adjust the rabbit ears -- the ones you've retrieved from the cellar or attic and restored to their rightful place.

Once again thanks to Ray Chase, we present a report on what has become essentially a monthly Estes Auction. This one includes three estates, offering a range of items -- early battery and crystal sets, Ham equipment, consoles, tubes, etc. Nothing rare appeared, but proceeds equaled over $50,000. Two highlights were a 1917 Wireless Specialty set selling at $4,000 and an Arvin Catalin at $2,100.

As mentioned earlier regarding Radio Miscellanea, feedback from readers by e-mail and on the website is plentiful and positive. It is also far-reaching as the letter from France attests. We look forward to your correspondence, so keep it coming.

A.R.C. Benefits. Be sure to take advantage of A.R.C. benefits: a toll-free number (866) 371-0512; Discover, MasterCard, American Express, Visa accepted; the Web, www.antiqueradio.com; books shipped free in the U. S. by USPS media mail; and for current subscribers, a 10 percent discount on all book orders.

Coming Radio Events. Summer means opportunities for getting out to do the rounds of radio events. The June list totals 36 events: 27 meetings; two 2-day meets -- RadioActivity and Radiorama -- plus four others; and one auction. Be sure to join your fellow collectors at one or more of these events.

Happy Collecting!

John V. Terrey, Editor

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ON THE COVER

Our cover photo of a Radiobar, taken by Ray Chase, was contributed along with his report on the Estes Auction of October 22, 2005. Complete with full glassware, this set sold for $1,400, and according to Ray, is one of the best examples he has ever seen.