VOLUME 20               JULY 2003                NUMBER  7

EDITOR'S COMMENTS

From Antique Radio Classified for July 2003
(Copyright 1996-2003 by John V. Terrey - For personal use only.)

To Americans, July 4 means the celebration of what we are -- a free and democratic society. It also means the high holiday of summer fun set against the backdrop of patriotism. That patriotism has taken on a new intensity since September 11, 2001, which joined December 7, 1941, as a "date that will go down in infamy." Flags are much more in evidence everywhere, and not just for the holiday, as people seek to express pride in their allegiance to the symbol of "liberty and justice for all."

Some folks do it in a very individual way. A case in point is Norm Hertz's America crystal set pictured on our cover and featured in a short article. Norm's set was on display at the AWA Conference last fall -- a perfect photo op for A.R.C. When we read Norm's account of his motivation for creating the set, the photo became an obvious choice for the July cover. What better expression of the patriotism that is the essence of the July 4th holiday?

Of course, our national holiday doesn't preclude our international interests because thinking "global" has become the way of the world. We're pleased to present an article by Bob Murray, our contributor from the north who usually keeps us informed about Canadian sets. This time Bob writes about an Eisemann radio, which is a truly international set, as Eisemann Magneto was the American sales agent for a German company.

My particular interest in Bob's article stems from the two Eisemann sets in my collection, one of which pictured in an ad has been added to the article. A measure of how little information there is on Eisemann is to note that even Alan Douglas' 3-volume Radio Manufacturers of the 1920s has only one page on this company.

Back to perhaps the most American of companies -- RCA and Victor. Paul Bourbin has some compelling theories about why RCA was so eager to purchase the Victor Talking Machine Company. Control of performers' contracts and home entertainment programming, and more -- all make interesting reading.

And just when you thought you'd heard everything about what collectors will collect, read about Marvin Hess and his transitor radio batteries. This should be a radio wife's dream, as batteries don't take up much room and can be tucked away in a drawer.

Photo Review also has an international flavor and a wide range of period and types -- from the 1920s to the 1960s, foreign to domestic, crystal sets to superhets, home brews to novelties. Something for everyone.

For some time now, no issue of A.R.C. has been complete without a Ray Chase auction report. Ray does us a great service, and if you go to any of the auctions Ray attends, you might look him up to add to our thanks.

This Estes auction of the Ken Blakeman collection offered over 600 items and totalled more than $114,000. As Ray points out, half of the total came from only 11 items, several of which brought over $5,000. A Marconi 106 went for $20,000. Any collector of early battery sets who did not attend, like me, might kick himself because he didn't make an effort to join in the spirited bidding.

Radio Miscellanea puts on record the strong response we get to articles. It's gratifying to know that you find them generally interesting and useful. Also we're glad to have corrections, warnings, questions, and just plain news. Thanks to all who take the time to write.

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

Coming Radio Events. The summer is always the optimum time for radio collecting activities. Events total 41, so you shouldn't have to travel far to join in at least one. There are 27 meetings, 11 swap meets, 2 auctions and a repair workshop at VRPS in Irving, Texas, on July 19. Major 2-day events are the annual Extravaganza in Lansing, Michigan, on July 11 and 12 and the Museum of Radio and Technology meet and auction on July 18 and 19, in Huntington, West Virginia. These events are the heart and soul of radio collecting, so spread the word.

Happy Collecting!

John V. Terrey, Editor

---

PRINTED WITHOUT COMMENT

We have received several reports from classified advertisers of a response via e-mail to their classified ads proposing paying for the item via a third party. The payment would be in excess of the purchase price, and the seller is asked to refund the difference to a foreign address.

As always, we suggest that you know your buyer and seller or ask for references that he has done business with to minimize problems.

ON THE COVER

Our 4th of July cover pictures the centerpiece of Norm Hertz's display at last fall's AWA Conference in Rochester, New York. The complete display is shown on page 9. Norm's account of his creation of "folk art" with a crystal set as the focus is a patriotic statement that we can all appreciate.