VOLUME 22               JULY 2005                NUMBER  7

EDITOR'S COMMENTS

From Antique Radio Classified for July 2005
(Copyright 1996-2005 by John V. Terrey - For personal use only.)

July is always the beginning of A.R.C.'s "new year." June marked our 21st anniversary, and with the 22nd year underway, it's on to doing what we do best -- keeping the preservation of antique radios alive and well. To achieve that goal we continue to present in these pages what's old and what's new in the world of antique radio collecting.

As we like to remind you once in a while, we need your cooperation and support to fill those pages, and so we hope to hear from you in multiple ways -- articles, photos, comments, ads, book orders, renewals -- whatever you can contribute to this collaboration of collectors.

Our lead article by Gerald Schneider on the Sligh table with Philco radio is an example of the kind of collaboration needed to keep this hobby viable. First, he called upon Michael Prosise, fellow collector and coauthor with Ron Ramirez of Philco Radio, 1928-1942 for photos and information about the Philco radio; then he sought help from the Michigan Antique Radio Club, which led him to more help from the Sligh Company; finally, he took the third step of sharing his information with A.R.C. readers.

In addition, Gerald's article shows how companies like Sligh and Philco can collaborate to make an attractive and practical product, which was unusual in its time. After all, people were used to seeing a table model sitting on top of a table. Here, the radio was inside a table that was even more remarkable because it rotated.

Speaking of the "new," we present the final installment of Richard Menta's series on collecting MP3 portables. It took only a few years for these hot new sets to become obsolete, but who knows -- down the road, they may become "antique" or "vintage," and there may be folks who listen to old MP3s, just as they do to old radios.

Generally, the word "antique" means more than 100 years old; "vintage," on the other hand, may mean something from the collector's childhood, perhaps 30-40 years old and obsolete or superseded by a significantly improved product. The MP3s remind us of how fast the new can become obsolete, but, perhaps ultimately, collectible.

Of course, Ron Lawrence expressed a different view in his letter in last month's "Radio Miscellanea" about our wasting time and space on the likes of MP3s. However, we're delighted that Ron also champions the "antique" when it comes to sending us great reports on one of the major U.S. meets. The Carolina Chapter/AWA Conference offers a multitude of pleasures to attendees, including a flea market, seminars, a banquet, an old equipment contest and an auction. This year, Alfred Grebe, Jr., was the guest speaker, and the contest entries were exemplary, as many photos attest.

From the other side of the "pond," Erwin Macho keeps us informed about what's new on the Austrian auction stage. In the May Dorotheum auction, U.S. sets were not strong, but European models continued to bring good prices.

Photo Review features four sets from early battery and crystal set days and four later AC sets. Richard Begbie's Pandora battery set, found in Australia, illustrates how far a New York-manufactured set might travel -- both literally and on its journey to antique status.

Some of you may have noticed that this month's A.R.C. seems lighter. You are correct, but the only pages pulled -- to save on printing and postage costs -- are our own book ads. However, the books we sell are listed on pages 64 and 65, as well as featured elsewhere, so don't hesitate to continue to send in your book orders.

A.R.C. Benefits. Continue 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. Easily told summer is in full swing, as the events list includes 26 meetings, an Estes auction and 12 swap meets. Be sure to get out there and be part of the action.

Happy Collecting!

John V. Terrey, Editor

ON THE COVER

On our cover is the octagonal Sligh table containing a Philco Model 26 radio, the subject of Gerald Schneider's lead article. The set is owned by Michael Prosise, who took the photo after placing several Philco products on the table: left to right, a bottle of "Genuine Philco Furniture Polish;" two Philco portable A batteries; a box of Philco pilot lamps; and a Philco radio tube. The begonia plant is a decorative touch. The table is at a slight angle to show one of three cubbyholes around the edge.

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Printed without comment

We continue to receive reports from advertisers of e-mail responses to their classified ads proposing to pay them with a check, sometimes via a third party, in excess of the purchase price. The seller is asked to refund the difference by wire. In more than one case reported to A.R.C., the check received was "bad."

To minimize problems, we always suggest that you know whom you are dealing with or ask for references.