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Page 26 The Antique Shoppe April, 2020
TUNE IN THE WORLD WITH VINTAGE SHORTWAVE RADIOS

By William Flood

Certain items offer collectors more than just looking nice on the shelf. HAMMARLUND— Formed in 1910, Hammarlund Manufacturing
Antique and vintage shortwave radios are like that - rather than just Company was one of the nation’s earliest producers of radio equipment,
collect dust, they let you listen to news and entertainment from across introducing their first shortwave sets in the early 1930s. Popular models
the world. from the post-war years include the Super Pro and HQ Series which can
Shortwave listening is a great hobby; imagine listening to an English still command up to $200 if in good shape. Unfortunately, Hammarlund
broadcast from China one day and failed to transition into the solid-
classical music from Germany the state market and ceased operation
next. There’s even the excitement in the 1960s.
of chasing down marine, aircraft ZENITH— The Zenith
communication, and even military Transoceanic line was among the
communication! most popular shortwave radio lines
Vintage shortwave played an ever built. Nearly a million were
important role in technology’s sold between 1942 and 1979. One
history. From the outset of was the star on an episode of Father
radio broadcasting in the 1920s Knows Best entitled “Shortwave.”
shortwave always played a part. Chicago-based Zenith had been
Radio’s “golden age” spanned the making radios, including those
1930s through the 1950s and it with shortwave coverage since
became commonplace for people to 1924. Founder, E. F. McDonald, a
listen to the broadcasts from around This General Electric broadcast/shortwave radio was a work of art. former Naval commander wanted
(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
the globe. Design also played a role - early a portable radio suitable for boaters. The
radios reflected the influence of Art Deco Transocean Clipper, looking like a leather
design and post-war models incorporated jet-age and atomic-age lines suitcase, was introduced in
popular in mid-century. 1942, followed by a succession
Communication technology developed during WWII became of models released throughout
available in rigs built in the 40s and 50s. Receivers from that era were the 1940s and 50s. The line was
masterpieces of workmanship and engineering. Things got smaller in the so popular it spurred competing
space-age with miniaturize electronics using transistors and integrated “suitcase” radios including RCA’s
circuits. As decades unfolded, worldband radios began sporting digital popular Stratoworld.
displays and keyboard-entry of frequencies. In 1957, the first transistor-
Old shortwave sets can be found in the usual places - eBay, Craigslist, based Transoceanic was
and Facebook. Local radio collector clubs and specialized events called introduced. Zenith continued
“hamfests” that cater to radio communication enthusiasts are also making solid-state models
treasure-troves for vintage shortwave gear. until the end of the 1970s but
Since these radios are decades-old, they may require refurbishing. ultimately lost the competitive
That’s particularly true of old tube-type radios. While solid-state sets battle to Sony, Panasonic, and
from the 1970s are less prone to needing repair, they aren’t immune others which introduced digital
from needing some tinkering. tuning. Nearly 1 million Zenith Transoceanic
portable radios were sold.
As you search, you’ll find everything from inexpensive portables Transoceanics, of all types, are (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
costing as little as $30 to top-tier equipment that will run hundreds or still popular with collectors and
even thousands of dollars. Overall, vintage shortwave receivers from restorers. Project radios can run as
pre-1985, in good working condition will run between $100 and $200 little as $10 while restored units can run over $100.
with fixer-uppers typically $50-$75.
While you’re scouring, keep an eye out for certain brands and models.
The following will provide a brief overview of what to look for.
HALLICRAFTERS— This maker of vintage shortwave gear is
probably more coveted than any other. Hallicrafters started in the 1930s
and manufactured nearly two-dozen models before ceasing production
in the 1960s. Plenty of kids
of that era got their start
in shortwave listening by
saving allowance money
for a six-tube S-38, that Some radios like this 1970s Heathkit were built from kits. (Photo: Radiopics.com)
was originally priced at HEATHKIT— Michigan’s Heath Company started as a
about $40 and will still cost manufacturer of aircraft electronics then switched to selling electronics
about the same today. A in kit form in 1947, renaming as Heathkit. Their first shortwave kit
Hallicrafters SX-110 was appeared in the 1950s. Following Heathkit’s success, other companies
featured in a 1966 episode Many listeners got started with little radios like began selling kit-built gear, including Knight and Lafayette (once the
of the Andy Griffith show! this Hallicrafters S-38 by saving up their allowance. rival of Tandy/Radio Shack).
(Photo: Wikimedia Commons) Continued >>