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Identify this radio looking device in a Military Parade

Discussion in 'Weapons & Technology in WWII' started by Papanate, Feb 26, 2020.

  1. Papanate

    Papanate New Member

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    It kind of looks like a Transistor Radio - except I don't think we had those before the late 1940s. Anyone have a clue? This is from a Victory At Sea Youtube video where the device in question starts at 20:33 or so.


    Screen Shot 2020-02-26 at 8.51.03 PM.png
     
    Papanate, Feb 26, 2020
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  2. Biak

    Biak Boy from Illinois Staff Member

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    Looks similar to this one (edit: pictured radio isn't the one he had just the same style) that a relative took for 'rides' in a P47 in New Guinea 1944. In was passed down to family and I don't know what brand it was or what happened to it.
    I think it could run on battery or 120 volts.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2020
    Biak, Feb 26, 2020
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  3. Otto

    Otto Spambot Nemesis Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    It's a civilian portable radio, the soldier tuning/turning the knobs makes sense, and the description states the unit takes batteries so it is indeed portable.. It appears to be a Philco model pt-87. You can see one here:
    1941 (June 1940) - Philco Radio Gallery

    I have to think this would have been a fairly pricey item at the time, and the soldier using the set has a pinky ring, which is another ostentatious choice.
     
    Otto, Feb 27, 2020
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  4. Papanate

    Papanate New Member

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    Thanks - your radio looks a lot like it. Any idea what was being broadcast at that time? the lack of an Antenna would imply AM - was there an armed forces AM radio broadcast?
     
    Papanate, Feb 27, 2020
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  5. Otto

    Otto Spambot Nemesis Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    To figure out what was being broadcast, you have to at least know where and when the radio was at the time. A difficult task from the video.
     
    Otto, Feb 28, 2020
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  6. Kai-Petri

    Kai-Petri Kenraali

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    Otto,

    I hvave been in love with your site for the last 20 years or so. I lost my parents in a short while and got diabetes but I am ready to come back and start fighting ;: I wish You and the family all the best and let´s get this thing rolling...I noticed the younger ones need some kicking....;) All the best Otto. You done us proud...( from some ww2 film I recall...) KPH
     
    Kai-Petri, Mar 19, 2020
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