Up for sale is a fantastic piece of early American radio history. This is a classic 1920s "homebrew" (DIY) crystal radio receiver housed in a beautifully constructed, hinged wooden cabinet.
During the dawn of commercial broadcasting, hobbyists built these passive sets using schematics from early tech magazines. This particular build showcases incredible 20th-century resourcefulness: the builder used a vintage Kroger Iodized Salt cardboard container as the form to hand-wind the copper tuning coil inside. This unique feature gives the piece immense character and historical charm.
Key Features:
Front Panel: Features a heavy metal plate fitted with dual multi-point rotary tap switches/wiper blades to adjust inductance, along with original binding posts for antenna, ground, and headphone connections.
Side Mounted Detector: Fitted with an authentic "cat's whisker" crystal detector assembly, complete with the adjustable probe handle and galena mineral cup.
Interior: Features the hand-wound coil wrapped over the structural Kroger salt container, with all period-correct wiring intact.
Cabinet: Solid wood construction with a beautiful grain pattern, clean brass hinges, and a classic stepped base.
Condition:
Cosmetically excellent for its age. The wooden cabinet shows minor shelf wear and a lovely, warm aged patina with no major structural splits. The metal front plate and side detector show authentic oxidation and dust consistent with a 100-year-old electronic artifact. The internal wiring is intact, though the unit is being sold as-found, untested, and as a historical display piece.