Description:

An evocative Third Reich artifact, a very dark brown Bakelite ‘Volksempfanger', or ‘people's radio', 9.25 in. x 9.5 in. x 4.5 in., a ‘Deutscher Kleinempfanger' (‘German Small Receiver'), featuring a single horizontal tuning dial at the bottom center, flanked by knobs used to adjust feedback and interference levels. Between these controls is a small, embossed emblem of a national eagle with swastika, with the off-white cloth speaker grille dominating the face. The fiberboard rear panel of the radio bears the receiver's model name and wiring information. A metal plaque identifying the manufacturer as ‘Minerva Radio' and bearing the serial number ‘08022' is located within the radio cabinet. The internal workings appear to be in good, if uncleaned, condition, with both vacuum tubes intact. The fabric-covered power cord is slightly frayed. The original power cord is fitted with a period European-style plug that is present and intact. The radio has not been tested for functionality by us. Additionally, the upper right screw hole on the rear fiber back panel is slightly damaged, and the speaker grille fabric shows some wear, else very good. These radios were designed to be as simple and inexpensive as possible, to make them affordable to as many Germans as possible. It was intended primarily for citizens to listen to propaganda broadcasts, garnering the nickname ‘Goebbels' schnauze' (‘Goebbels' snout'). It received only long and medium-wave bands, and could not receive shortwave transmissions often utilized by Allied propaganda broadcasters, although stations such as the BBC could be received with an external antenna and under the right atmospheric conditions, and despite the threat of harsh punishment.

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Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

June 15, 2023 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000