Description:

An evocative Third Reich artifact, a very dark brown Bakelite "Volksempfanger", or "people's radio", 9 1/4"x 9 1/2" x 4 3/4", a "Deutsche Kleinempfanger 1938"("German Small [radio] Receiver [model of] 1938"), featuring a single horizontal tuning dial at bottom center, flanked by knobs used to adjust feedback and interference levels. Above these controls is a small embossed emblem depicting a national eagle with swastika, with the cloth speaker grill dominating the face. The fiberboard rear panel of the radio bears the receiver's model name and identifies the manufacturer as "Kapsch & Sohne" of Vienna. A metal plaque bearing the serial number "17355" is located within the radio cabinet, mounted on the chassis. The internal workings appear to be in good condition, with the larger vacuum tube intact, and the fabric-covered power cords slightly frayed but present and intact; however, the power switch, which would have protruded through the rear panel, is absent, and a more modern toggle switch had been fitted to the back panel above the original switch housing. The smaller vacuum tube and the speaker cone all bear small eagle and swastika marks. The fabric cladding of the power cable shows notable fraying, and the plug itself has been replaced with a vintage American-style example. Untested, in very good cosmetic condition overall. 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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November 20, 2019 10:00 AM EST
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 + $10,000