I Have a Strange...
 

...And Unnatural fascination w/little el cheapo Arvin sets from right around WW2. The latest one I got is a Model 402, all 3 tubes of it pumpin' away to get...one local station. Of course, the antenna wire only being an inch & a half long MIGHT have somethin' to do w/it, but I rather doubt this l'il fella will cause me to kick any of the big Bacon-Fryers to the curb. It IS cute, though, & surprisingly good cosmetic shape for being from 1940 or so. I have the little 2 tube version from 1938, too, Terry just recently went thru it, believe it or nutz, it isn't too bad if you give it a decent antenna... These little radios were for kids, travelling salesmen, etc, somebody who wanted a radio to listen to in a strange town that was fairly rugged, but if it got "borrowed" or misplaced, nobody would be too upset, since I think they were only around 10 bux or so, brand new...

Little metal bugger, Sandy? I've got a couple as well. Any kind of external antenna is a big improvement...actually can be reasonably sensitive.

Pics?

One of these days, Alice, one of these days...I'm going to HAVE to break down & buy me a digicam...Grrrrrr....

Here is one I sold recently. Supposedly it was a record

Try this again! Arvin 243T

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...3TGreen001.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...3TGreen002.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...3TGreen004.jpg

Yep. That one looks to be a little later than the ones I have, but pretty close to the same things. Bet it had 4, maybe 5 tubes. The 2 & 3 tube sets are pretty rare now, I think, don't think they got made after WW2.

Sandy,

This one is a 1947. I have a white one from 1946 also but not as nice as the green model. It was more than 2-3 tubes but can't remember if it was a 4 or 5. Neat little radios though and now you have piqued my interest in the earlier metal units!

Hope you're feelin' better!

B

I believe the post war metal sets are mostly 4 tubers, there are however several 5 tube metal sets by Arvin. I have the 242T and a Red Hopalong Cassidy both sets are 4 tubers. I've also got a metal set that was obviously made by Arvin but it's branded Midwest on the foil below the tuning knob. The 4 tube sets with several feet of wire for an antenna are pretty decent performers.

I have an Arvin built Silvertone 4-tuber and it does pretty well to be no more than what it is.

please dont tell me what it went for.i had the exact same arvin in the same color scheme.like lots of other gear i've had it got sold yrs ago.:tears:

Take your time, Sandy. They're still way up there in price, $30, at least!

Nobody likes a Wise Guy, Aage, nobody likes a Wise Guy...(grin)

Hey, my mom likes me... ;)

Aww, chit...I do, too...Just had to "pick" atcha a little...(grin)