Do I want these? (Silvertone & Hallicrafters)

[Rotoplooker]

First time posting to this section!

Here's my situation. My Dad has some equipment that I grew up with back in the 70's and as he approaches 80, it's time to move a few things. I researched the models from memory and came up with the 2 items below. I could be wrong because I have not seen them in many years.

Item #1 Silvertone R-111 radio. (1940's?)Much better than the one in the picture I found online. When I was a kid, I actually "fixed" this one, replacing the power cord and taking a bag full of tubes to the local drugstore to use the tubetester to see which ones needed replacement. That was 25 odd years ago, so I don't expect it still works now.

Item # 2 Hallicrafters S-20R. (1940's?)Looks the same as my dad's.

I now live half a country away and live in a small downtown rowhouse with wife and small kids, so I don't really have the time/room per se. The other task would be packaging up and shipping, which my dad would not do, So I/he would have to pay someone to do so.

These pieces have some sentimental value but I question wether it's going to be worth it to get them to me and deal with the space they require, not to mention the time to fix them up.

So, what am I asking? I dunno....I guess, should I get involved? Are they particularly good examples of this genre?

In a perfect world, I'd keep them in a heartbeat, but real world conditions play out a bit differently....

Any thoughts/comments?

[newhallone]

Well the Hallicrafter is smaller and would take up less room plus it has some cool styling., cheaper to ship. The Silvertone is cool but not as cool as other radio's of it's type. They will need recapping and what not. so I guess bottom line is how sentimental are you to them?

[radio63]

Yes, the main question here is what is the sentimental value to you? The Hallicrafters is a nice set. The Silvertone is also a nice set but not that uncommon. As far as value of the sets go I would say they are average, with the Hallicrafters perhaps more desirable than the Silvertone. If you want them for sentimental reasons, by all means, grab them. Or if not, then maybe you might consider having the Hallicrafters shipped out since it is smaller and would be easier to pack. But if you have any sentimentality at all about these sets, or think you might in the future, then consider having them shipped out. Good luck to you!

Gilbert

[Sandy G]

All else being equal, the Halli should be a little more sensitive, & should be a "better" radio than the other one. But the big console prolly will sound better-Communications receivers aren't generally noted for their golden tones. Hallicrafters had a reputation as being "The Radioman's Radio" back in the day. But nothing can really match a big hulking impressive looking 1940s console in good shape.

[Ohighway]

Keep the Halli..... let the other go. That way you can keep something with sentimental value, yet still not really tax yourself considering the limited space you have.

[Rotoplooker]

Thanks Gang,

No easy choices here. Even finding a space for the Hallicrafters will be a chore but it is probably all I can afford to deal with(in terms of shipping and space)at this time.

And I'm sure you're right about the sound from both of these; I remember the Silvertone had phono inputs and some kind of patented adjustable sound chamber built in that was advertised right on the back cover, with instructions on how to use it.

As I said before, in a perfect world, I'd have both of them with me.

[Sandy G]

Yeah- The Silvertone could likely be an overgrown All-American Five tube set w/a fancy console case-not especially great shakes as a radio. The Halli has 9 tubes-which means it has an RF stage, & should offer superior performance pulling in weak stations.

[Reece]

The Silvertone has 11 tubes with push-pull 6V6 output tubes, 8-15 watts audio output, a tuning eye tube, broadcast and five short wave bands. Not too slouchy a radio. Some antique radio guy a little closer to your Dad would probably want it.
Reece

[AUdubon5425]

Well, think about it carefully. You'll never find another one that will be "Dad's radio." I think I would find the space to keep it. You could always stick the Silvertone in a corner, throw a tablecloth over it or something if necessary. The Hallicrafters would be easy to stow away somewhere.

[Sandy G]

Yeah- Sounds like that Silvertone is a LOT more radio than I had it pegged as, I'd try to save BOTH if at all possible...

[radiotvnut]

I would try to save both if at all possible. If saving them is not an option, I'd try to find someone to give or sell them to that would appreciate them.

[Marantz7t15]

My dear old brother bought a new Yamaha amp and tuner, back in 1985. He sold it to me several years later and I later gave it back to him on his birthday several years after that, when he lamented about how much he missed his class A amp. Then, I ended up with it again here recently, and by now, both pieces had issues from my brothers frequent moves and hardcore Rock mini concerts. So I sold them both on e bay. I now regret it terribly! I would try to hang on to them, as you can always sell them or chop them up for firewood or something. But once they're gone......

[crewbus]

My dad had a german emud radio next to his recliner in the living room, he used to listen to it every night, when he died a few years ago I wanted that radio, my wife said we don't have room for it, I said it was my dads and I'll find room for it, now it sits next to my recliner in my living room and I listen to It every night, Take them both or you will kick yourself down the road

[Rotoplooker]

My biggest regret would be....I guess, having regrets that I didn't take them. But I look around and say to myself.."where would I put it?" I'll have to make a decision soon..