Odd 1939 Majestic "Mighty-Gem" battery portable

[decojoe67]

A friend had this 1939 Majestic model 130 "Mighty Gem" portable radio on a shelf in his workshop for eons. It was covered in dust. I eyed it for years and finally bought it from him. It was a challenge to get modern batteries into it, but I did, and it plays pretty decent as-is. It needs a signal blasting from my transmitter to hear anything, but I don't consider it a "player" anyway. I just like that I can turn it on and hear it play. They came in "mahogany" with cream swirled knobs Tenite knobs (my example-always warped), and black or red with maroon knobs. This was touted as the smallest portable in it's day, but as light as it is, it's not a pocket radio at all. It has three tubes and a pretty hardy chassis! The back panel slides up for an antenna and a long strap could be attached to wear on one's shoulder. The cabinet is sturdy painted particle board.

[Electronic M]

Cute.

I've had this idea rattling around in my head for some rainy day when I finally fix some of my smaller battery only portables...if standard 9V are too big to buy 3V coin cells in the cheapest bulk I can and find small a plastic flashlight about the same diameter to use as battery holder... haven't gotten roundtuit yet.

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by Electronic M

Cute.

I've had this idea rattling around in my head for some rainy day when I finally fix some of my smaller battery only portables...if standard 9V are too big to buy 3V coin cells in the cheapest bulk I can and find small a plastic flashlight about the same diameter to use as battery holder... haven't gotten roundtuit yet.

Thanks for the advice. That's the big problem with the early "pocket" or "camera" style battery only tube radios. You have to get creative with the B supply. The larger "luggage-style" models have plenty of room. When you get them going they're really fun sets. Without the AC line connection the audio is often very clean.

[Kevin Kuehn]

Joe,

That is a interesting design that reminds me of early test equipment. What is that case covered in? Really looks like real leather.

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by Kevin Kuehn

Joe,

That is a interesting design that reminds me of early test equipment. What is that case covered in? Really looks like real leather.

Thanks. If the Tenite tuning knob was flat it would be more appealing, but nearly all that you see are just as warped. The case is that typical sturdy pressboard of the '30's in black, brown, and red. I conditioned it so it has a nice leatherette look to it. The front piece is bakelite and the dial is brass. I had to repair the handle, but it's amazing it's still there. These came with a shoulder strap that attached to the metal rings. I will likely put a proper replacement on it. The little handle is best not used again, even though the set weighs just 3 pounds.

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by decojoe67

Thanks for the advice. That's the big problem with the early "pocket" or "camera" style battery only tube radios. You have to get creative with the B supply. The larger "luggage-style" models have plenty of room. When you get them going they're really fun sets. Without the AC line connection the audio is often very clean.

I was looking at the schematic and it doesn't have an audio output transformer. It must have one of those lousy, tinny high impedance magnetic speakers.
It's more of a novelty, than a regular radio. I'm surprised it's a full superhet!

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

I was looking at the schematic and it doesn't have an audio output transformer. It must have one of those lousy, tinny high impedance magnetic speakers.
It's more of a novelty, than a regular radio. I'm surprised it's a full superhet!

Yes, you would assume that, but they actually are very decent performers. This example plays fine without any repairs, but when you hear one playing that's fully restored, they sound amazingly good!
Hear a restored one for yourself on YT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD2P9IyTokg