This is a radio contained in a brown leather-covered wooden suitcase-like case. On the top of the case, there is a brown plastic carrying handle. The front of the box is hinged and opens to reveal the dials, speaker and tuner scale. The dials are plastic with gold interiors and mounted on the front of the speaker grilled. Above this, there is a tuner scale which has a brown backing with gold lettering and features. This gives information about four different bands.
The front of the case, when open, sits on top of the box. Affixed to this is a map of the world divided into time zones. On the rear panel of the case, there is a circular opening. Located on the corner of the top of the case there is a very tall extendable aerial with a brass ball on the top.
Accession Number: 2019.ast.242
Alternative Name: TW600 Tube Type Shortwave Radio
Wood, Plastic, Metal: Iron Alloy, Glass (Tubes?), Textile.
In gold lettering on the case exterior: “hallicrafters”
On raised lettering on the speaker grille: “hallicrafters”
Beneath one of the dials: “OFF” “ON”
Beneath the other dial: “TUNING BAND SELECTOR”
Dimensions (cm): Height = 27.2, Width = 21, Length = 38.
Shortwave radio receivers can pick up shortwave radio transmissions. Shortwave transmissions can travel long distances as the short frequency of the radio wave bounces of the ionosphere. This receiver can be used to listen to radio from around the world. It may have been used to pick up radio time signals in order to calibrate chronometers. The radio also receives longwave and AM broadcast radio.
Very Good: The surface of the case is in good condition with a few minor scratches and nicks. On the right-hand side, the faux-leather fabric is coming away from the wooden case. The dials and scale are marked slightly with small scratches, but otherwise in very good condition.
Associated Instruments:
Manufacturer: The Hallicrafters Company
Date of Manufacture: 1954
This artifact was kept at the David Dunlap Observatory until 2009. Upon the sale of the Observatory in that year, it was moved to the University of Toronto’s Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the St George Campus. In 2017 it was moved to a new storage location in McLennan Physical Laboratories.
The same radio was sold in different colours as TW-500 (green) and S-93 (grey). The manual can be found here [26-01-24].
Historical Notes: