German WWII Radio

Object/Artifact

-

Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society

Name/Title

German WWII Radio

Entry/Object ID

2012.38.1

Description

1 German WWII radio, 18x12x7 wood made by Seimens painted grey with Luftwaffe eagles. Marked inside to JW Roth of Bay City MI The NSDAPs recognized early on that radio would be a very effective propaganda tool as the spoken word was more influential than the written. When AH came to power, Germany's national radio broadcasting system was quickly taken over by the Ministry for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda. A special department, the Chamber of Radio, was created, and it pushed manufacturers into producing an inexpensive radio that the average person could afford. This way the Ministry could reach more people. The Wehrmacht (Armed Forces) also recognized the influence of the radio, so commercial radios were provided for some units. This is a Siemens model K32 GWB barracks radio, with long and short wave capabilities. It was manufactured for the Luftwaffe in 1941. It appears to be complete, with all tubes inside, plus instructions. It has a Super-Heterodyne IF-Frequency of 468khz, 6 AM tuned circuits, moving coil speaker, a permanent magnet dynamic, and ability to be powered by battery or wall outlet. It measures 12 1/8" tall x 17 3/4" wide x 7 1/4" deep. It still retains the original deep grey/blue Luftwaffe paints over multi-panel hardwood construction, with mortised corner joints, and molded black Bakelite and metal fittings.

Cataloged By

Chris Causley

Acquisition

Accession

2012.38

Source or Donor

Greg Causley

Acquisition Method

Donation

Source (if not Accessioned)

Greg Causley

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Seimens

Date made

circa 1942

Time Period

World War Two

Place

County

Germany

Location

Location

Tall Display Case

Display Case Z

* Untyped Location

Main Gallery South

Category

Exhibit

Condition

Overall Condition

Very Good