Crystal Radio Set with Headphones

Object/Artifact

-

New Museum Los Gatos

Name/Title

Crystal Radio Set with Headphones

Entry/Object ID

NU 2025.5.1-2

Description

A vintage crystal radio with a Cogswell Condenser made by Alden-Napier Manufacturing, as well as headphones made by C. Brandes Inc. The front of the radio is a square of silver sheet metal, with black knobs, and the rest of the radio consists of exposed inner mechanisms.

Collection

History Collection

Cataloged By

collectionsintern@numulosgatos.org

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Alden Manufacturing Company

Time Period

20th Century

Place

City

Springfield

State/Province

Massachusetts

Country

United States of America

Continent

North America

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription, Makers Mark

Location

On the back of the device.

Transcription

Na-Ald Cogswell Condenser Alden MFG.CO SRFLD MASS.

Language

English

Material/Technique

Engraved

Type

Inscription, Makers Mark

Location

On the backside of each headphone.

Transcription

C. Brandes Inc. New York Superior + "Matched Tone" Trade Mark Reg. U.S. Pat. OFF Made in U.S.A. Pat Pending

Language

English

Material/Technique

Engraved

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Secondary Object Term

Radio, Crystal

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Radio

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Headphone

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Telecommunication Devices

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Sound Communication Devices

Nomenclature Class

Telecommunication T&E

Nomenclature Class

Sound Communication T&E

Nomenclature Category

Category 06: Tools & Equipment for Communication

Dimensions

Height

8-1/4 in

Width

8-1/2 in

Length

9 in

Dimension Notes

The headphones are contained and attached to the housing of the crystal radio.

Materials

Material

Metal, Wood, Plastic, Fabric

Material Notes

The radio parts are connected to a plate of aluminum, the dials are all plastic, and all the copper wiring is covered in fabric casings. The radio is made of aluminum and copper parts. The headphones are made of aluminum and plastic, and the headband is covered in fabric.

Condition

Overall Condition

Very Good

Overall Condition

Very Good