Antique 1936 Fairbanks Morse Broadcast Shortwave Radio Fully Restored Works Grea

1936 Fairbanks Morse Broadcast and Shortwave Radio Fully Restored - Displays Well and Sounds Great!  

 jdan

For the serious collector, offered here is a Fairbanks-Morse Model 58-T1 broadcast and shortwave radio made in 1936. Featuring very large colorful "airplane dials" and quality construction, Fairbanks-Morse sets are desirable, scarce and infrequently come up for sale. This set has just received an extensive restoration. Condition is very good overall but not  "Museum Quality". I sincerely believe the restoration will satisfy all but the most "purist" of collectors.

Work Performed - the Chassis was cleaned inside and out. All worn rubber (wires, grommets, tuning drive belt, etc.) was replaced. Tubes were replaced as needed with NOS (new old stock). The dial lamps were replaced. A brand new genuine Hammond power transformer was installed. A brand new audio output transformer replaces the smaller original one. Every capacitor was replaced except for the highly reliable mica types. All resistors were replaced except for the volume control.

To update to modern safety standards a new power cord and fuse were added along with a "Y1" safety capacitor for shock hazard protection. A modern full range large ceramic magnet speaker, producing strong bass and excellent music reproduction, substitutes for the original electrodynamic loudspeaker. The old loudspeaker still functions as a filter choke and can be seen inside the case on the far right side. Finally this set was realigned using an oscilloscope to maximize performance.

The Cabinet - is completely intact; all of the original glue and joints remaining solid and firm. There is no back cover. The veneer is intact, with no peeling or missing pieces. The original finish I preserved and restored as best as possible with Kramer’s Antique Improver. The finish shows some wear around the controls and the edges visible in bright light. The original black trim was badly worn and repainting was necessary. The metal escutcheon was cleaned  and polished carefully to remove built up grime but otherwise maintain its original antique condition.  The dial and glass are original and not reproductions. There is a slight scratch on the lower dial caused by the carelessness of a repairman or previous owners.  The original grille cloth was missing and I replaced it with a white tweed material; the only liberty that I took in otherwise maintaining the original appearance. 

Reception - This set was test played over several days and checked for problems such as overheating. It now receives well on all bands using only a 15 foot indoor wire antenna. It receives particularly well on the 41 and 49 meter shortwave bands with stations crowded tightly together in the evenings. For best reception, please remember that 1930's radios were designed to be used with 75 to 100 foot longwire outdoor antennas. The original volume control occasionally produces a "whistle" at its lowest setting due to minor mechanical wear.  The control was cleaned and lubricated and it is operating smoothly. Adjusting the volume control just slightly immediately stops the "whistle".   

"Quick Start" Guide, hard copy receipts for new parts installed, schematic diagram with service data and Saturday Evening Post, Fairbanks-Morse Radio Advertising Print are all included with your purchase.

 All items available for pick up & viewing at: SILVER FOX ANTIQUES 2250 SR 580 Clearwater, FL. 33763 Between US 19 & Belcher 727-725-4390 If you are unhappy with your purchase please let us know - we want happy customers!

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