RCA Radiola 16
A 6-tube TRF, c. 1927, this was one of the last battery-powered RCA models.
The cabinet is solid mahogany. The three RF tuning capacitors are ganged together with a somewhat complicated cable arrangement to connect the tuning knob shaft to the capacitor shaft; the two shafts are at right angles.
Unlike other sets of this vintage, RCA eschewed glass-cartridge resistors, which were prone to drifting up in value, in favor of more modern molded resistors.
There is a label inside the cabinet that indicates that this particular set was once owned by the late Harold S. Greenwood, a pioneer in the hobby of antique radio restoration and collection. The cabinet’s finish is original.
Found inside the radio was the original, red-colored warranty card. The serial number preprinted on the card matches the serial number engraved on the radio’s nameplate. The guarantee terms don't seem too generous. Here's what it says:
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EVERY PURCHASER OF A RADIOLA SHOULD READ CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING EXPLANATION OF THE RCA GUARANTEE FOR HIS PROTECTION
The RCA guarantees this Radiola to be Free from defects to material and workmanship for a period of ninety days from the date of sale by the RCA Authorized Dealer who countersigns this guarantee. Should such defect become apparent within the period of guarantee, the RCA Authorized Dealer will effect the necessary repairs or replacements to this Radiola.
The RCA Authorized Dealer should return such parts or parts replaced during the period of this guarantee and alleged to be defective in material or workmanship to the RCA in the regular manner, attached to this tag properly filled out and signed. The RCA will repair or replace such parts, which upon their receipt and examination shall disclose to have defection in material or workmanship.
This guarantee shall not apply to any Radiola which shall have been repaired or altered in any way so as in our judgment to affect its stability or reliability, or which has been subject to misuse, negligence or accident, nor which has had the serial number altered, effaced or removed.
Radio Corporation of America
Sold to
..................... Date .......
Address ................................
City .................................
Countersigned By
RCA Authorized Dealer ....................
Address...................................
RCA Radiola 16 ...... Serial No. 204051 UR
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Nothing is said about the cost of labor for repairs under the guarantee. Absorbed by the dealer?
I suppose a 90-day guarantee period was standard in those days. But really, there's not a whole lot that can go wrong with such a set, particularly since a speaker and probably vacuum tubes, weren't included with the set.
© 2005 Doug Criner