Near Mint, Working Grebe Radio w/Western Electric Cone

Here's a 1925 Grebe MU-1 Synchrophase radio and a 1925 Western Electric 540AW cone loudspeaker.  I've described the radio as "near mint," but in fact its appearance is close to new.  Better yet, the radio is wholly original and still working, with its original finish still intact (and almost flawless), its original audio transformers still in place (both are good), and its original owner's manual in superb condition, with no torn or missing pages, no acidification, etc.  If there is a more perfect MU-1 on the planet, I haven't seen it, and I've seen a fair number of these sets over the years.

The MU-1 is by many accounts the best TRF radio ever made, and the accompanying Western Electric 540AW cone speaker is widely regarded as the finest mid-20's loudspeaker around.  Together, they comprise an extraordinary looking (and extraordinary sounding) 1920's radio system whose ability to make onlookers smile when the pair are powered up will never cease to amaze you.   As you can see in the photographs, the radio looks like it might have been unpacked from the crate last month.  The mahogany cabinet is pristine, with virtually no signs of wear evident on any of the six sides and a patina so rich and warm the wood seems to have an internal source of lighting.  The chassis is likewise close to perfect, with glossy bakelite tuner wheels, bright green wire on the coil forms, original factory wiring throughout.  The faux wood panel, which on most examples of this radio has muddied and discolored to the point of being unrecognizeable as mahogany, is as reflective as brown glass, with original gold lettering that's close to 100% and beautifully toned brass escutcheons that are free or even the slightest hint of rust or corrosion.  Both the tuning card, on the rear interior of the cabinet, and the wiring card, on the underside of the base, are original and close to perfect. 

The Western Electric cone loudspeaker is almost as striking as the radio.  The speaker has been brilliantly restored by Buford and Jane Chidester, whose work is the stuff of legend (as everyone who collects 1920's cone speakers already knows).  The Chidesters literally "wrote the book" on cone speakers, and the attention to detail that they devote to their speaker restorations is second to none.   Base paint and decal on the speaker are original, as is the driver.  The speaker sounds great, and it was designed to be used with just this type of radio.  If you haven't heard a Synchrophase hooked up to a Western Electric cone, you're in for a treat.  They're a match made in radio heaven.

The Synchrophase manual included with the radio is original and in outstanding condition throughout.  Seventy pages long, it discusses everything from the history of Grebe to the design of the Synchrophase to the set-up and installation of the set to various tips and tweaks.  Original copies of these manuals are very hard to find, especially in such nice condition.  As noted above, the radio still works.  And not just "kind of works" either.  It works quite well and comes with a complete set of 01A tubes so it will be ready to "plug and play" as soon as it arrives.  All you need to provide at your end is a longwire outdoor antenna and a good regulated DC power supply with A, B, C voltage taps (I'd recommend an ARBEIII).  Some basic knowledge of how to operate an early battery radio is recommended, but as 1920's radios go, this is a pretty easy one to use, and the owner's manual certainly helps.