Actually I have just checked out the circuit and the piece of wire is completely out of circuit, it is connected to pads that are completely open circuit. You could not make this up, anyone else found this?
An external 12v supply brings the radio into full life so the problem of no operation and the reason for sale must have been a faulty power supply. I only paid £10 for the radio and expecting to open up the LP1164 at least, so not a bad deal I suppose even with the April Fool box.
Just seen your replies and it finally makes sense. I would never have thought that two lantern batteries would be required.
Perhaps Roberts realised they would last longer?