Crystal set ID

[Andrewausfa]

Very early wireless isn't my strong point but I've just picked this up from a local boot sale. Could anyone help with identifying this set please? I assume it was a kit but would just like to know if possible the case manufacturer based off of the decal. Inside, the coils are branded as 'Acme Variometer'. Any help most welcome.

Thanks - Andrew

[Andrewausfa]

Well it looks as if people are about as expert as me with IDing early wireless. Having looked at quite a few sets now and seen some close in manufacture but yet so not, I suspect the decal in the lid is the remains of a 'BBC' one seen in sets of this period as per this photo.

Andrew

[Gridiron]

Looks like a variation of a J.G.Graves "Ariel" ("Tickling the Crystal" Vol 1 p110"). The logo is definitely the Ariel one, not the BBC one.

[Paul_RK]

I stared at it for a while wondering whether there was a decipherable monogram: can't quite see how the familiar BBC decal could have worn in such a way as to leave what's there now. So I would still guess it's the insignia of a small manufacturer, of which there were hundreds at the time, some of them no doubt only producing a few dozen sets if that before giving up the struggle. Someone possessed of Ian Sanders' five "Tickling the Crystal" volumes might be able to identify the set, or might not.

Paul

EDIT: Aha, seems likely someone has I knew that monogram was half familiar to me from somewhere, perhaps from here:

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=57338

[60 oldjohn]

Originally Posted by Andrewausfa

Inside, the coils are branded as 'Acme Variometer'.

Thanks - Andrew

Acme made two models of crystal sets that are featured in "Tickling the Crystal" Neither are like yours. I wonder if they supplied Variometer's to other manufacturers ? or maybe an undocumented offering from Acme?

John.

[Andrewausfa]

Originally Posted by Gridiron

Looks like a variation of a J.G.Graves "Ariel" ("Tickling the Crystal" Vol 1 p110"). The logo is definitely the Ariel one, not the BBC one.

Superb thank you very much!! Yes I see the 'Aerial' emblem now, there's one depicted on Radiomuseum. Same colours as the BBC decal though so I can be excused. Well I'm thrilled to bits now, thank you.

Paul, yes I took photos and reversed coloured them, squinted, studied and stared at it for ages. Nothing.

Thanks for all the help.

Andrew

[dave walsh]

This is very interesting. I've a very similar case with ebonite panel in Ramsbottom...no identifying features! I think there's only an internal coil and the detector remaining but it does look like this set. My early radio knowledge is pretty sparse as well I shall print this off as I'm hoping to go North in the next few weeks. Thanks for posting all

Dave W

[D.Finney]

This does look like a Graves set, I used to have on very similar.

[peter_scott]

I think Paul was spot-on although the RM one has a variable capacitor and coil rather than the variometer.

https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/graves...ystal_set.html

Peter

[Andrewausfa]

Originally Posted by dave walsh

My early radio knowledge is pretty sparse as well

Dave W

You think you have a sparse knowledge? I still haven't found where it plugs in yet

Thanks for all the other comments. This is the first crystal set I've owned and very happy I saw it to be honest.

I think someone's had the base off (nailed on) and re-attached it incorrectly as it doesn't line up correctly. Not too much to do on it except a good clean.

Andrew