1929 Peerless Model 25 Radio-Phonograph with Kylectron Electrostatic Speaker!

Description

This is truly one of the most remarkable items I’ve ever listed on Ebay; indeed, if you’re a radio or phonograph collector like me, this has to be one of the most remarkable items you’ve ever seen on Ebay. It’s a Peerless model 25 radio-phonograph from 1929, a masterpiece of both design and technology that was so far ahead of its time – and so astronomically expensive – that very few were sold. Having consulted experts and collectors far and wide, I believe that this is the only surviving example in existence.
Peerless was one of the leading designers and manufacturers of radio speakers in the 1920’s, and late in that decade, they decided to start manufacturing high-end radios, too. Their timing wasn’t very good – the Depression shut them down – but before it did, Peerless invented a new kind of speaker, an electrostatic reproducer that they called the Kylectron. Up until then, the best speakers were electrodynamic – big, bulky units that produced a sound as heavy as they were. Electrostatic speakers could be light, fairly flat, and produced a sound that was (and is) most often described as “bright.” But the panels had to be wide, so a large cabinet was required to house them; and they were very, very expensive to produce. They also used lead or tin foil, which did not age well. Fortunately, we now have much more durable materials – namely latex or silicone – with which to restore them. If only you could find one to restore!
I had heard stories about this legendary set but had never managed to find one – or even to find a photograph of one. Then, a while back, I caught a glimpse of this in an auction listing down in Rhode Island and, intrigued but doubtful, went down to see if it might be true. The auction was of the contents of an old mansion in Newport, and I was stunned to find that what I had spotted in the picture was, indeed, a Peerless 25. I bought it, brought it home, and planned to restore it, going so far as to get the phonograph up and running perfectly, but then I got distracted with other projects, and then others, and…well, now I’m running out of space, so I have made the difficult decision to pass it on to another collector who will finish the job of returning this set to its former glory, at which point it will be the crown jewel of any collection.
As you can see, the cabinet is as impressive as it is gorgeous, measuring 50”h x 36.5”w x 19.5”d. No expense was spared in designing it – it is walnut, with maple accents, and has aged quite well. The original grille and grille cloth are pristine. The original rear screen door is present, too, and is very solid. The 11-tube chassis (with 2 45 tubes for amplification) is in very nice condition, as is the phonograph, complete with its original RCA horseshoe magnetic pickup. The phonograph compartment has files for both 10-inch and 12-inch records. The Kylectron speaker, pictured in the final photo, consists of 6 panels measuring 8” x 12” each; the entire speaker measures 25.5”h x 27”w – larger than some entire console radios! When restored, this set will provide a listening experience as magnificent as it is unique. If you’ve wanted a high-end early radio/phonograph that will loo, sound and work like no other, this is it; and if you’ve have always wanted one of these sets but were certain you’d never find one, this is your lucky day. You will, simply, never find another one. Best of all, I offer it here with NO RESERVE – high bidder takes it!
PLEASE NOTE: This set is located in Wiscasset, Maine, and can be picked up there. For a fee, I might be able to deliver it to the UPS store in Brunswick, Maine, or to Portland, Maine, either to you or to someone who will pack it up and ship it at your expense, but if you intend to do this, you must contact me BEFORE you bid so we can discuss the delivery fee. Similarly, if you intend to bid but do not intend to come pick it up in Maine within a week or two of the auction's close, you must notify me of this BEFORE you bid so we can discuss options and delivery fees; the earlier, the better. Payment must be received BEFORE pickup or delivery is scheduled. I reserve the right to refuse sale to anyone with excessive negative feedback or an otherwise suspicious history. Payment is due within three (3) days of the auction's close. Due to its age I am selling this unit without any warranty. All sales are final.
Be sure to see all the pictures! I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have, but please try to ask as early as possible, as it sometimes takes me a while to get to my email. Please see my other listings,
as I am running out of space and am thinning out my collection considerably.
I am listing other fine radios, phonographs, and vintage items this week, and will be listing even more in the weeks and months to come, so please keep checking. Thanks for looking! Good luck, and happy bidding!