-40%
Rare 1928 Grebe Synchrophase A-C Six AC6 radio w mdl 103 speaker table restored!
$ 422.39
- Description
- Size Guide
Description
Years ago, I got a tip to go see an old phonograph in a barn in West Gardiner, Maine. The phonograph was nice, but off in the corner I also spotted this: A handsome 1928 Grebe Synchrophase A-C Six (or AC6) radio with matching speaker table. I asked if they would be willing to sell me that, too; they did, and I took it right home, restored it electronically, and have displayed it in my living room ever since, playing it every day – for visitors, and for myself. Everyone is drawn to it; it sounds great – plays loud and clear, and is very sensitive, picking up stations as far away as Chicago and Atlanta – and, as you can see from the photos, looks every bit as great.Grebe was one of the most prestigious names in early radio, building some of the 1920’s most technologically-advanced and beautifully-designed battery sets, a series of models they labeled “Synchrophase” that are among the most collectible sets today. I always loved Grebes from a distance but never owned one because I don’t collect battery sets; they only made a few AC sets, all of which are very hard to find. This one, the A-C Six (so named because it’s a 6-tube set), was their first, introduced in 1928. The Depression killed the company shortly thereafter. Like all Grebes, this set was extremely well-designed and made; you can tell that just by lifting up the lid. The entire radio chassis is shielded – I’ve never seen another like it – and looks just as clean as it did the day it was made. The radio itself is a big set, measuring 25”w x 10.25”h x 18”d, and was quite pricey. Most customers bought a small speaker to set atop it, but those who were not averse to spending more had the option of purchasing a speaker table; Grebe made a few, of which this one, the Model 103, was the largest – it measures 29.5”h x 25”w x 18”d – and most expensive. It’s also the rarest – they almost never turn up, and this is the only one I’ve ever seen that is complete and has an intact grille. It is fitted with a Martin-Copeland Mar-Co DU-90 Dynamic Reproducer, the most expensive option Grebe offered; it cost more than the radio itself! Whoever ordered this set wanted to best, and they sure got it!
I feel fortunate to have owned it for so many years, but now that I am downsizing it’s time to pass it along to another collector who will enjoy it as much as I have. If you’ve always wanted a gorgeous and rare Grebe AC but despaired of ever finding one that was complete and in good original condition (much less electronically-restored), this is your lucky day. You’ll never find another one like it; it will surely be one of the stars of your collection. Best of all, I am offering this magnificent radio with NO RESERVE – high bidder takes it!
PLEASE NOTE: This radio 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 radio 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!