It was big and measured 94"h x 75 3/4"w x 22 1/2"d. This reproduction 18th century cabinet housed the Breakfront model that contained a radio, phonograph, and projection-type TV. When the war ended late in 1945 and contracts for military products were abruptly terminated, radio manufacturers faced many challenges reestablishing a position in the civilian market.įigure 1. Tremendous advances in electronic circuit design and manufacturing processes resulted from the war effort. Radio manufacturing facilities were retooled and electronic engineers and assemblymen were reassigned and retrained to produce war products. Production of radios for civilian use came to a halt. One model, the Berkshire Breakfront, a combined radio/phonograph/TV is shown in Figure 1.Īs the United States became more involved in the war in Europe, the supply of materials used for manufacturing radios was diverted to manufacture of war products. The story behind this decision and a description of some of the products are the focus of this article. At least one company specializing in elaborate and custom receivers, McMurdo Silver, Incorporated, did not survive the Depression due to the pressures of competition.Īlthough faced with competition in a limited market, RCA decided to enter the high-end radio game. Others, including Philco, RCA, Stromberg-Carlson and Zenith, also marketed to the wealthy by offering custom-built and elaborate receivers in addition to their main product lines. Scott Radio Laboratories and Capehart thrived on marketing radios to the wealthy.
(Editor)ĭuring the Depression years most radio corporations relied on mass production of low- to mid-priced receivers for their success.
In this article, Norman Braithwaite describes these sets and how RCA introduced the Berkshire line to the public. In 1947, RCA entered the high-end market with its Berkshire line of radio-phonographs and TVs. Of Old Radios And Related Items-Published Monthly A.R.C.-The National Publication For Buyers And Sellers