Back to Scott's Crystal Radio Home Page
Several new pairs just listed on these pages.
Throw away that little crystal
earplug
and try a pair of real vintage headphones and you will be amazed at the
quality of sound a simple crystal set can produce. (I have recently
appreciated
the sensitivity of a good crystal earplug, but the sound is poor in
quality.
Mouser
has the best.)
I collect headphones and occasionally have to buy
a box of several headphones to get one or two for my collection. The
rest
are then tested and repaired if necessary. The housings are cleaned and
polished lightly if needed. Any cord repairs are neatly bound with
matching
color thread, but I try to keep the original cord if it is electrically
intact. Remember these headphones are up to 80 years old, may
have
minor cosmetic imperfections unless noted. Will give detailed
description
or digital photo on request. I try them on a crystal radio which is a
good
test of their sensitivity. Battery sets have a stronger output and
don't
need quite as much sensitivity from the headphones.
I have tested and have tried to rate each pair of
phones for their sensitivity and suitability to use on crystal radio or
battery sets. Most date back to the 1920's or 1930's. Some are pricy
but
consider that a pair of good headphones cost 2 or 3 day's wages back in
the early 1920's, (a week's wages in the case of Baldwins or Western
Electrics)
they are relatively inexpensive now.
New Postal Rates keep going up all the time.
For US Postal Service Priority Mail shipping within US figure 2 pounds
weight for 1 headset using the link below to the postal service, or
email
me for the actual cost of postage for larger shipments (within US).
Click
USPS icon below for US Postal rates from my zipcode 23320.
NOTE: Insurance is
highly recommended as I cannot reimburse for loss or damage in the mail
unless the postal insurance pays for it. Insurance is not available to
some overseas locations, so shipping would be at your own risk. If it
is available I will offer rates with and without insurance. If no
insurance is chosen, and the package is lost, I will send you a photo
of the postal receipt for proof of mailing but can NOT offer
reimbursement if you do not elect to get the insurance coverage.
I recommend you add insurance for amount of purchase, not responsible
for damage or disappearance in mail, so insurance is recommended. $2
for $50 coverage from US Postal Service.
Email to
scott@oldheadphones.com E-mail
me here to order.
Sorry, no repair service available.
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A note about cords: The old cloth cords on these headphones are up
to 85 years old and some are a bit fragile or stiff. I test them all
for
electrical continuity before sending them and make any necessary
electrical
repairs so they will arive to you in working condition, but I
can't
really guarantee how long they will last since some may be on their
last
strand of conductor wire inside, so I have to offer no warranty on the
cords either for longevity or appearance other than to say they are
tested
and working when I send them.
Featured Headphone: This is a special pair that I will put at the
top
of the page here that are either in exceptional condition, or a rare or
unusual pair.
USIC Navy Soundpowered Decktalker Headset
This is a complete USIC Navy Soundpowered Headset Chestset unit, tested
and in good working condition, esquisite sensitivity. Press the mic
button and you can hear your voice in the earphones with no external
power source or amplifier. This unit appears to have very little use
and in in exceptionally nice condition for a circa 1949 pair of
military ship headphones. These make the most sensitive crystal radio
headphones you can find and are built to the same "big can" military
specifications as the RCA sets that were manufactured at the same time
frame. This set is complete with the chest plate, mic, a short cord,
and
all the straps, which are all in very good condition. You can separate
the headphones and wire them in series to make it more user friendly
for crystal radio reception. Sensitivity is improved with an impedance
matching transformer. $110SOLD
David Clark soundpowered headset
This is a good working pair of David Clark soundpowered headphones,
complete with the mic, in good working condition. The cord is a little
short but I can extend it if requested. Included is a Mouser 42-TM117
input impedance matching transformer. They have excellent sensitivity
or can be used for a soundpowered communication system. These are the
behind the neck $59
Pair Of USIC Soundpowered Headphone elements
Like new pair of USIC Navy soundpowered headphone elements tested and
working properly. Put them in a pair of shooter's ear muffs for a
homemade pair of soundpowered headphones, best used with an impedance
matching transformer. $24SOLD
Pair of USIC Navy Soundpowered headphone elements
Another pair of USIC Navy soundpowered headphone elements tested and
working properly. There is a little glue on one of the housings not
affecting function, at left in photo. Put them in a pair of shooter's
ear muffs for a
homemade pair of soundpowered headphones, best used with an impedance
matching transformer. $19
USIC Navy soundpowered elements
Not a pair, but both are working properly. These may be soundpowered
mic units but sound very sensitive. $5 each
Western Electric Navy Soundpowered Mic Units
Nice pair of Western Electric Navy soundpowered mic elements tested and
working properly. These are equal or possibly slightly more sensitive
than the ear units. Put them in a pair of shooter's ear muffs for a
homemade pair of soundpowered headphones, best used with an impedance
matching transformer. $29SOLD for the pair
The Acme 2000 ohm headphones with original box
This is a 1920's pair of Acme headphones with the original box in
working condition. They look like they have been lightly used, but are
in good working condition. $35
Cannon Ball Master 2000 Ohm Headphones
Working pair of Cannonball Master 2000 ohm headphones, fine for use on
crystal radio to pick up local stations. $19
CannonBall Empire 2000 Ohm Headphones
These werer economy grade headphones circa 1930's or so, but look like
they have hardly been used. Good working condition, will pick up locals
fine on crystal radio. $22
WLS 3000 Ohm Headphones
WLS Special 3000 ohm headphones sold by Sears (World's Largest Store)
in conjunction with the Chicago radio station WLS back in the mid
1920's. These are a bit time worn, but are still working fine and pick
up my local stations on crystal radio. $25
Western Electric 516-W Headphones 2200 ohms
These are in very nice condition, Western Electric 516-W headphones
circa 1922, with 2200 ohms DC resistance. Work great on crystal radio.
$39
Western Electric 509-W Headphones 2200 Ohms
A very nice clean pair of early Western Electric 509-W headphones.
Excellent sensitivity for crystal radio reception. $65.
Trimm Dependable Low Z headphones with right angle plug
Good working pair of Trimm dependable headphones low impedance type
with right angle plug that can work in the Zenith Transoceanic radios
where you plug them in to the back of the radio under the back cover.
$26HOLD
Trimm Dependable 2000 Ohm Headphones
Good working pair of standard 2000 ohm Trimm Dependable headphones,
fine for crystal radio use. $23
Trimm Rex 2000 Ohm Headphones
Working pair of Trimm Rex 2000 ohm headphones with cloth cord and 1/4
inch plug. $18
Connecticut R-2-A Headphones 2200 Ohms
This is a very uncommon pair of Connecticut Army Signal Corps R-2-A
headphones with 2200 ohms DC resistance in the chrome finish in very
good and working condition. They are very sensitive and great for
crystal radio reception. $69
Connecticut R-2-A Headphones 2200 Ohms
This is an uncommon pair of Connecticut Army Signal Corps R-2-A
headphones with 2200 ohms DC resistance in the black finish in very
good and working condition. They are very sensitive and great for
crystal radio reception. $59
Everett 2500 Ohm Headphones
Uncommon pair or early 1920's reddish bakelite Everett headphones with
2500 ohms DC resistance, in very good working condition. $49
Airline Special 2000 ohm headphones
Good working pair of Airline Special 2000 ohm headphones circa 1923, in
working condition. Nice brown cloth headband and reddish brown bakelite
housings. $44
Elwood 2000 ohm Headphones
This is a pair of Elwood 2000 ohm headphones circa 1923, in working
condition. They are very uncommon, and I have only seen a few pairs.
$59
Connecticut R-2-A Headphones 2200 Ohms
This is a pair of vintage 2200 Ohm headphones by Connecticut in very
good condition and functioning very well. Great for crystal radio
reception. These were made as sort of a clone of the Western Electric
509 headphones. $59
Trimm Dependable 2000 Ohm Headphones
Another pair of 2000 ohm Trimm Dependable headphones in good working
condition suitable for crystal radio use. $25
Cannon Chief 2000 Ohm Headphones
Economy grade 2000 ohm headphones by Cannon, good working condition, OK
for local stations on crystal radio. $21
Murdock Model 56 Headphones 2000 ohms
Working pair of Murdock type 56 headphones with 2000 ohm DC resistance,
very good cord, other parts show their age (circa 1923). Work fine on
crystal radio. $28
Vintage Federal headphones in fair to good condition, and working fine.
Very solidly built and a must to accompany a vintage Federal radio. $37
Perkins Headphones
Very uncommon Perkins 2000 ohm headphones in working condition. $45
Western Electric Military Headphones CW-834
These are downright rare Western Electric CW-834 headphones with the
military designation. They are in great working condition, the keepers
have been resoldered as they had come loose. $89
Thomas 2000 Ohm Headphones
This is a pair of Thomas headphones, probably circa 1950's or so. They
are 2000 ohms and in good working condition. $26
Harvey Wells low impedance Headphones
Uncommon Harvey Wells low impedance headphones maybe 1950's vintage in
working condition. Great addition to your Harvey Wells ham radio gear.
$35
Trimm Single 1000 ohm earphone
A single sided 1000 ohm headphones in working condition, OK for use on
crystal radio for local stations. $9
Model 2P Headphones 2000 Ohms
Model 2P headphones in working condition, circa mid 1920's.
$35
Trimm REX 2000 Ohm Headphones
Trimm Rex 2000 ohm headphones in good working condition. $25
1970's stereo headphones
Cheap pair of retro stereo headphones with 1/4 inch stereo plug. In
working condition. $5
Very Early Wireless Age Murdock 55 Headphones 2000 ohms Circa 1914
These are fairly rare and very early Murdock 55 headphones with the
ball and socket joints. These are is truly exceptional condition for 95
year old headphones and even the original silk cord is excellent. They
also work great and senistive enough for crystal radio use. This model
was produced from about 1914 until 1920, and then was replaced by the
model
56. You may never see a finer example of these $85HOLD.
Rex 2000 Ohm Headphones
Older pair of The Rex 2000 ohm headphones in working condition suitable
for crystal radio local station reception. $21
Newcomb 2000 Ohm Headphones
This is a pair of the Newcomb headphones in 2000 ohm DC resistance
rating, hard to find Newcombs in the 2K rating. Last pair of these.
They work fine on crystal radio. $20SOLD some rust on the headband
metal parts
Newcomb 500 ohm headphones
These are cheap 500 ohm headphones from the 1950's era, good enough
to hear some locals. They have nice cloth cords that could be used for
rebuilding another pair, the cords alone are worth the price. I have a
few of these at $17 only have the red version now, some have some rust
on the metal headband yokes.
New Section Display or Mod Headphones
Nonworking Headphones for Display, Stage Props, or for rebuilding or
Steampunk Mods Nothing over $20 sorting through some next few days.
Edeson 19290's Headphones
Interesting pair of mid 1920's headphones not in working condition,
could be used for display, stage prop, or to modify. Name of Edeson, a
thinly veiled infringement on the Edison name brand. There is a little
chip out of the rim of one cap you can see on the right. Sold as is of
course. $24
Rocket Crystal Radio
This is a new in the box rocket radio sold by Restoration Hardware a
few years back but long since discontinued. Never used and only removed
from the box for the photo. $15
Quam Outdoor Speaker 3.5 inch 45 ohms
New old stock Quam outdoor 3.5 inch speaker with 45 ohms impedance
voice coil, NOS in the box, tested and working. Have 2, price $4 each
Wen Model 100 Soldering Gun in Original Box
This is an excellent Wen soldering iron in the original cardboard box
with the original paper work. It works and the tip heats up to
temperature
in about 3 seconds. You can't buy a better soldering gun and nothing
made
today works as well as a vintage This one is clean and looks barely
used.
Wen. $27SOLD Have several others available, inquire if interested.
1N60 Germanium Diodes
Here are two different 1N60 diodes that work about equivalent to 1N34A
in test here on my crystal radio. $1 for the three of them.
Steampunk Section:
A few headphones that are in Nonworking condition to use for repair,
or to rebuild with modern elements aka Steampunk conversion.
Other Stuff
Fightin' Bull Mother of Pearl Hand Crafted Pen knife
I bought several of these collectable high quality hand made pocket
knives from Wendell Carson and need to sell some of them off. I am
pricing
them at less than I paid. Mint unused new in the box condition, opened
up only to take the photo. $79 (less than I paid for it)
Have
several other styles, only one of this kind.
See 1920's Battery set parts page for
vintage
radio parts occasionally list Transformers, tubes, and test equipment.
Click
here to see the Headphone Museum Gallery
NO REPLACEMENT DOUBLE CORDS AVAILABLE They have these at Phoneco, email to phonecoinc@aol.com
Earcaps
These are not original W.E. parts but will fit W.E. 509W and similar
headphones with the same size threads. $0.39 each
Earpiece units:
1 pair Murdock 55, 1000 ohm earpiece with good coils, no cap
or diaphragm $13 ball and socket type circa 1915
Sorry, no Baldwin parts. Have some Brandes units earpieces
available with good coils without the diaphragms or earcaps,
no headbands or cords $5.
Sorry, no repair service available, plenty of advice given free though. Many other parts available, inquire.
Email to
scott@oldheadphones.com
E-mail me here to order.