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 pricey 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. There is a standard $50 insurance now automatically included on USPS Priority Air Mail packages.

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 scottswim@aol.com  E-mail me here to order.
Sorry, no repair service available.
Sign up for Paypal for quick easy payment:  Click the icon to sign up.
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. 

Trimm Featherweight Lorgnette earphone 300 ohms impedance

This is a new in the original box stick type earphone by Trimm with 300 ohm impedance, in mint original working condition. They were frequently used in theaters and churches for those who needed hearing assistance. $35

Military HS-16A Headphones 600 ohms AC impedance

This is a new old stock pair of military HS-16A headphones circa 1950s or 60's in mint unused condition. The impedance is a bit low for use on crystal radio, though I can head a couple of local stations on my crystal radio and many more with an impedance matching transformer. I have several more that are still sealed in the original packages, although there were several different manufacturers so they may not look exactly like this pair. The one above is available at $41, same price for the one left still sealed.

Western Electric 509 Military headphones 2200 ohms

This is a pair of Western Electric 509 headphones marked with military stamp, but in near mint condition and working fine. Excellent sensitivity for crystal radio reception. The original brown cloth cord has 1/4 inch plug. $53

Selling off a few of my boxed headphones I have collected over the years.

HOLDS: If you want a pair of headphones or other item but need some time before purchasing, I will place the item on HOLD for a period of up to 2 weeks. After that the hold will be released and item sold to any buyer who wants it. Sorry I can't place items on hold longer. NO exceptions to this rule.

Explorer 1500 Ohm Single Earphones with original box

Single sided headphone looks to be new old stock in like new condition with the original box. Probably about 1940's vintage. Working and pick up local stations on crystal radio. $29SOLD 

Brandes Superior Matched Tone 2000 Ohm Headphones new in original box

This is another pair of new in the box Brandes headphones from 1921. Also has some rust stain on the headband cloth but appear to be unused, tested and working fine. The label on the box is a reproduction, otherwise all original pieces. $89 

Trimm Featherweight 2000 ohm single headphone with original box

Single Trimm Featherweight headphone with 1/4 inch right angle plug in original box. Looks to have never been used. $32

Trimm Professional 2000 Ohm Single headphone in original box
 
Single Trimm Dependable headphone with 1/4 inch straight plug in original box. Looks to have never been used. $31

Workrite 2500 Ohm Headphones

This is a very uncommon pair of Workrite headphones from Cleveland, is excellent cosmetic and working condition. Highly collectible and an excellent specimen. $59

Everett 2000 Ohm headphones

Good working pair of Everett 2000 ohm headphones a couple of areas whipped with some thread to hold down loose edges. Very good working condition and unusual reddish bakelite earcaps. $42

Western Electric 509 Headphones from Laguna Honda Home 2200 ohms

This is the only pair of Western Electric 509 headphones I have ever seen that were embossed for a particular business on the metal housing. This pair is in exceptional cosmetic and functional condition with the 1/4 inch straight plug. The Laguna Honda Home was/is located in the San Francisco area and these are truly a unique piece of history from that institution. $79

Keystone 2200 Ohm Headphones

This is a fairly rare pair of Keystone headphones by American Electric Company in good working condition. The cord is a bit short and repaired at the end, but they work great and would work well for crystal radio use. $49.

Redhead 3000 Ohm Headphones

This is a quite uncommon pair of Red Head headphones by the Newman Stern Company. They are in working condition, but being about 95 years old show some wear and tear and the sound is a bit tinny and uneven from side to side, but they are a great collectors item and are in working condition. $55

2200 Ohm Headphones

No name 2200 ohm headphones in good working condition, suitable for crystal radio use. $44

RoyalFone Headphones

Royalfone King Of All headphones 2000 ohm headphones in good working condition. $43

Davega Headphones

This is a downright rare pair of Davega 2000 ohm headphones, though they appear to be similar to Frost headphones, and may have been made under contract. This is the only pair of these I have ever seen. They are in working condition. $65 

Standard Electric 2500 Ohm Headphones

A fairly uncommon pair of Standard Electric Company 2500 ohm headphones from around 1922 in good working condition. Some soiling of headband cloth. In working condition with good enough sensitivity for crystal radio. $43

Erpees 2000 ohm headphones

This is a fairly uncommon pair of European headphones in very nice working and cosmetic condition. I put some shims under the diaphragms to optimize the sound quality. Pretty reddish bakelite ear caps. $39

Western Electric CW-834 Headphones, rare chrome housings

This is a quite rare pair of Western Electric CW-834 headphones with the uncommon chrome plated housings. Tested and working fine. Leatherette covered headband and heavy duty cloth covered cord with new pin tips installed. $89  

Western Electric CW-834 Headphones circa 1918

This is the more common appearance of the Type CW-834 headphones made while the 1918 patent was still pending, the embossing hidden underneath the metal plate. These are in exceptionally good cosmetic and functional condition. $76

Western Electric 509-W Headphones

Good working Western Electric 509-W headphones with some fray on the cord but otherwise good working condition and very sensitive for crystal radio use. $54 

Western Electric Signal Corps P-II Headphones, circa 1917

This is a pair of Western Electric Signal Corps P-II 2200 ohm headphones that were the original equipment with the WW-I BC-14A DeForest Signal Corps crystal radio. These are very hard to find and these are in reasonably good condition with only some minor fray of the outer covering on the cord cloth. $75HOLD SW

Western Electric 509-W Headphones with leatherette headband

This is a nice pair of Western Electric 509-W headphones with the leatherette headband and original 3 conductor shielded cord that even still has the paper Western Electric tag on it. Excellent sensitivity for crystal radio. $75HOLD SW

Western Electric 509 headphones

Western Electric 509 headphones 2200 ohms DC resistance. Good condition with the leatherette covered headband. $58 

Western Electric 509-W Headphones

This is a good working pair of Western Electric 509-W headphones circa 1922 is very good cosmetic and working condition. New replacement diaphragms. Original cord has a few minor fray spots on outer cloth cover. Tested and excellent sensitivity for crystal radio reception. $57

RCA Navy Soundpowered Headphones

This is a pair of RCA big can Navy soundpowered headphones. The rubber cushions have been replaced as the originals were rotted. A cord with pin tips has been spliced in place using the original heavy duty rubber insulated cord. A Mouser 42TM-117 impedance matching transformer is included for optimal impedance matching with crystal radio. Tested and excellent sensitivity. $99HOLD  

RCA Navy Soundpowered Headset

This is a pair of RCA big can Navy soundpowered headphones. The rubber cushions are originals but there are some chips in the black rim around the cushions. A cord with plug has been spliced in place using the original heavy duty rubber insulated cord. Best used with an impedance matching transformer such as Mouser 42TM-117 impedance matching transformer for optimal impedance matching with crystal radio. Tested and excellent sensitivity. $95HOLD

Western Electric Navy Sound Powered Headset with Chest set mic

This is an entire headset chestset unit, a Western Electric big can type decktalker in very good cosmetic and working condition. Since all parts were present and complete and working, I did not want to separate the parts so it is sold as a whole unit. Tested and working with excellent sensitivity. $95  

Western Electric Navy Soundpowered Headset #4

Western Electric Navy soundpowered headset only, with cord spliced using 22 GA zip cord with pin tip ends. Tested and excellent sensitivity, best used with impedance matching transformer, but I am out of the Mouser 42TM-117 transformers right now, though they are available through Mouser. $79

Kollmorgen 2200 Ohm Headphones

This is another pair of rare headphones, and these are in good working condition. Kollmorgen 2200 ohm headphones with nice original reddish brown cord and leather headband to match the reddish brown bakelite earphones units. I have never seen another pair of this brand. $115

Holleyfone 2000 Ohm headphones

Another uncommon set of headphones, Holleyfone from Holley MFG in Newark NJ, 2000 ohms DC resistance in very good cosmetic and working condition. Beautiful shiny chromed or polished nickel housings. $69

Webster 2500 Ohm Headphones

Excellent pair of Webster Electric Co. 2500 ohm headphones in excellent cosmetic and working condition. This is another rare set that I have never seen outside of this one pair. They have a nice leather headband with unique pivots and were obviously a higher end product at the time. $79

Pival 1000 Ohm Headphones

This is a pretty uncommon pair of Pival 1000 ohm headphones in good working condition. $33

Crown Mechanics 2000 Ohm Headphones

This is a very uncommon pair of Crown Mechanics 2000 ohm headphones from Rochester that are in good working condition. $49

Radio Phone 1000 Ohm Headphones

This is a nice pair of 1000 ohm Radio Phone headphones, one tiny fray spot on the headband visible top right, good working condition. $39  

Penberthy Headphones

Penberthy headphones are also rarely seen, and this pair is in working condition. but some obvious wear and tear from the 90+ years it has been around. $35

American Bell 2000 ohm headphones

This is a nice look and working pair of American Bell 2000 ohm headphones. These were an economy grade set, but work well enough to use for local stations on crystal radio. $26 

This is a very uncommon pair of British headphones from the early 1920's in nice working condition. They are 2000 ohms and work well for crystal radio use. $49

Automatic Electric 1500 Ohm Headphones

Automatic Electric headphones from the mid to late 1920's in quite nice cosmetic and working condition. Work fine for crystal radio use, tested and working well. Nice leatherette covered headband. $39 

Trimm Brown Bakelite 3000 Ohm Headphones

This is a pair of Trimm 3000 ohm headphones in the uncommon brown bakelite, There are in very good cosmetic condition and have very good sensitivity for crystal radio use. With the original brown cloth cord and headband. A small area of fray on the outer covering of the cord. $52

Blue Streak 2000 Ohm Headphones

This is one of a very few pairs of Blue Streak headphones that I have ever seen, so they must be pretty uncommon. These are in very good cosmetic and working condition. $48

Schwarze 2000 Ohm Headphones

Kind of a beat up but working pair of Schwarze 2000 ohm headphones from late 1920's. Fair amount of wear and tear but can still hear local stations on crystal radio with these. $19

Western Electric 509 Headphones 2200 ohms

Later pair of Western Electric 509 headphones with the simple metal headband in very good working condition. Very sensitive for crystal radio use. $48 SOLD Y

Western Electric 509-W headphones

This is a nice pair of Western Electric 509-W headphones in good working condition. Great sensitivity for crystal radio. Just a little fray near the ends of the cord by the terminals. $59SOLD Y 

Western Electric 509-W Headphones with leatherette headband

Good working pair of Western Electric 509-W headphones circa 1920. Some patched fray on the cord but electrically intact and fine for general use. Very sensitive for crystal radio use. $49 

Trimm Type K 2200 Ohm headphones

Trimm Type K military headphones made to the same military specs as the Western Electrics, and in great condition. Like new replacement cloth cord. Excellent sensitivity for crystal radio use. $57

Pennsylvania Hamburg 2000 ohm headphones

This is a fairly uncommon pair of Hamburg Pennsylvania 2000 ohm headphones in working condition, with some fray on the headband and some patches on the cord. They still work but are more of a collectible than for regular use, though I can head local stations clearly on crystal radio. $27 

Consolidated R-2-A Headphones 2200 Ohms

Working pair of Consolidated R-2-A headphones, replacement headband, work great for crystal radio. $37 

Wotton Headphones 2000 Ohms

Uncommon pair of Wotton 2000 ohm headphones in working condition. $49

Haliburton and White Radio Blue headphones

Uncommon pair of working 2200 ohm headphones circa 1924 Radio-Blue by Haliburton and White from Canada. These have been tested and are working, though not the best sensitivity, more of an interesting collectible. $34

Airline 2000 ohm headphones

Working pair of Airline 2000 ohm headphones with the reddish bakelite housings, in working condition. $34

BASCO Briggs and Stratton 3000 ohm headphones

Very uncommon pair of BASCO 3000 ohm headphones in good working condition. A good accessory to go with a BASCO crystal radio. $55

Baldwin Type C Headphones

Good working pair of Baldwin Type C headphones with the mica diaphragm in very good condition with replacement cord. Very good for crystal radio use. $59

Baldwin Mica Type C Headphones

Good working pair of Baldwin Type C headphones with the mica diaphragm in very good condition with original cord, small frayed spot on cord. Very good for crystal radio use. $54HOLD SW  

Newcomb 500 ohm headphones

Another pair of Newcomb headphones in 500 ohm DC resistance. Will work OK for crystal radio but at the low range of impedance for crystal set. A bit of rust on the yokes but the cloth cord looks great. $17 Have several of these. 

Brandes Superior 2000 Ohm Headphones

Early circa 1920 pair Brandes Superior 2000 ohm headphones in great cosmetic and working condition. This is probably the best condition of one of the early Brandes that I have seen. $69HOLD SW

Brandes Superior 2000 ohm headphones circa 1922

A good working pair of Brandes headphones fine for crystal radio use, tested and working fine. $44

Brandes Superior 2000 0hm headphones circa 1920

Early circa 1920 pair Brandes Superior 2000 ohm headphones in decent cosmetic and working condition. $39

Brandes Superior 2000 Ohm Headphones

Another great pair of Brandes 2000 ohm  headphones circa 1924. Tested and working fine for crystal radio use. $44 

Brandes Superior 2000 Ohm headphones

Brandes Superior 2000 ohm  headphones in good condition and working fine, Circa 1924. $41 

Cannon Ball Single headphone new in original box

This is a single 1000 ohm headphone, Cannon Ball Alnico, new in the original box, in working condition, probably 1940's vintage. $25 

Will be listing many more headphones over the next few weeks, inquire is there is something specific you are looking for.     

REX 2000 ohm headphones

A nice working pair of Rex headphones in good working condition. $22

ACME Trimm 2000 Ohm Headphones

Economy grade set of headphones, could use a good cleaning but in good working condition. $16

 
Top Row:
Freed Eisemann rare plug $11SOLD
Big Pacent $5SOLD
GE $5SOLD
Small Pacent $5SOLD
CICO $5SOLD

Middle Row:
Bulen  $5SOLD  
Weston $5SOLD
Chrome plug $3
Nickel plug $3 
Brach Connector $3 
BMS connector $3
Large plug $4 

Bottom Row:
Various cylinder type plugs $2 each

Trimm Dependable Low Z headphones

Another pair of Trimm Dependable low impedance headphones, appear to be unused new old stock in good working condition with 3/16 inch straight plug. $32

Trimm Dependable 2000 Ohm Headphones

Trimm Dependable 2000 ohm headphones in OK condition, some patched frayed spots on the cord, but still work great and fine for crystal radio use. $25

Cannonball Dixie 2000 Ohm Headphones

Cannonball Dixie 2000 ohm headphones. They are in working condition with replacement cord but work fine for local stations on crystal radio. Some rust on the metal headband. $19

No name 2000 ohm headphones with rubber ear pads

No name headphones similar to Cannon with 1/4 inch plug in good working condition and work fine for crystal radio. $26

Alnico low Z headphones

Nice looking and working pair of Alnico headphones in low impedance model with cloth cord and small mono plug. $19

Rex Headphones 2000 Ohms

A working pair of Trimm The Rex headphones with 2000 ohms DC resistance, work OK for local stations on crystal radio. A bit time worn but still working. $18

Cannon Chief low impedance headphones

This is a working but somewhat time worn pair of Cannon Chief headphones with low impedance rating, can be used for later tube radios. The decal is missing from the other housing. Could be used for stage prop or put in to actual use. $19

Kellogg low impedance headphones

This is a working pair of Kellogg Type 82-A headphones with low impedance rating, can be used for later tube radios. The cord has some loss of the rubber insulation at the ends but otherwise intact and functional. Could be used for stage prop or put in to actual use. Same headband as the Western Electric headphones. $28

No Name 2000 ohm headphones

Good working pair of 2000 ohm headphones suitable for crystal radio use. No plug or pin tips on cord. Tested and working. $17

Western Electric Operator Headset

Western Electric model 53 operator headset in very nice condition. Earphone unit tests good, have no way to test the mic. $19

Military Headphones

This is a kind of grungy but intact and working pair of military headphones, needs a good cleaning. $9

Cannon Chief Low Impedance Headphones

This is a nice looking and working pair of low impedance Cannon Chief headphones with the 1/4 inch right angle plug. Nice cloth cord is worth the cost of the set. $22 

Alnico Magnetic 2000 Ohm headphones

Working pair of Alnico Magnetic 2000 ohm headphones, some rust on headband but the cord looks like new. $19HOLD 

Brandes NHI 2000 Ohm headphones circa 1920

This is a quite uncommon pair of Brandes NHI 2000 ohm headphones, with some wear of the headband cloth and a chip off the housings that cover the screw terminals on the back of the housings. These are still in about the best condition of any of the Brandes NHI that I have seen and are in working condition. The diameter is a little smaller than the other Brandes, and the increased diameter improved the tone and sensitivity, but still able to hear stations well on crystal radio. A collectible and uncommon set. $49

USVB 2000 Ohm Headphones

This is a fairly uncommon pair of USVB 2000 ohm headphones, in good working condition. Look a lot like Trimm headphones, possibly made on a contract. Fine for crystal radio reception. $35

Trimm Low Z headphones

Nice looking pair of Trimm low impedance headphones. $26

Trimm Dependable 2000 Ohm Headphones

Good working 2000 ohm Trimm Dependable headphones with some fray of the outer cover of the cord at the Y connection but otherwise good working condition and suitable for crystal radio reception. $28

CannonBall Master 2000 ohm headphones in good condition, OK for local stations on crystal radio, one side is a bit louder than the other, cord is in great shape. $18

Trimm Featherweight 300 ohm single headphone in original box

This is a new in the original box set of Trimm Featherweight 300 ohm headphones, look like they have never been used. $36

NRI Single Headphone

 
Nice nearly new looking set of NRI single headphone in good working condition, 1000 ohms. $24

Western Electric 509W Headphones
 
This is a good working pair of Western Electric 509-W headphones with the later type curved script in good working condition, has a small patch on the cord and the leather covered headband. $65HOLD  

Low Impedance Cheapie Headphones

Working pair of fairly modern low impedance headphones, tinned ends on the wire. $11

Uncommon Harvey Wells low impedance headphones maybe 1950's vintage in working condition, cord looks a bit rough but electrically intact. Great addition to your Harvey Wells ham radio gear. $35         

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. 

Batch of 4 vintage headphones, 2 are working

Batch of 4 headsets probably 1960's vintage, a couple of them are working. All 4 for $12. Can ship the lot within the US in flat rate box for $19 postage, might be less by weight to nearby locations.

British Headphones, not working

An uncommon set, says EIB on the paper sticker, for prop or display. $18

Alnico headphones, not working

This pair of Alnico headphones is a new old stock pair, but coils are open circuit so it is not working. The cord is good or they could be used for a prop or to rebuild. $17HOLD 

Cheap Gray Headphones

This is a cheapie pair of headphones with separate cord for each side, and about 1800 ohms DC resistance per side. They are actually in working condition but are not very good performers. $9HOLD

Wen Model 100 Soldering Gun
 

This is a Wen soldering iron 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 used but tested, no cracks, and working fine. Wen. $19SOLD    Have several others available, inquire if interested.

NOS Sylvania 1N450 Glass Body Point Contact Germanium Crystal Diodes

New Old stock of Sylvania crystal diodes, probably 1950's vintage, nice long leads, tested and work great for crystal radio detectors. $2 each or $19 for a dozen.

NOS Vintage Sylvania 1N48 glass body Point Contact Diodes

These are new old stock Sylvania glass body 1N48 Germanium point contact diodes, the early style with the metal caps and clear large glass body. These have been tested and are excellent crystal radio detectors, subjectively as good as any 1N34 diodes I have. They have the full length leads as shown. $3 each or $29 for a dozen within the US

Package of 7 Germaniun Point Contact Crystal Radio Detector Diodes

Assortment of seven diodes. One vintage Sylvania 1N48 diode, two Russian D9B detector diodes, two US made NOS military diodes, and two modern 1N34A diodes.
All work great for crystal radio detectors. $6 .

Package of 12 Diodes

A dozen new old stock military germanium point contact detector diodes, (sorry the photo only shows 10 but offer is for 12) behave like 1N34A but they are unmarked so I don't know the exact specs, but tested and work equivalent to any 1N34A diode I have. $4
Bulk purchase option buy 100 diodes for $15.

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.

Variable Capacitors: go to the 1920's radio parts page.

Just listed some nice vintage National variable tuning capacitors on the radio parts page.

Email to scottswim@aol.com
E-mail me here to order.

Back to Scott's Crystal Radio Home Page