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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 90 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, if more than the $50 coverage that comes with Priority Mail, not responsible for damage or disappearance in mail, so insurance is recommended.
Email to scottswim@aol.com  E-mail me here to order.
Sorry, no repair service available.

 Cords: 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 arrive 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. Unfortunately, I do not know of a good source for cloth covered cords. Phoneco does stock them but charges about $40 for each one, but you can check with them if you like.

HOLDS: Items may be held up to 2 weeks, will then be released for sale.

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.     

Tower Scientific Navy Type 2000 ohm headphones in original box

This is a new in the original box pair of headphones from the late 1920's in unused working condition. The box is a bit rough but the headphones were never used and are in working condition. They were an economy grade consumer pair so were fairly inexpensive at the time. $35

Doubleday-Hill Federal 2200 Ohm Headphones

An uncommon brand of Doubleday-Hill headphones, "The Federal" 2200 ohms circa 1922-1924 in very good working condition. They have very good sensitivity for crystal radio reception. $49SOLD JB  

Hand Held British 4000 Ohm Unit

Single hand held 4000 ohm British earphone in good working condition and sensitive enough for crystal radio use. $19

RCA "Big can" Headphone elements

This set of headphones consists of a pair of RCA big can elements wired in series and mounted on a vintage headband. The ear pad cushions slip over the rim of the elements and are soft and comfortable. Will include a little Mouser 42-TM117 impedance matching transformer. Superb sensitivity. $49SOLD 

R&Z 2000 ohm Headphones

A very uncommon pair of R&Z 2000 ohm headphones in good working condition, replacement vintage cloth cord. $44

Brush Crystal Headphones

This is a pair of good working Brush crystal piezoelectric headphones. While there are a lot of Brush headphones around, it is rare to find a good working pair, as the piezoelectric crystals tended to deteriorate if they were exposed to humidity. this pair is a survivor and their sensitivity is excellent for using with crystal radios. Keep them in a sealed ziplock bag for preservation. $55

JS Timmons 2000 Ohm Headphones

Another uncommon pair of headphones, JS Timmons 2000 ohm headphones is good working condition. $49

Bestone 2200 Ohm Headphones

Working pair of Bestone headphones with replacement modern cord. Sensitivity adequate for crystal radio listening. $29SOLD JB

No name 2000 ohm headphones

Working pair of 1920's headphones sensitivity adequate for crystal radio reception. The cloth is split on one of the canvas headband covers. $24

Automatic Electric 1500 Ohm Headphones

Working pair of Automatic Electric 1500 ohm headphones, somewhat time work but electrically intact and adequate for local stations on crystal radio. $16

Kainer 2000 ohm headphones

Very uncommon pair of Kainer 2000 ohm headphones in great working condition, with very good sensitivity for crystal radio use. They have new diaphragms and the sound is excellent. $64

Dictograph R-3 3000 ohm headphones

Colorful pair of Dictograph R-3 headphones in good working condition circa 1922. Very good sensitivity for crystal radio use. Dictograph headphones were one of the more expensive brands in the early 1920's and have good sound quality and are light and comfortable to wear. $49HOLD PA till 7/15

SG Brown 1000 ohm headphones

British made headphones with 1000 ohms DC resistance in good condition. These are later version probably 1950's or 1960's vintage. They are in working condition though I find them rather uncomfortable so I would recommend them for display or only occasional use. $22

MESCO Headphones

Working pair of Manhattan Electric Supply Company 2000 ohm headphones. Working and adequate for crystal radio reception for local stations. Time worn but working. $19

Kellogg Low Impedance Headphones

Very nice looking pair of Kellogg low impedance headphones in good working condition. $24

Brandes NHI 2000 ohm headphones

Good working pair of Brandes NHI 2000 ohm headphones, fine for crystal radio use. These have lost the plastic cover on the back and the 2 little keeper screws but still work great with very good sensitivity for crystal radio use. $29HOLD PA till 7/15  

Batch #1 of 4 headphones for repair or display

Batch of Four headphones all in need of repair of cords. All 4 for $24
Moulton Junior good coils, cord open
Lakeside Special one side open
Stave Signal Corps good coils
Schwarze good coils

Batch #2 of 4 headphones for repair or display

Batch of 4 interesting headphones all in need of repair or cords. All 4 for $24SOLD
CM French Ampl-Tone one side open
Coherer Products 1 side open
Moulton Junior 1 side open
Harold Wakem Sensitone 1 side open

Elwood Headphones

Working pair of Elwood 2000 ohm headphones circa 1922 with replacement cord. Very good sensitivity for crystal radio use. Has a couple of chips out of the rims of the caps shown iun the second photo, not affecting function. $23

Western Electric Style military HUBMIL TS-5

This is a nice military single 1000 ohm headphone in good working condition. Suitable for use with crystal radio and the unit looks like a Western Electric type element. $23

Baldwin headphones were the first to use the balanced armature type of sound reproducer similar to that used in the later navy soundpowered headphones, making their sensitivity excellent. The armature was coupled to a transparent mica diaphragm and encircled by a large permanent magnet. They were among the best, and most expensive headphones available in the early 1920's, and the average worker would have to pay 1-2 weeks wages to buy a pair.  

A note about Baldwin Headphones
    Headphones by Nathaniel Baldwin were touted as being superior to other headphones of the 1920's due to their pivoting armature driving a pin attached to a mica diaphragm. After testing dozens of pairs of these headphones, I conclude that the main difference is increased sensitivity to very weak signals, and the volume on stronger signals is about the same as a good pair of Western Electric 509-Ws or Brandes headphones. They have an excursion limiting pin to stabilize the position of the armature in the magnet gap that limits the excursion of the armature and thereby limiting the volume at higher levels. So, don't buy a pair of Baldwins expecting them to be louder than a good pair of magnetic diaphragm type of headphones for general listening, but you should find that they pick up the very weak stations better than others. Also, since there are moving parts involved, there is sometimes some variability in volume and one side may be marginally louder than the other side.

Baldwin #1
 
Good working pair of Baldwin headphones with replacement headband and re-airs to the cord, but work great with excellent sensitivity. $41

Baldwin #4

Good working pair of Baldwin headphones with replacement cord. $47

Baldwin #5

Good working pair of Baldwin headphones with replacement cord. $44

Baldwin #6

Pair of Baldwin Type C headphones with mica diaphragm, replacement cord, and probably replacement headband of similar design. Working fine for crystal radio use. $39HOLD 

Baldwin Single unit with aluminum diaphragm

Single Baldwin driver unit with nice silk covered cloth cord. Works fine. Unusual aluminum diaphragm, might have been intended as speaker driver. $24SOLD    

Sterling Lilliput Headphones for Display

This is a pair of Sterling Lilliput 2000 ohm headphones from London, early 1920's vintage that unfortunately have one burned out coil so are sold as a display or collectible rather than a fully functional pair of headphones. This is a very uncommon and very attractive pair of early British headphones. $29

Coherer Products 1000 ohm single earphone

Rare Coherer Products 1000 ohm single earphone in working condition. This is the only Coherer headphone I have ever seen so must be pretty uncommon. $41

Explorer S-1 1500 ohm single headphone with original box

This is a 1500 ohm single sided earphone, Explorer S-1 that appears to be new, unused, with the original box. Works well and suitable for crystal radio use. $24

Kilbourne & Clark 2000 ohm Crystal Radio Headphones


This is a working pair of Kilbourne & Clark headphones, one of only a couple I have ever seen. I use the term "rare" sparingly, but this is truly a rare pair of early 1920's headphones. K&C made radio products including a crystal radio set and these headphones to sell along side. Very few of the headphones remain in existence today and this is a actual working pair. Over the years one of the caps got chipped and the outer layer of the cord is gone in a few places, but they display nicely otherwise and would compliment your K&C crystal radio. $68

Connecticut 3000 Ohm Headphones

A very uncommon and high quality pair of Connecticut headphones in the 3000 ohm DC resistance, early set circa 1920-1921. Could be a good companion to a Connecticut Sodion tube radio. These are in good working condition and have a replacement vintage cloth cord. $69

Crosley 2000 Ohm Headphones #1

Pair of Crosley 2000 ohm headphones is good working condition. Crosely headphones are in high demand to go with the Crosely radios, but the headphones didn't last well over the years, especially the ear caps were very brittle and when they broke, the headphones got tossed out. Hence, few remain, and most have some chips or cracks in the ear caps. I have tried to show any imperfections in the following sets, which represent most of the Crosley headphones I have collected over the past 20 years. this pair is one of the best ones. $69  

Crosley 2000 ohm headphones #2

Frost Fones #161 in original box

This is a nice looking original Frost Fones No 161 Original box circa 1923 with a pair of Frost Fones 163 headphones that look nice, but unfortunately are not working. The major value of this set is in the nice original cardboard box. Both the upper and lower sections of the box are intact with just some edge and corner wear and that one stray mark on the label you see on the facing end flap. $39      

Brandes Superior Matched Tone Headphones circa 1923-1924

Very nice pair of Brandes Superior Matched tone 2000 ohm headphones circa 1923-1924. Replacement ring terminals on the cord. Work well for crystal radio reception. $46   

The New Yorker single 1000 ohm earphone, new old stock

New old stock unused The New Yorker 1000 ohm single sided earphone, nice for a portable set, sensitive enough for crystal radio use. $16 each, have several

Western Electric 509-W Headphones #1

Beautiful pair of Western Electric 509-W headphones with the leatherette covered headband, cord has the original Western Electric paper tag on it. Work great for crystal radio use. $74HOLD SW till 7/14/19. 

Western Electric 509-W headphones #5

Another nice looking and good working pair of Western Electric 509-W headphones with great sensitivity for crystal radio use. The headband and housings are in exceptionally nice condition. The cord has 1/4 inch plug attached, and the cord is in good condition. Some tarnish on the plug but electrically OK. $63HOLD SW till 7/14/19. 

Western Electric 509-W #6

Excellent working pair of WE 509-W headphones, all original. the outer cover of the cord is moderately frayed, inner covers are nice and firm and electrically intact. Headband and earphone units are in very good to excellent condition. A great working pair to use for crystal radio and even though the cord is a bit ugly it should last a good while. $43

Western Electric 509-W headphones #7

Not the prettiest pair of Western Electrics but they work fine and have new replacement ear caps and diaphragms. Some fray on the cord and headband but functionally as good as higher priced sets. $39 

Newcomb 500 Ohm headphones

Pair of more modern looking headphones that work fine for local reception on crystal radio or 1 tube set. Replacement black vinyl cord with tinned tips. $17 

Murdock HS-16A Headphones

Another set of post war era military HS-16A headphones put together with a vintage Western Electric headband and black vinyl zipcord, with the 2 pin tips. There are some 1/4 inch plug adapters available further down this page. The earphone units are new old stock. These medium impedance 600 ohms AC impedance (about 100 ohms DC resistance) headphones are useful for communications radio sets. $24

Brandes Navy Type 3000 ohm headphones circa 1923

The Navy Type were the highest priced model of Brandes headphones back in 1923 and featured a 3 conductor shielded cord and grounded housings. This pair is in great condition and the sensitivity is excellent. There is a spliced area on the cord you can see. $43  

Brandes Superior 2000 Ohm Headphones #1

Good working pair of Brandes Superior 2000 ohm headphones, slight surface rust on the diaphragms, but work fine for crystal radio. $25

Brandes Superior 2000 Ohm headphones #2

Good working pair of Brandes headphones circa 1925 working fine, a little fray on the cord. Work well for crystal radio. $27

Brandes Superior 2000 ohm headphones #3

Great working pair of Brandes with replacement cord and keeper screws, and a patched up area on the headband cloth you can see.  Great pair for crystal radio listening. $28

Brandes Superior Matched Tone 2000 ohm headphones circa 1923 #4

Great working all original pair of Brandes 2000 ohm headphones circa 1923, tested and work great for crystal radio reception, excellent sensitivity. $42

Brandes Superior 2000 Ohm Headphones #5

Good working pair of Brandes headphones circa 1921 work great for crystal radio, some scratched inscription on the back of the housings. $27

Brandes Superior 2000 ohm headphones #6
  
Very nice looking and working pair of Brandes Superior Matched Tone headphones circa 1921 in all excellent condition. Great for crystal radio. $47  

Brandes Superior 2000 Ohm Headphones #7

Good working pair of Brandes Superior headphones circa 1921 work great, nice condition $32

Brandes Superior 2000 Ohm Headphones #8

Good working pair of Brandes 2000 ohm headphones with the American Legion logo on the back and replacement cord. $34

Brandes Superior 2000 Ohm Headphones #9
 
Brandes 2000 ohm headphones in very good cosmetic and working condition. A couple of very minor fray spots on the cord otherwise in very nice condition.  $45 

Brandes #10, Early version circa 1919-1921

This is an early version of the Brandes Superior 2000 ohm headphones. Headband and housings marked Pat. Pending. They are in good working condition and are true antiques at approximately 100 years old. $48

Early Brandes 2000 ohm headphones #12

Early circa 1920 Brandes Superior headphones with replacement cord in otherwise good working condition. $31

Western Electric Navy Soundpowered Headset #4
 
Western Electric Navy soundpowered headset only, with cord spliced using 22 GA zip cord with pin tip ends. Some warp of the ear cushions but fit fine anyway. Tested and excellent sensitivity, will include Mouser impedance matching transformer. $56HOLD SW till 7/14/19.  

Everett Model E-2

A working but fairly well worn pair of Everett E-2 headphones, 2000 ohms DC resistance, condition as shown. These have interesting reddish brown Bakelite caps. $25

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.  Items that say hold after the price are on hold.

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. $68

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.

RoyalFone Headphones

Royalfone King Of All headphones 2000 ohm headphones in good working condition. $33

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. $49

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. $39

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. $36 

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. $38

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. $12       

Unbranded Single Earphone 1000 ohms

Simple single headphone, no name brand but probably by Cannon. They are 1000 ohms and work OK, can hear some locals, but not really sensitive enough for distant stations. $8

NRI Single Headphone 1000 ohms

Good working single 1000 ohm NRI headphone circa late 1920's. $14

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

Early Headphone plug adapters:  sold out, will try to get more soon

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. $26 

ACME Trimm 1000 ohm single earphone

Cheap but working set of ACME 1000 ohm single sided earphone, I can hear some local stations on crystal radio. $12 

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. $16

Cannon Chief 32 ohm headphones

Another pair of Cannon Chief headphones, headband is a bit nice on this one. $24

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 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 

Trimm 500 Ohm Headphones

Uncommon 500 ohm pair of Trimm Headphones in working condition, replacement headband, and a bound up spot on the cord. $19 

Trimm 4000 ohm headphones

Nice working pair of Trimm 4000 ohm headphones with replacement headband. $35

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 

RMCA 2000 ohm headphones

Rather beat up but functional pair of RMCA (Radio Marine Corporation of America) headphones, probably same as Trimm Featherweight. Will work for crystal radio. $21

Pacent Everytone 3000 Ohm headphones

This is an ugly but working pair of Pacent Everytone 3000 ohm headphones. Cloth parts have fray, but electrically intact and working well enough to hear some local stations on crystal radio. $11

Illinois 2000 Ohm headphones.

Another ugly but working pair of headphones, yoke is held in securely by the screw, otherwise not really that bad. $11  

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.  

Bannard Headphones, good units, bad cord

An interesting and fairly uncommon pair of Bannard 2000 ohm headphones from the early 1920's. The 2 units are working but the cord has an open circuit somewhere so they are listed here in the nonworking section, though they would work with a new cord or cord repair. $17

Metro 1000 ohm headphones, good units, bad cord

Another set with good units but a bad cord that would work with a new cord. Metro headphones to go along with a Metro crystal set from the early 1920's. $18

Moretone Headphones not working

This is an uncommon, but unfortunately not working pair of Moretone headphones. For display, prop, or rebuilding. Only pair of this model I have seen. $16

Connecticut 3000 Ohm Headphones not working

Non working pair of early Connecticut circa 1920 plus or minus a year, one yoke thumb screw missing. $17

Military HS-16A headphones not working

Good looking but not working pair of military HS-16A headphones for stage prop or display. $13

Globe headphones not working

Interesting pair of 1920's Globe headphones not working, for display, modification, or prop. $4 

British Headphones, not working

An uncommon set, says EIB on the paper sticker, for prop or display. A nice looking genuine 1920s British headset. $18 

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 $17 for a dozen.

Package of 7 Germanium 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. $4

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. $4.50
Bulk purchase option buy 100 diodes for $15.

Other Stuff

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

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