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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.
Automatic Electric Headphones with original box
Working pair of Automatic Electric headphones with the original
box. Headphones are working but only fair to good condition with a
taped up spot on the cord. $45
Holtzer Cabot Headphones with original box
Holtzer Cabot 2000 ohm headphones with original box circa 1923 in
good working condition. A little fray on the proximal ends of the
cord. $65
The ACME headphones with original box
Good working pair of The ACME headphones with the original box, by
Acme specialty company. $39
Pennsylvania Hamburg 2000 Ohm Headphones in original box
Working used pair of Hamburg Brothers Pennsylvania 2000 ohm
headphones with the original box. Headphones are working but have
some fray to the headband cloth and a repaired spot on the cord.
Box is as pictured. An interesting set with the hard to find
original box. $43SOLD
Trimm Commercial 300 ohm impedance stereo headphones
New unused pair of vintage Trimm Commercial 300 ohm impedance
stereo headphones new in the original box. $35
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
Military Signal Corps Connecticut R-15 with chromed housings
Connecticut R-15 2200 ohm headphones working but cord in poor
condition. $27
American Bell 2000 ohm single unit
Working single unit with 2000 ohms dc resistance. $16SOLD
JS Timmons 2000 Ohm Headphones
Another uncommon pair of headphones, JS Timmons 2000 ohm
headphones is good working condition. $49
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. $56
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. $16
Kellogg Low Impedance Headphones
Very nice looking pair of Kellogg low impedance headphones in good
working condition. $24
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.
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. $24
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. $48
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.
$69HOLD
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.
$74SOLD SW
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. $63SOLD
SW
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
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.
$43SOLD
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.
$25SOLD
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. $28SOLD
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 $34
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
Early Brandes 2000 ohm headphones #12
Early circa 1920 Brandes Superior headphones with replacement cord
in otherwise good working condition. $31
Brandes #13, circa 1922
Great working pair of 2000 ohm Brandes Superior headphones circa
1922, great for crystal radio listening. $43
ACME Trimm headphones 2000 ohm
Pair of ACME Trimm 2000 ohm headphones, economy model but appear
to be unused, and in working condition. $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.
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
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. $26SOLD
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
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. $11HOLD
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
Illinois 2000 Ohm headphones.
Another ugly but working pair of headphones, yoke is held in
securely by the screw, otherwise not really that bad.
$11SOLD
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
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
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 1N450 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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