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
scottswim@aol.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.
Selling off a few of my boxed headphones I have collected over the
years.
Will be listing many more headphones over the next few
weeks, inquire is there is something specific you are looking for.
Holtzer Cabot Early Radio Headphones circa 1915
This is a very early pair of Holtzer Cabot 2000 ohm radio headphones
with the ball and socket joint and a double celluloid covered headband
and the original green silk cloth covered cord. These are in remarkable
condition at 99 years old. There is a bit of time wear including loss
of the bakelite nut covers on the back of the housings, you can see the
one remaining one in the photo on the right hand unit back screw. The
headphones are in working condition, but are really valued as a
collectable item, being among the earliest of headphones produced
exclusively for radio application in the 2000 ohm resistance rating,
rather than the lower impedance used for telephone switchboards.
$89SOLD
Western Electric Navy Soundpowered Headset
Working, but a bit time worn, pair of Western Electric Navy big can
soundpowered headphones with chestset. Working well, loud and clear
using the mic. May be used as soundpowered set, or remove headset to
use for crystal radio reception with impedance matching transformer.
$99
This is a fairly uncommon and good working pair of Western Electric
194W headphones, prior to the 1918 patent. This was the WW-I model
supplied to the military with the heavy duty oilcloth covered cord
still present on this set and in quite nice condition. These are rarely
found in such nice shape as they were usually roughed up pretty bad by
military use or subsequent handling over the past 95 or so years. This
set is all original including the cord, unwhipped olive drab canvas
headband cloth, and hardware. They are excellent for use on crystal
radio. $79
Western Electric 194-W Headphones 2200 ohms
Another uncommon and good working pair of Western Electric
194W headphones, prior to the 1918 patent. This was the WW-I model
supplied to the military t and in quite nice condition. These are
rarely
found in such nice shape as they were usually roughed up pretty bad by
military use or subsequent handling over the past 95 or so years. This
set has replacement but vintage headband, cord and earcaps, all in very
good to excellent condition with some chipping of the outside rubber
layer of insulation of the ends or the cord. They are excellent for use
on crystal
radio. $64
Western Electric 509W Headphones 2200 Ohms
Another very nice pair of Western Electric 509W headphones circa
1920, in fine cosmetic and working condition. This pair has the extra
long heavy duty military cloth covered cord with metal 1/4 inch
plug. Excellent
sensitivity for
use on crystal radios. These are very high quality headphones, among
the best made at the time and the favorite of professional radio
operators in the early 1920's, costing about a week's wages at the
time. $76SOLD
Western Electric 509-W Headphones 2200 Ohms
Another very nice pair of Western Electric 509W headphones circa
1920, in fine cosmetic and working condition. Excellent
sensitivity for
use on crystal radios. These are very high quality headphones, among
the best made at the time and the favorite of professional radio
operators in the early 1920's, costing about a week's wages at the
time. The parts are all original and even the cloth headband is in
exceptional condition. $72
Western Electric 509W Headphones 2200 Ohms
Another very nice pair of Western Electric 509W headphones circa
1920, in fine cosmetic and working condition, the previous owner
faintly scratched initials GSW on the back of the housiings, just
barely visible. Excellent
sensitivity for
use on crystal radios. These are very high quality headphones, among
the best made at the time and the favorite of professional radio
operators in the early 1920's, costing about a week's wages at the
time. $65
Western Electric 509 Single Earphone with probe
This is a single Western Electric 509 earphone unit 1100 ohms DC
resistance with cloth covered cord and a linesman probe on one
terminal. In working condition. $25
Western Electric 509 Single Headphone
This is a single Western Electric 509 earphone with 1100 ohms DC
resistance, in good working condition. $26
Brandes Superior 2000 Ohms circa 1919
This is an early set of Brandes Superior 2000 ohm headphones circa
1919. This pair is in exceptionally good cosmetic and working
condition. They work very well for crystal radio reception, or keep as
a collectable pair of early radio memorabilia. $59
Brandes Navy Type 3000 Ohm Headphones
This is an uncommon Brandes Navy Type pair of headphones 3000 ohmd with
the heavy duty shielded and grounded 3 conductor cord. These are in
exceptionally fine condition and are working well. Suitable for crystal
radio use with very good sensitivity. $59
Brandes Superior 2000 ohm headphones, later style
This pair of Brandes Superior Matched Tone headphones has some wear
through part of the headband cloth, but they still work fine and are
suitable for crystal radio use. They are the later producation, around
the late 1920's. $33
Brandes Superior Matched Tone 2000 ohm headphones circa 1922
This is an very good pair of Brandes Superior Matched Tone 2000 ohm
headphones circa 1921 that are in very fine cosmetic and working
condition. Tested and work great for crystal radio reception. $37
Brandes Superior Matched Tone 2000 ohm headphones
This is an good pair of Brandes Superior Matched Tone 2000 ohm
headphones circa 1924 that are in good cosmetic and working
condition. Tested and work great for crystal radio reception. $34
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
collectable and uncommon set. $49
RMCA 2000 Ohm Headphones
RMCA Radiomarine Corporation of America 2000 ohm headphones made by RCA
complete with the right angle RCA plug, in excellent cosmetic and
working condition. A very uncommon set manufactured for marine use. $29
Trimm Dependable 2000 ohm headphones
A good working pair of Trimm Dependable 2000 ohm headphones with spade
terminal tips. $33
Connecticut R2A Headphones 2200 Ohms
Apart from the cracked cord, this pair of Connectricut R2A headphones
is in excellent cosmetic and working condition. The headband is clean
and supple, and the housings are shiny and clean, and they work great
with crystal radio. They are 2200 ohms DC resistance and work great
with crystal radio. The cord is electrically intact and original to the
set so I have not replaced it. $59
Trimm Dependable 3.2 ohm headphones new in the original box
Another new old stock pair of Trimm Dependable headphones with the box,
this one in 3.2 ohm impedance. $39
Trimm Featherweight 2000 ohm headphones with big foam cushions
Nice working pair of Trimm Featherweight 2000 ohm headphones with big
foam cushions. $29
USIC Soundpowered Headphones
This is a pair of Navy Soundpowered headphones by USIC, the "big cans".
They have been removed from the chestset and a cord spliced on
with the elements in series. A Mouster 42-TM117 transformer is included
for impedance matching on crystal radio. Exceptional sensitivity.
$95SOLD
Trimm Professional 2000 Ohms
Good pair of Trimm Professional 2000 ohm headphones work well with
crystal radio. A little bit of wear from use but overall good
condition. $29
American Bell 2000 ohm headphones
Good working pair of economy grade American Bell 2000 ohm headphones
circa early 1930's. I can hear my local stations clearly on crystal
radio with these. $21
Cannon Empire 2000 ohm headphones
CanonBall Empire 2000 ohm headphones in good working condition, fine
for local stations on crystal radio. $19
CannonBall Master 2000 ohm headphones
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
Cannon Alnico 2000 ohm headphones
Good working pair of Cannon Alnico 2000 ohm headphones. There is a
little surface rust on the headband, easily removed with some steel
wool and black shoe polish. Fine for local stations on crystal radio.
$18
Cannon Chief Low Impedance Headphones
Low Z pair of Cannon Chief headphones in very nice condition, including
nice cloth cord. $19
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
Cannon Alnico Magnetic Headphones unused in original box
This is a pair of Cannon Alnico Magnetic 2000 ohm headphones in the
original box with original packing paper, There is a little rust on the
headband yoke from storage, but otherwise in new condition. $29 have
several
Holtzer Cabot 2000 ohm headphones
Another nice working pair of Holtzer Cabot 2000 ohm headphones
circa 1922.
Very good sensitivity for crystal radio reception. $49
Cannon The Chief 1000 ohm headphones
Vintage Cannon The Chief 1000 ohm headphones in very nice condition,
though the labels on the backs have faded. $23
Low impedance headphones
Low impedance headphones, suitable for tube powered radio, in new
condition. $17
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
Trimm Type K 2200 Ohm Headphones
Very nice pair of Trimm Type K 2200 ohm DC resistance headphones with
leather covered headband and 1/4 inch plug. Cloth cord is also in
excellent condition. This pair has some loss of the crhome plating on
one of the housings as shown in photo, but are in excellent condition
otherwise and work great. These were made to the same military
specifications as the Western electric headphones above. Excellent
sensitivity. $63
Trimm Dependable 2000 Ohm Headphones
Very good used pair of 2000 ohm Trimm Dependable headphones with nice
cloth cord and 1/4 inch plug. Very good for use on crystal radio. $30
Navy Soundpowered Headphone Elements
This is a pair of balanced armature Navy soundpowered headphone
elements TA-118/PT new in the original packages. Excellent
sensitivity. They are 74 ohms DC resistance each. Can be used to make a
nice sensitive pair of soundpowered headphones using a pair of hearing
protector ear muffs or a donor headset, and give best result when used
with an impedance matching transformer. These are $-- for a pair while
they last. SOLD out
Uncommon Harvey Wells low impedance headphones maybe 1950's vintage in
working condition. Great addition to your Harvey Wells ham radio gear.
$35
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 $17SOLD OUT, 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.
PAL Headset
Beat up pair of circa 1930 PAL headphones for repair, parts or stage
prop. $9
Featherweight Twin Tone Headphones
Featherweight TwinTone headphones circa 1930. $9
Cannon Alnico Headset
Cannon Alnico headset with taped up cord. $8
Cannon Alnico Headset
Cannon Alnico headset. $9
Single Telephone type earpiece
Single hanging type telephone earpiece, cord needs repair but earpiece
is functional. $9
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. $3 each
or $25 for a dozen and free shipping.
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. $4 each or $35 for a dozen and
free shipping 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 and free shipping within
the US.
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 and free shipping within
the US on this offer.
Bulk purchase option buy 100 diodes for $15 which
includes free shipping within the US.
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.