Very cool, I hadn't seen one of these before, so... of course I had to go digging to find out more. Its a Faras model 110 ca. 1954-55 made by Pawerphon, Werner & Röttger, Berlin. It's impressive in that they managed to cram a tube type AM radio chassis into a 4"x6" package and fit it inside a case that mimics bicycle/scooter headlight. I was wondering what the 'keyhole' aperture was on the face of the radio and found its a type of 'magic eye' vacuum tube that was used to give a graphic display of signal strength. Its powered by a battery pack. At the bottom front is the mystery, couldn't find any reference to it but it appears to be a type of key (It looks like a 1/4" phono plug when removed) that most likely keeps someone from turning it on when you've parked your scooter or from running the batter down accidentally. Brilliant design and very pretty. Unfortunately 1954/55 was when the first transistor radios were sold so the lovely little Faras 110 became obsolete overnight.
I have two of these. I did manage to get one working and mounted it on a board for display. Neat radio for sure. Mike Feher, N4FS, n4fsateozincdot com .
if you want to buy one, look for one for sale. They are out there and sellers are even kind enough to tell you how much it will cost you, right up front. Simple easy way to buy stuff
Very cool, I hadn't seen one of these before, so... of course I had to go digging to find out more. Its a Faras model 110 ca. 1954-55 made by Pawerphon, Werner & Röttger, Berlin. It's impressive in that they managed to cram a tube type AM radio chassis into a 4"x6" package and fit it inside a case that mimics bicycle/scooter headlight. I was wondering what the 'keyhole' aperture was on the face of the radio and found its a type of 'magic eye' vacuum tube that was used to give a graphic display of signal strength. Its powered by a battery pack. At the bottom front is the mystery, couldn't find any reference to it but it appears to be a type of key (It looks like a 1/4" phono plug when removed) that most likely keeps someone from turning it on when you've parked your scooter or from running the batter down accidentally. Brilliant design and very pretty. Unfortunately 1954/55 was when the first transistor radios were sold so the lovely little Faras 110 became obsolete overnight.
ReplyDeleteWow, great research! Thanks!
DeleteYou're welcome. It'd be a great accessory for a vintage Vespa or Lambretta. Also ripe for the pickings as a reproduction.
DeleteI have two of these. I did manage to get one working and mounted it on a board for display. Neat radio for sure. Mike Feher, N4FS, n4fsateozincdot com .
DeleteSweet! How did you find a pair of these?
DeleteAnyone got one up for sale I’m in?
ReplyDeleteif you want to buy one, look for one for sale. They are out there and sellers are even kind enough to tell you how much it will cost you, right up front. Simple easy way to buy stuff
DeleteYes I have one.forsale
DeleteShoot me a price.
DeleteI have one what do they go for on average? It's in good shape works fine.
ReplyDeletei haven't any idea, but if you look at the other comment here, the other anonymous commenter wants to buy it
Delete