Since 1990, I have enjoyed collecting and restoring antique radios and vintage audio.... all items I list will be exactly as described and packed extra well to ensure a safe delivery.. buy with confidence !
Ask any and all questions BEFORE buying!
BUYER is responsible for doing their own research to ensure they are buying the 40's vintage WIRE RECORDER they are capable of repairing and restoring or using for parts ! Once purchased, the order will NOT be canceled for any reason, and there are NO RETURNS! DO NOT BUY unless you understand this is a committed purchase!
For sale is a late 40's vintage Webster-Chicago 288-1R "Electronic Memory" WIRE RECORDER, for PARTS or REPAIR ! Unit is complete and includes 3 blank wire spools, original Mic and cable, AC cord, original Owners Manual plus the PhotoFact w/ schematic for a model 288. The motor runs and knobs will turn and engage the Record or Listen modes. Inner bayonette lamp works. The outer neon lamp either doesn't work or I didn't know how to test? Unit has 5 tubes and I could see all but the black military tubes light up.. did not test tubes. The 3 idler wheels are in very good shape... rubber tires have smooth pliable rims. Most of the lettering on faceplates are intact with a couple of letters that have worn away a tad, from usage. Original knobs in ex condition... may need to widen a couple of the control shafts so knobs won't slip. To use this recorder on a regular basis, buyer will need to diagnose and do some electronic and mechanical repairs/adjustments, but should not take a ton of work. The original Owners Manual is very usable... it does show some wear and a few tiny stains from age. The front cover page has some ink writing across the top, and there was a long tear in upper 1/2 of page that I mended by applying some magic tape to the reverse side (page 2).
The biggest challenge will be physical/cosmetic restoration of the wood case with its vinyl veneer. One of the Four bolts that secure the bottom of wood case to the chassis is missing. Both 2 side bolts are present. The snap & foldout storage compartment for the Mic and AC cord has a broken leather strap that will need replacing. Also in the lid are 2 rubber "bumpers" that have dry-rotted and deteriorated. Since they are riveted in place, buyer will need to get creative on how to best replace those bumpers... they seem to be there for stablizing the faceplate & chassis when the lid closes? There are 3 blank wire reels secured in 3 of the 6 holders in lid. 1 is empty, 1 has some wire neatly wound on it and 1 has some badly tangled/rough wire around it that will need to be cut away/off. The large take-up reel is in good shape and has some old recording wire wrapped around it. The maroon colored vinyl veneer has several stains and a few tears. I'd seriously consider re-veneering the entire case with a similar type material like Tolex (available from Parts Express). Most of the riveted brass hardware like buckles and bumpers are rusted/corroded... sanding them may help to restore... up to buyer!
This a PROJECT unit and will require repairs and restoration, unless used for PARTS. I bought the 288 PhotoFact and thought I might try restoring but it's beyond my skill level. Even though I've restored many tube radios and vintage home stereo gear. Unpacked unit weighs 30 lbs, and I will double box to ensure a safe delivery... so shipping won't be cheap. This is a great piece of audio recording history, and hopefully will be restored by a buyer with the right knowledge and skills !
Ask any and all questions BEFORE buying!
BUYER is responsible for doing their own research to ensure they are buying the 40's vintage WIRE RECORDER they are capable of repairing and restoring or using for parts ! Once purchased, the order will NOT be canceled for any reason, and there are NO RETURNS! DO NOT BUY unless you understand this is a committed purchase!
After buyer has left positive feedback to acknowledge everything OK, I will immediately return the favor.