UPDATED ! Own a Piece of Radio History! WW2 Ham Hallicrafters

Westminster, CO 80030, USA

3 weeks ago

A.I. says the following about value back in the day: * Hallicrafters SX-24 Skyrider Defiant:Originally sold for $69.50 between 1939 and 1943. (In 2025, that would be approximately $1,612) ALSO, * When bundled with the PM-23 speaker, it sold for $81.50. (In 2025, that would be approximately $1,895) * Hallicrafters S-38D: Launched in 1955 and priced at $39.50.(In 2025, that would be approximately $475) I WAS ADVISED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY. INFORMATION BY A FELLOW WHO KNOWS WHAT HES TALKING ABOUT: Just in case the purchaser isnt a knowledgeable collector, you may want to mention something about lethal voltages and an isolation transformer. (DO NOT PLUG THESE ITEMS IN UNTIL YOU HAVE FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE RISK AND HOW TO MITIGATE RISK REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY TO YOUR HOME AND YOURSELF.) ***The Hallicrafters S-38D: Your Gateway to the World. Experience the Everymans Shortwave Gateway, a remarkably ubiquitous and surprisingly sensitive receiver that brought international news and entertainment into countless homes. With its convenient built-in Alnico V speaker, the S-38D offers immediate gratification and a direct, authentic to the post-war shortwave listening boom. This model, often the first receiver for many enthusiasts, embodies a pivotal moment in radios popularization. While its transformerless live chassis design is a historical testament to its budget-conscious origins, it is a feature appreciated by knowledgeable collectors who understand the importance of proper safety measures and responsible restoration ****The Hallicrafters SX-24 Skyrider Defiant: A Pre-War Engineering Marvel. Elevate your collection with this sophisticated counterpart, a true pre-war masterpiece that incorporated every advanced feature of the entire Hallicrafters line. The SX-24 boasts an impressive array of comprehensive controls—from RF gain and crystal phasing to multiple filters—allowing for unparalleled precision and versatility in reception, ideal for the serious operator or audiophile. Its warm glow of the dials and signal meter adds to its captivating presence. ****The Hallicrafters PM-23 External Speaker: Completing the Symphony. The SX-24s design philosophy prioritized audio fidelity, hence its deliberate lack of an internal speaker. This is where the period-correct Hallicrafters PM-23 external speaker becomes indispensable. This historically bundled companion is crucial for translating the SX-24s advanced signals into the rich, clear, and immersive audio experience it was designed to deliver. Owning both units ensures the Skyrider Defiant is experienced as it was originally intended—a testament to uncompromising performance. A WHOLE REPORT W SPECS: is available I can send it to you as a PDF or whatever. A Connoisseurs Guide to Hallicrafters: The S-38D, SX-24 Skyrider Defiant, and Their Essential Companions I. Introduction: The Enduring Legacy of Hallicrafters Hallicrafters, a company founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1932 by William J. Halligan, emerged as a pivotal force in the burgeoning radio industry. From the period immediately following World War II through the mid-1960s, the company gained widespread recognition for manufacturing a diverse array of radio equipment. This extensive product line included popular commercial shortwave receivers designed for the general public, as well as specialized ham band receivers and transmitters. Hallicrafters contributions are deeply embedded in the history of radio, symbolizing a period of rapid technological advancement and widespread public engagement with global communication. The Hallicrafters S-38D and the SX-24 Skyrider Defiant receivers stand as compelling examples of Hallicrafters diverse product development and market segmentation strategies. The SX-24, a sophisticated pre-war model manufactured between 1939 and 1943, embodied the zenith of Hallicrafters advanced engineering. It was designed for serious enthusiasts and amateur radio operators who demanded precision and comprehensive features. In stark contrast, the S-38D, a post-war staple launched in 1955 and remaining in production until 1961, was conceived as an accessible, budget-friendly, entry-level receiver, specifically targeting the burgeoning shortwave listening market.