Handmade Galena Crystal Radio c.1920s–1940s

A wonderfully evocative British handmade miniature crystal radio, dating from around the 1920s–40s.

Ingeniously constructed on a tiny wooden board, it has a hand-wound cotton-covered coil with connections marked A for aerial, E for earth and PHONES. It also retains a loose mineral crystal, believed to be galena, which would have formed part of the radio’s detector.

The radio comes with its charming period Bryant & May painted metal matchbox holder, into which it fits neatly.

Purchased from the grandson of the former owner, who told us it had been found amongst his grandfather’s WWII belongings. While we cannot confirm that it was made during WWII, its construction and components are consistent with an early homemade crystal receiver.

A fascinating little survivor of early radio and social history.

c.1920s–1940s. Sold as found and untested, with loose crystal included.

L7.5cm W5cm H3cm.