Shown here is Hallicrafters’ foray into the world of land mobile radio, as set of FM transceivers for the low and high VHF bands. Models HT-21 and HT-22 were hand carried, and covered either 25-50 MHz or 150-174. Models HT-23 and HT-24 were base station transceivers for the same bands.

The ad here appeared in QST 70 years ago this month, January 1952. The prices weren’t given, but I suspect they were out of the price range for most hams, and hams didn’t even get on VHF FM in any numbers until similar equipment started to hit the surplus market a decade later. I suspect the ad was intended for hams who happened to be involved in purchasing for public safety or business radio systems, since they would probably find the Hallicrafters name impressive. A well financed Civil Defense department might consider these for their RACES operations, although most such activity took place on AM.

According to the specs, the sets didn’t even cover the 6 and 2 meter ham bands, although I’m sure most hams would have little difficulty bending them just enough. The low band models did cover 10 meters, so if the well heeled appliance operator could put one on ten meters with little difficulty, although it’s unlikely he would find anyone to talk to.