This handsome little two-tube receiver graced the pages of Popular Mechanics 85 years ago this month, October 1938. It uses two dual tubes, so it has the performance of a four-tube set. One tube appears to serve as RF amplifier and detector, with the other one providing two stages of AF amplification to drive the speaker. The set was billed as being perfect for an extra set around the house, as a traveler’s companion, for the sick room, or for the office desk.

Tuning was accomplished with a (now unobtainium) pushbutton unit, which contained trimmers for individual stations. An alligator clip connected to the antenna (through a fixed capacitor and without a ground, as the chassis was hot).