VRPS/AWA Convention and Auction
Mesquite, Texas -- November 7-9, 2003

BY GEORGE POTTER AND RANDY JAMES

Web Edition

VRPS hosted the 28th VRPS/AWA Annual Convention, November 7-9, 2003, at the Hampton Inn Suites in Mesquite, Texas. Total attendance numbered 265, of which 182 were registered. They came from across the country -- from Washington State to Massachusetts -- while Rolf Bartel journeyed all the way from Rodau, Germany.

Five antique radio clubs from the Southwest area, including many AWA members, helped in all events at this convention. It is interesting to note that these five clubs are from different states, yet give of their time to make this Texas event special and entertaining.

Among the events at the convention were a technical session held by James Wilkinson on identification, pricing and common problems of early phonographs; a raffle; an Old Equipment Contest; and an Awards Banquet.

Without a doubt, our auctions are impressive, and this year was no exception. Jim Sargent, President of VRPS, was the auctioneer, with Bill Werzner of HVRA-Houston lending a hand.

Results from three auctions and two silent auctions are as follows: Friday, November 7, the tube and paper auction saw 473 lots sold, with 89 passes, for a total of $14,789. On November 8, Saturday's auction plus two silent auctions saw 519 lots sold, with 89 passes, for a total of $35,364. The grand total for five auctions was 992 lots sold for $50,153!

Cleo Cherry Holmes, as always, did an excellent job with his crew on the TV displays and remote video camera system. Our computer system worked really well, with relatively few problems and a speedy checkout.

Some of the auction equipment highlights are as follows: a Kennedy V selling at $360; a Kennedy 281 at $440; a Western Electric 540W cone speaker at $190; a Magnavox amplifier with three Type 216A tipped tubes at $560; a 1933, black Deco Emerson Mickey Mouse receiver at $300; a Zenith 9S263 shutter dial/robot, fully restored, at $640, a black NeutroWound at $350; an RCA Radiola Jr. crystal set at $275; a Magnavox R-3 Telemegaphone horn at $220; a Cutting & Washington Teledyne at $450; and two Philco 90 cathedrals, at $270 and $300.

The Old Equipment Contest netted Tom Burgess of Arkansas, the Founder's Award and Best of Show, with his World War I Mule set display. The People's Choice awardwent to June Clark of Houston, Texas and her Charlie McCarthy display.

As VRPS goes into 2004, we are preparing for our 30th anniversary (1974-2004) in November. We were one of just a handful of clubs in 1974. Just think, back then there were just two books out on vintage radios -- Flick of The Switch and Vintage Radio by none other than Morgan McMahon! See print version for complete auction listing.

e=excellent. vg=very good, g=good, f=fair, p=poor, unk=condition unknown, GS= "Goldstar" set, guaranteed to work, WT=with tubes, NT=no tubes, N.O.S.=new old stock, nwk=not working, wk=working

The Neutrowound in the foreground, in excellent condition, brought $350. In the rear is the Magnavox 3-tube amplifier with three Type 216A tipped tubes selling at $560.

This mint Crosley Type F Dynamic speaker and its carton sold for $110.

A Fada Model 160 without tubes and in very good condition sold for $95.

The ever popular Crosley "Pup." This one in fair to good condition, with a WD-12 tube, brought $275 in the auction.

A warning: Auction prices are not current values. Our selection of auction items is not necessarily complete. A listing such as this cannot adequately include the condition of cabinets, chassis, transformers, tubes, the operating status of the set, and the inclusion of incorrect, restored or replica components, etc. Auction prices are the result of the excitement of the auction process, the skill of the auctioneer and the specific interests of the participants. Nevertheless, auction prices serve as useful references and as another element in the value determining process. The possibility of error always exists, and if we are notified, corrections will be reported.

This Remler Model 5560 "Scotty" in excellent condition sold for $95.

In good condition, this Emerson Mickey Mouse radio sold for $300.

One of the two Kennedy Model 281 receivers that sold in the auction.

Another nice radio -- a Cutting & Washington Teledyne -- with dud tubes, brought $450 in the auction.

This beautiful Atwater Kent Model 84 brought a winning bid of $330.

This Kennedy V in working condition and with tubes sold for $360.

Photo credits: Jeannine James, VRPS Editor.

(George Potter, 536 Drexel Dr., Lewisville, TX 75067 e-mail: DeForest22@aol.com; Randy James, 5544 Trail Lake Dr., Fort Worth, TX 7613 e-mail: randy-jeannine@sbcglobal.net)

The Vintage Radio & Phonograph Society (VRPS) publishes "Soundwaves" monthly and "The Reproducer" annually. There are monthly meetings and a spring auction, an annual convention and auction, and two summer swapmeets. Dues are $17.50 U.S.A. and $20 foreign. For more information, contact: George Potter, VRPS, P.O. Box 165345, Irving, TX 75016. www.radioremembered.org