Hi Amberola - I've been hitting the hamfests since the early 1990s. Never got into antique radios until about 2 or 3 years ago when I found a tube tester for $5 at a yard sale and thought it's time to get into these antique radios. I learned about the radio theory off RUclips and started picking up my stash of parts including tubes, capacitors and resistors. There was always someone on RUclips to help me with problems. Over a 2 years period I bought, repaired and even completely restored some (including cabinet) with a dozen radios that are now displayed in my game room. My hobbies move around a bit and I'm not looking for any new radios at this point. But again, they are fun and I hope you enjoy whatever hobby that trips your trigger. See ya -- Atco
What a fun adventure!! Really enjoyed watching this Atco! Love it that you captured the auction!! Congrats on the TV. Really neat piece. Such a steal on the cassette deck! Happy Summer Junking Buddy!
Hi Raymond, great to hear from ya! Yeah, it was a fun day and I got some cool finds. Sure was great to have such a perfect weather day. After that long, cold winter, I guess all of us browsers of the YardSale, Hamfest, Swaps, etc. are glad to have these days back again! See ya -- Atco
That did look like a lot of fun surrounded by all those radios. The tv looks like fun esp with the handle. The second item you showed looks fascinating. Always good to find a good cassette player. Thanks for sharing these. -Carm
Hi Carm - The drive was worth it to see all those radios. We almost skipped the auction, but Eric's brother wanted to see if they had a particular radio he wanted. The chance of having one in that auction is low, but we decided to wait and check it out. Turned out he got one, and I found some finds for myself! Yes, a fun day. See ya -- Atco
+To SERVE Man Hi Serve - You know, we don't have any kids in the house anymore. We seem to live in the family room. The old living room didn't have much use anymore. Then in the early 2000s I asked the wife if I could turn the living room into a game room. I started with a foosball table, then a jukebox, then a pinball machine, and before I knew I had filled my room full of things that I remembered growing up. I'm glad you remember some of my things that you had as well. I use this game room every day now... It's my man cave. Thanks for your comment Serve. Hope to see you again! See ya -- Atco
Great video Atco! One of these days I'm going to take the trip to Kutztown. It's not that far away from CT and it would be nice to see some of these fine restorations in person.
Hi Glen - I don't have much but my friend Eric has quite a lot of radios in his collection. Said he needs to thin things out a bit. We might sign up for a vendor spot for the fall swap. If we do, I'll let you know. It would be cool to see ya! -- Atco
atco21117 That'd be great Atco. It's great meeting some of the RUclipsrs in person! I've already had the pleasure of meeting a couple & have become good friends. I'm starting a new job soon & don't know my schedule but if I know ahead of time the date for the show, I can see about getting a day or 2 off.
seeburgsrock Well, we got a lot of time to check our schedules. As the time comes closer we'll see how things work out. Good luck with your new job Glen! See ya -- Atco
Atco...What fun! Thanks for sharing...Loved the auction!!! Great prices! I am worried that there wasn't a "younger" crowd there...at least a few...So hoping that today's kids don't get too wrapped up in their own "tech world" as our past has so many cool things to offer them. Again, thanks for sharing! (Mario) :--)
Mario, there were some younger buyers. In the back there were some teens together bidding. They were mostly buying box stuff, parts.. etc. So there's a few younger people interested in the hobby. See ya -- Atco
If Kutztown was closer to me, I would go for sure, but it was nice to see what the selection was there. That's a pretty nice old TV you picked up for just $5.
Hi Steve - You know, I've been YardSale-ing for a lot of years. I don't think I've even seen a tube radio at a yard sale either. Transistorized, yeah. But those 1950s and older built ones, no. They are out there though. Do you ever go to a hamfest? If you don't know what that is, it's a ham radio swap show. Used to be just ham radio, but over the last 20 years or so they have become more of an electronic swap. I go to 6 or 7 each year in my area. As a matter of fact, I'm going to one Sunday. Usually there are some old radios there to sell. Also, if you go to Craigslist and look for "antique radio" there are usually some being sold too. For those serious hobbyist of antique radios, more then likely there is a radio club in your area. We have two within an hour or so from where I live. But those Antique Radio shows like Kutztown PA, there are only a few in the country that will meet what you'll see at Kutztown. If you ever get the chance, it's worth to see. -- Atco
Hi David - I'm sure there are a few shows in the country that are big like this one. Best to look around at a local hamfest to find out. If you get on Google and do a search "Texas Hamfest" you should see a list of the coming hamfests in the state. I looked at it and saw that there is one in San Antonio Jan 14th. See ya -- Atco
Hi Trish - Unfortunately, as I get older my collections are being seen more as a time capsule then something for people that can still use. Oh well, we're all getting older. See ya --
Wow, I'm always impressed by the Kutztown Swaps. You didn't run into RadioWild, did you? He usually makes a video from there, also. I could do some serious damage to my savings account, there. Thanks, very much, Atco, for shooting the video and sharing it with us.
Hi Al - I saw quite a few models of your collection in there! Such beautiful units! Only problem for me though is that most in the radios for sale had been completely restored, so the cost can be kinda high. But, people will pay it to get that quality work. I talked to a couple that drove from Alabama which they twice a year go to this show. They are sellers. I asked her how they did during the show, and said they sold 17 table radios with most prices between $200-$300 each. See ya -- Atco
Hi 1620 - Nice radio. It's hard for younger people today to realize just what a wonderful piece of entertainment a radio was at that time. Unless you had a piano or guitar, you didn't have much entertainment in the house. When they came out, they weren't cheap, but everyone wanted to have one. That's why those floor radios began to be the focus of the furniture in the house and something people were very proud of having. See ya -- Atco
Hi Hippie - It's always good to hear how the locals call their town. As you can see, I'm not one of the locals on this one. Thanks for updating that for me! See ya -- Atco
Antique radio dealers and hawkers probably drive to Kurztown from far away for this swap meet, so I doubt its like Kutztown is some kind of hotbed of local antique radio finds, where everybody and their grandmother has some old radio in their den they want to get rid of. To me it looks like most old radios come from big old up north cities.... where I live in the South there are not so many at all. Its the same with antique cars. Up north and in Canada old early cars are everywhere, you have junkyards full of these relics... down in the South they are almost all pretty much gone. If one is found its just the chassis bones. It probably has something to do with the poverty and weather. Poor agricultural area, everything tends to get repurposed, recycled, or sold for scrap metal... where as up north, it being cold out side, people are more inclined to just let a super old obsolete antique car rot out in the yard. Just my theory. As far as radios, i can't say... people up northin industrial cities were more affluent to buy them perhaps.
PC5032 Hi PC5 - I think there's treasures in basements and barns all over the country, whether it be in the north, south, east or west. Finding them is the tough part. Now about old radios... especially in the south (I used to live there), the humidity does take it's share of damage to the old electronics and cabinets when stored over time. That's one reason to see less I would think, not to mention a smaller population of cities. When I was at the spring Kutztown show, yes.. there were un-restored radios for sale, but it did surprise me that most of the radios were restored and being sold at a rather high price. I talked to a married couple that come to the two shows of the year to sell their radios. They live in Alabama and make the trip for the show. Most of the radios are table radios from the 40s, and they restore them to re-sell. I asked how much business did they do this spring. She said they sold 17 radios, and priced them between $200 to $300 each. For me, I really enjoyed going to the show, but most of the radios on sale where too high for my budget to buy. Yet, for anyone who whats a completely restored antique radio, Kutztown is the place to go. Thanks for your comment! -- Atco
hey atco due to the digital switchover there is no way that tv will work without a digital adapter. I assume that tv is an older tv which according to you is true, but digital adapters start at $40.00 for ota at Wal-Mart and if you have cable you can get one through your cable company. Yes Unfortunately i forgot to mention most cable tv providers have gone all digital. So they too require the use of digital adapters. Bye bye analog tv. Analog radio is next!
David - So many of those converters were made a few years ago during the switch over. The government was giving a coupon to take to Walmart and get one for just $10. I didn't even know Walmart still sells them, but if they do I would expect it go $40 now. There's always one or two for sale in the local "Craigslist" type on-line classifieds. You should see one posted well less then $20. Look at Thrift stores too. They will sell one for $5 or so my guess. I pick up one at Yard Sales during the year. Don't need one, but I still like to have one and generally get it for less then $5. I keep one in case I pick up a vintage TV one day, I'll need it. The one I bought earlier in the year I got for $3. About a month ago a friend asked whether I had one. They were given a nice flat TV, but it was an older one that needed the converter. They got it for free because of that. So I gave them mine and it's working great. I'll pick up another one next yard sale season just to have one in case. You might even find a used one at the January hamfest in San Antonio. Good luck. -- Atco
I had to watch this twice,,,,,,,thank you I wish we had a place like this in Dallas
It's amazing what prices these vendors get! See ya -- Atco
Thanks Atco for sharing it with us. Was a great pleasure and not too long ...
Thanks Juegen! -- Atco
I wish I could get out and do fun stuff like this.
that was an awesome video. I'm new to collecting radios, and now I want to go to that show some day.
Hi Amberola - I've been hitting the hamfests since the early 1990s. Never got into antique radios until about 2 or 3 years ago when I found a tube tester for $5 at a yard sale and thought it's time to get into these antique radios. I learned about the radio theory off RUclips and started picking up my stash of parts including tubes, capacitors and resistors. There was always someone on RUclips to help me with problems. Over a 2 years period I bought, repaired and even completely restored some (including cabinet) with a dozen radios that are now displayed in my game room. My hobbies move around a bit and I'm not looking for any new radios at this point. But again, they are fun and I hope you enjoy whatever hobby that trips your trigger. See ya -- Atco
What a fun adventure!! Really enjoyed watching this Atco! Love it that you captured the auction!! Congrats on the TV. Really neat piece. Such a steal on the cassette deck! Happy Summer Junking Buddy!
Hi Raymond, great to hear from ya! Yeah, it was a fun day and I got some cool finds. Sure was great to have such a perfect weather day. After that long, cold winter, I guess all of us browsers of the YardSale, Hamfest, Swaps, etc. are glad to have these days back again! See ya -- Atco
That did look like a lot of fun surrounded by all those radios. The tv looks like fun esp with the handle. The second item you showed looks fascinating. Always good to find a good cassette player. Thanks for sharing these. -Carm
Hi Carm - The drive was worth it to see all those radios. We almost skipped the auction, but Eric's brother wanted to see if they had a particular radio he wanted. The chance of having one in that auction is low, but we decided to wait and check it out. Turned out he got one, and I found some finds for myself! Yes, a fun day. See ya -- Atco
I'm an old guy, but I was really stunned at seeing some things that I had owned over the years
+To SERVE Man Hi Serve - You know, we don't have any kids in the house anymore. We seem to live in the family room. The old living room didn't have much use anymore. Then in the early 2000s I asked the wife if I could turn the living room into a game room. I started with a foosball table, then a jukebox, then a pinball machine, and before I knew I had filled my room full of things that I remembered growing up. I'm glad you remember some of my things that you had as well. I use this game room every day now... It's my man cave. Thanks for your comment Serve. Hope to see you again! See ya -- Atco
Great video Atco! One of these days I'm going to take the trip to Kutztown. It's not that far away from CT and it would be nice to see some of these fine restorations in person.
Hi Glen - I don't have much but my friend Eric has quite a lot of radios in his collection. Said he needs to thin things out a bit. We might sign up for a vendor spot for the fall swap. If we do, I'll let you know. It would be cool to see ya! -- Atco
atco21117 That'd be great Atco. It's great meeting some of the RUclipsrs in person! I've already had the pleasure of meeting a couple & have become good friends. I'm starting a new job soon & don't know my schedule but if I know ahead of time the date for the show, I can see about getting a day or 2 off.
seeburgsrock Well, we got a lot of time to check our schedules. As the time comes closer we'll see how things work out. Good luck with your new job Glen! See ya -- Atco
atco21117 Give me a shout when you know the next show time is scheduled so I can make arrangements!
Atco...What fun! Thanks for sharing...Loved the auction!!! Great prices! I am worried that there wasn't a "younger" crowd there...at least a few...So hoping that today's kids don't get too wrapped up in their own "tech world" as our past has so many cool things to offer them. Again, thanks for sharing! (Mario) :--)
Mario, there were some younger buyers. In the back there were some teens together bidding. They were mostly buying box stuff, parts.. etc. So there's a few younger people interested in the hobby. See ya -- Atco
If Kutztown was closer to me, I would go for sure, but it was nice to see what the selection was there. That's a pretty nice old TV you picked up for just $5.
Hi 50s - I've been wanting one of those RCA TVs for awhile. I had one very similar to it while growing up. Thanks for your comment! -- Atco
Good job on the filming. Thoroughly enjoyed it. And great buy on the cassette player. Congrats.
Regards,
John
Hi John - Isn't it amazing how many brands and models of radios were made. Such beautiful cabinets! I appreciate your comment! See ya -- Atco
wow, where do people find so many old radios? I don't think I have ever come across one at a garage sale.
Hi Steve - You know, I've been YardSale-ing for a lot of years. I don't think I've even seen a tube radio at a yard sale either. Transistorized, yeah. But those 1950s and older built ones, no. They are out there though. Do you ever go to a hamfest? If you don't know what that is, it's a ham radio swap show. Used to be just ham radio, but over the last 20 years or so they have become more of an electronic swap. I go to 6 or 7 each year in my area. As a matter of fact, I'm going to one Sunday. Usually there are some old radios there to sell. Also, if you go to Craigslist and look for "antique radio" there are usually some being sold too. For those serious hobbyist of antique radios, more then likely there is a radio club in your area. We have two within an hour or so from where I live. But those Antique Radio shows like Kutztown PA, there are only a few in the country that will meet what you'll see at Kutztown. If you ever get the chance, it's worth to see. -- Atco
sure wish I could read the price tags.. some nice catalins in there !
Well Capt, most of the price tags would scare ya! But they do get bought. For me, I did my best time was at the auction! See ya -- Atco
i wonder is there a show like this in the San Antonio area?
Hi David - I'm sure there are a few shows in the country that are big like this one. Best to look around at a local hamfest to find out. If you get on Google and do a search "Texas Hamfest" you should see a list of the coming hamfests in the state. I looked at it and saw that there is one in San Antonio Jan 14th. See ya -- Atco
a time travel for sure!
Hi Trish - Unfortunately, as I get older my collections are being seen more as a time capsule then something for people that can still use. Oh well, we're all getting older. See ya --
Wow, I'm always impressed by the Kutztown Swaps. You didn't run into RadioWild, did you? He usually makes a video from there, also. I could do some serious damage to my savings account, there. Thanks, very much, Atco, for shooting the video and sharing it with us.
Hi Al - I saw quite a few models of your collection in there! Such beautiful units! Only problem for me though is that most in the radios for sale had been completely restored, so the cost can be kinda high. But, people will pay it to get that quality work. I talked to a couple that drove from Alabama which they twice a year go to this show. They are sellers. I asked her how they did during the show, and said they sold 17 table radios with most prices between $200-$300 each. See ya -- Atco
That would be great to go to, bit I live all the way in Michigan! I think my best radio is my Zenith 10-S-464.
The tall floor radio at 1;08 looks just like the radio I have at my other house.
Hi 1620 - Nice radio. It's hard for younger people today to realize just what a wonderful piece of entertainment a radio was at that time. Unless you had a piano or guitar, you didn't have much entertainment in the house. When they came out, they weren't cheap, but everyone wanted to have one. That's why those floor radios began to be the focus of the furniture in the house and something people were very proud of having. See ya -- Atco
thanks
Thanks for watching!! -- Atco
Hey atco, nice vid! Catch me in the fall! Got tubes? RW
Cool... I'll look for ya! -- Atco
Sir are these Radios only for display or Sale too??
I live near Kutztown and I'm pretty sure we say Kutes-Town, not Kunts-Town. :D Just saying, other than that,, good video!
Hi Hippie - It's always good to hear how the locals call their town. As you can see, I'm not one of the locals on this one. Thanks for updating that for me! See ya -- Atco
Guess I've been paying too much for my vintage radios.
Antique radio dealers and hawkers probably drive to Kurztown from far away for this swap meet, so I doubt its like Kutztown is some kind of hotbed of local antique radio finds, where everybody and their grandmother has some old radio in their den they want to get rid of.
To me it looks like most old radios come from big old up north cities.... where I live in the South there are not so many at all. Its the same with antique cars. Up north and in Canada old early cars are everywhere, you have junkyards full of these relics... down in the South they are almost all pretty much gone. If one is found its just the chassis bones.
It probably has something to do with the poverty and weather. Poor agricultural area, everything tends to get repurposed, recycled, or sold for scrap metal... where as up north, it being cold out side, people are more inclined to just let a super old obsolete antique car rot out in the yard. Just my theory. As far as radios, i can't say... people up northin industrial cities were more affluent to buy them perhaps.
PC5032 Hi PC5 - I think there's treasures in basements and barns all over the country, whether it be in the north, south, east or west. Finding them is the tough part. Now about old radios... especially in the south (I used to live there), the humidity does take it's share of damage to the old electronics and cabinets when stored over time. That's one reason to see less I would think, not to mention a smaller population of cities. When I was at the spring Kutztown show, yes.. there were un-restored radios for sale, but it did surprise me that most of the radios were restored and being sold at a rather high price. I talked to a married couple that come to the two shows of the year to sell their radios. They live in Alabama and make the trip for the show. Most of the radios are table radios from the 40s, and they restore them to re-sell. I asked how much business did they do this spring. She said they sold 17 radios, and priced them between $200 to $300 each. For me, I really enjoyed going to the show, but most of the radios on sale where too high for my budget to buy. Yet, for anyone who whats a completely restored antique radio, Kutztown is the place to go. Thanks for your comment! -- Atco
hey atco due to the digital switchover there is no way that tv will work without a digital adapter. I assume that tv is an older tv which according to you is true, but digital adapters start at $40.00 for ota at Wal-Mart and if you have cable you
can get one through your cable company. Yes Unfortunately i forgot to mention most cable tv providers have gone all digital. So they too require the use of digital adapters. Bye bye analog tv. Analog radio is next!
David - So many of those converters were made a few years ago during the switch over. The government was giving a coupon to take to Walmart and get one for just $10. I didn't even know Walmart still sells them, but if they do I would expect it go $40 now. There's always one or two for sale in the local "Craigslist" type on-line classifieds. You should see one posted well less then $20. Look at Thrift stores too. They will sell one for $5 or so my guess. I pick up one at Yard Sales during the year. Don't need one, but I still like to have one and generally get it for less then $5. I keep one in case I pick up a vintage TV one day, I'll need it. The one I bought earlier in the year I got for $3. About a month ago a friend asked whether I had one. They were given a nice flat TV, but it was an older one that needed the converter. They got it for free because of that. So I gave them mine and it's working great. I'll pick up another one next yard sale season just to have one in case. You might even find a used one at the January hamfest in San Antonio. Good luck. -- Atco