05-14-2012, 07:24 PM
It's a radio, Jayce 
I don't think it was intended to sit on the floor.
That huge thumbwheel served two purposes: one, it is used as a roll-type off-on-volume control; and two, you push down on the roller to switch stations. This set does not have continuous AM tuning. Instead, it has provisions to preset six favorite AM stations. And each time the roller is pressed down, the radio switches through the six presets.
It was a bit of an oddball even then in the 1949 season when it was made, and did not return for 1950.
Edit: Arran posted as I was typing. No, this has nothing to do with any sort of intercom system.
I don't think it was intended to sit on the floor.
That huge thumbwheel served two purposes: one, it is used as a roll-type off-on-volume control; and two, you push down on the roller to switch stations. This set does not have continuous AM tuning. Instead, it has provisions to preset six favorite AM stations. And each time the roller is pressed down, the radio switches through the six presets.
It was a bit of an oddball even then in the 1949 season when it was made, and did not return for 1950.
Edit: Arran posted as I was typing.
No, this has nothing to do with any sort of intercom system.
--
Ron Ramirez
Ferdinand IN
