I looked at a complete Kolster K-130 today, not really intending to buy as I don't need another console. What confused me was a box with a round can and two connectors mounted under the chassis. It said: "Kolster Receiver Rejectostat" and had a shielded cable going right up into one of the IF cans. The guy was wondering if it had been hacked in, but I assured him it appeared factory. I just have no idea what the heck it does! Anyone here ever run across one of these in a Kolster radio?
Jayce,
I have been researching this very thing. The can is an antenna coupling transformer. Kolster-Brandes adopted anti-interference methods that became popular in the mid 1930s. The antenna had a transformer which created a low impedance balanced output. This was fed down a (sometimes) shielded twin line to the radio, helping to avoid noise pickup in and near the house. Another transformer at the radio "unbalanced" the signal and transformed back to high impedance for its antenna circuits. Kolster Brandes sets around that time featured the system, branded "Rejectostat" as yours displays. Kits could also be purchased to adapt other radios.
Hope that is of interest,
Ed
Thanks for the information!
Sadly, the radio had already sold the last time I was at the shop. I just hope a regular collector got the set and not one of our wine cabinet makers.