Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Majestic 50. Worth the gamble?
#1

I was up at an antique mall this afternoon and ran across a virtually complete Majestic 50 tombstone radio along with its original stand for $100. Other than the missing back panel, the radio was 100% complete and both it and the stand looked nice. The only thing that held me back was that the tuner seems stuck! I know Majestics have some pot metal in the tuners and this caused me to pass on the set, even though it's one I have wanted for a while. Now I am wondering, would it have been worth the gamble for the price? How often would one of these been found with its optional stand. I know if the 45's test good, that would just about cover the cost of the set.

No matter where you go, there you are.
#2

Jayce, you hit the spot on what to worry about. I redid a FADA 46 but was fortunate that the pot metal was only used on the bearings of the VC and the knob that turned it. After a lot of work removing stuff and reaming the bearings all was well. I understand that some Majestics use the pot metal in the frame of the VC. I suspect that might be really bad. I'm certain others here have had experience with that model.
Jerry

A friend in need is a pest!  Bill Slee ca 1970.
#3

The stand wasn't optional, as far as I know.

I have a spare chassis you could have gratis, but you'd have to pick it up (or have it picked up) here.
#4

Almost winter most places, initial cost less than a decent dinner for two, I'd go for it.
#5

(11-02-2015, 07:03 PM)Jayce Wrote:  I was up at an antique mall this afternoon and ran across a virtually complete Majestic 50 tombstone radio along with its original stand for $100. Other than the missing back panel, the radio was 100% complete and both it and the stand looked nice. The only thing that held me back was that the tuner seems stuck! I know Majestics have some pot metal in the tuners and this caused me to pass on the set, even though it's one I have wanted for a while. Now I am wondering, would it have been worth the gamble for the price? How often would one of these been found with its optional stand. I know if the 45's test good, that would just about cover the cost of the set.

Jayce;
 I don't know if the Majestic model 50s were one of the models that used pot metal in the tuning cap or no, or whether they were known to cause problems. Most of the U.S Majestics from then used chassis that were almost identical to Canadian built Rogers and Majestic models that never seem to have serious pot metal problems. I seem to recall that there were some Majestic models that look like a tombstone set sitting on a small table but the "table" is actually part of the cabinet, the model 50 was one I think. One thing that all of these sets have in common is the rotting rubber/gutta percha insulated wiring, so they can be a bit time consuming to restore because of that. If the missing back panel was originally wood I wouldn't let that stop you, if it was like a metal back that could be a bit of a pain to replace so I would price accordingly.
 Used #45 tubes aren't worth as much as you think, the audiophools want NOS ones and in matched pairs, even if they were both weak or dead you can find used ST style ones fairly reasonably so I would not let that hold you back if you really like the set. Maybe you could see if they will take an offer on the radio, see if you can beat them down $25 or more.
Regards
Arran




Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)
[-]
Recent Posts
1930s Stromberg-Carlson Tombstone Radio need help identifying model number
Hi Cap'n Clock, Unfortunately, I do not have this radio.  This is a shame because this should be a good performer.  2A...captainclock1988 — 03:43 PM
Philco 42-390, code 121 speaker
Using a 5W  1.5k  ceramic resistor in place of the field coil and using a 4 ohm PM speaker, I was able to bring the radi...Stevelog — 02:57 PM
Philco 60 Squealing
I have taken out the 2nd IF and found a problem or not. I believe the coils are litz wire. There is a very small strand ...dconant — 02:13 PM
Philco 6K7
I am restoring a Philco 37-60. The am reception is very good, but the shortwave is very weak. Run 6 Philco removes the g...bobbyd1200 — 01:35 PM
1930s Stromberg-Carlson Tombstone Radio need help identifying model number
Hi Cap'n Clock, Unfortunately, I do not have this radio.  This is a shame because this should be a good performer.  2A5...MrFixr55 — 06:48 AM
American Bosch Model 802 auto radio
I think it would come under either American Bosch or United American Bosch. American Bosch made sets for the American We...Arran — 05:53 AM
trying to identify this wire type
Thanks to all for the feedback. As Arran said, it is probably an older replacement and yes it has a grid cap so I will ...georgetownjohn — 09:32 PM
trying to identify this wire type
It's possible that the red wire, actually a grid cap lead, is a very old replacement, I can't remember seeing a pre 1939...Arran — 09:18 PM
Gilfillan Brothers Car Radio?
Hi everyone,  Special thanks to Joe Rossi for tracking down this obscure radio and thanks to others who took up the hun...Antipodal — 08:15 PM
trying to identify this wire type
Here's one source for your wire of many. Take care and BE HEALTHY! Gary P.S. Can't get the right color you need? I ...GarySP — 06:40 PM

[-]
Who's Online
There are currently 3835 online users. [Complete List]
» 2 Member(s) | 3833 Guest(s)
AvatarAvatar

>