[Ron Ramirez]

I did not remember, and would have guessed 1922 as the date of introduction of the RC. As it turns out, it was introduced in 1921 so it's 100 years old now. In any event, it was out of date/obsolete by the time Mr. Boon bought one in 1926.

If the hardware store really wants a working RC, they should purchase a good, restorable unit as Arran suggested - but keep the remains of the original one for display purposes only.

Here's a restoration article about an RC which had mouse damage, but not to the degree of this one:
http://sqcra.org/wp-content/uploads/2015...use-RC.pdf

Several years ago, I found an RC at a flea market. I almost bought it, but the $100 price tag stopped me. Now, I'll have to wait a few more years until my oldest radios (Atwater Kent 20 Big Box and Super-Zenith VIII) turn 100.