RCA - 103 Speaker
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RCA Loudspeaker Model 103, designed and produced in the United States around 1928–1929, in very good physical condition with serial number 323773EK and weighing about 3 kg, including the original power cable, but not tested for functional performance.
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Description from the seller
Iconic and rare vintage desktop loudspeaker RCA Loudspeaker Model 103, designed and manufactured in the United States by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) between 1928 and 1929.
Born in the late 1920s to accompany the prestigious valve-operated radio receivers of the era (such as the RCA Radiola series), this speaker is a famous example of Art Déco interior camouflage: the acoustic cabinet is masterfully disguised as an elegant desktop room divider.
Features and details
Front: Octagonal wooden frame shaped and carved with floral motifs and a classic shell-shaped pedestal. Front grille covered with its original needlepoint fabric depicting a rich vase of flowers.
Back (highly rare detail): It retains its original brown pleated fabric back cap with a closing cord, designed to protect the inner cone from dust. This component, extremely fragile and perishable, has been destroyed or lost in over 90% of surviving units; finding it still present and intact adds exceptional collectible value to the piece.
Original metal plate: Present and perfectly legible under the base, with the inscription "RCA Loudspeaker 103", circular RCA logo, list of patents and serial number engraved: 323773 EK.
Wiring: Original vintage woven fabric-covered connecting cord with spade connectors.
Condition
Case and fabrics: Excellent aesthetic conditions for a nearly hundred-year-old item. Solid wood free of active woodworms or cracks; front fabric taut with colors still vivid; back silk intact without tears.
Electrical part: Internal mechanics and cone original; not tested with a dedicated high-impedance receiver, sold as an extraordinary collectible piece for study or historical display.
Iconic and rare vintage desktop loudspeaker RCA Loudspeaker Model 103, designed and manufactured in the United States by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) between 1928 and 1929.
Born in the late 1920s to accompany the prestigious valve-operated radio receivers of the era (such as the RCA Radiola series), this speaker is a famous example of Art Déco interior camouflage: the acoustic cabinet is masterfully disguised as an elegant desktop room divider.
Features and details
Front: Octagonal wooden frame shaped and carved with floral motifs and a classic shell-shaped pedestal. Front grille covered with its original needlepoint fabric depicting a rich vase of flowers.
Back (highly rare detail): It retains its original brown pleated fabric back cap with a closing cord, designed to protect the inner cone from dust. This component, extremely fragile and perishable, has been destroyed or lost in over 90% of surviving units; finding it still present and intact adds exceptional collectible value to the piece.
Original metal plate: Present and perfectly legible under the base, with the inscription "RCA Loudspeaker 103", circular RCA logo, list of patents and serial number engraved: 323773 EK.
Wiring: Original vintage woven fabric-covered connecting cord with spade connectors.
Condition
Case and fabrics: Excellent aesthetic conditions for a nearly hundred-year-old item. Solid wood free of active woodworms or cracks; front fabric taut with colors still vivid; back silk intact without tears.
Electrical part: Internal mechanics and cone original; not tested with a dedicated high-impedance receiver, sold as an extraordinary collectible piece for study or historical display.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
RCA
Model
103
Physical condition
Very good
Number of objects
1
Includes
Power cord
Serial number
323773EK
Weight
3 kg
Functional condition
Not tested
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