[Hallicrafters] SX-28 competitors in the 1940's

[Barry Hauser]

Gene wrote:

> I am suspecting that more SX-28s were sold civilian than you (Rich)
believe.  

I'm not sure where I read this, but they were out there prior to WWII and
I got the impression that a fair number were sold, but a large amount of
existing inventory as well as all wartime production went to the
military, gov't. and lend-lease, primarily to the UK and Russia.

>I have probably seen 30 - 40 in my life, and I believe that I only saw
one with any military markings.  

I haven't seen anywhere near that many, but my understanding is that most
of the mil. units did not have military tags.  This is also true of one
of the SX-28's "competitors" -- the RCA AR88. 

>Yes, the depression was still on, but these were high priced, thus only
the more wealthy could afford them, and 
> they were the least affected by the depression.

I suspect only wealthier folks could afford them even in the few years
after the war when they became available again. If you look at old
advertising, the price was probably around the $100-200 range -- for some
reason "$129" sticks in mind -- about the price of a very good used car. 
Actually also true of the Zenith Trans-oceanics back then.

> Besides, weren't they still offered for sale until some time after
12/7/41?

I think so -- but for a short time, and then all radio production, and
existing inventories of higher end ones, went to war.

In addition to the SX-28, HRO's and Super Pro 200's, there was the AR88,
plus the E.H.Scott receivers.  They were all pre-war heavy duty designs
that were produced during, and for some time -- after the war.  Another
thing to keep in mind, much of the pre- and post-war sales went to
commercial buyers for use in radio stations, news bureaus, etc.  I
imagine, a lot of those were sold off when newer equipment started to
become available in the late 40's.

All my limited knowledge comes from bits 'n pieces picked up on various
websites.  I'd imagine that Chuck Dachis' book has some history on the
SX-28's.

Barry

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