[Hallicrafters] Philco "Radio TV Labs"

[Weiss]

Terry B et alia...

Yes, "Radio TV Labs" was something to see; without a doubt the most incredible emporium save, perhaps the old Allied at 100 North Western Avenue...

     ME: "Do you happen to have a Hallicrafters SX-25?
     GEORGE: "Which did you need, the version with the 6SJ7
              RF amp or the 6EJ7?"

     And he'd have one or two of both models.

As for George Sopocko (not "Kopocko") (WA9JEZ) he is still apparently in the Chicago area. I do recall he had a super auction about 5 years ago to sell out his stock. I couldn't go but can't imagine what an event it must have been. He apparently then planned to go into retirement. Someone told me he lived with and took care of a sick parent so maybe that's what he's doing. Another rumor someone told   me was that his primary business was not so much selling to street walk-ins but, instead, did a huge mail order business selling our radio cast-offs (Aren't we Americans a wasetful lot?!) to worldwide developing countries who gobbled up the old CB radios and early ham rigs because they were needed, new to them and, well...uh...still very useable! Too bad we've become so snobbish about technology, maybe we could learn something from the so-called "lesser" countries. When I go to our landfill I remember this every time I see their 50 foot high mountain of computers.

I consider myself pretty "up" on vintage gear but at my best I don't have 10% of George's recall ability and knowledge of details. How he could find ANYTHING in that place I don't know but he always knew exactly where to find exactly what you wanted.

W9STB
All CW=All Vintage in the Wisconsin Northwoods