[Hallicrafters] Old calls

[Mike Everette]

The ARRL will indeed research old call signs, at least for League members; and perhaps as a courtesy to non-members.

When I received W4DSE as a vanity call in 2010 -- I chose it because it's an excellent call to send on a bug (!) -- I contacted the ARRL regarding history.  They did research it, and found listings from Fall 1954 through  Summer 1955, in Montgomery, AL.  I might conclude that this could have been someone at Maxwell AFB who got this unused call when changing duty stations.  The address  was a street address in Montgomery, but in those days many USAF personnel with families could be found living off the bases.  I didn't ask if there might have been a listing for WN4DSE prior to Fall 54, but I may do that.

W4DSE had apparently been inactive since 1955, until I received it.

The person at ARRL HQ who researched it was very gracious, and even sent me a copy of the Callbook pages with the listings, free of charge.

I would however like to find the whole history of W4DSE, which I would guess was first issued in the late 20s or  early 30s.  If anyone has some REALLY old Callbooks and could take a look, I'd surely appreciate it.  I wonder if perhaps this call might have been held by someone who went to war and didn't return...?

If anyone who collects old QSLs might have a vintage W4DSE card, I'd offer to buy it.  I'd like to have a scan of the card if it's not for sale.
 
Thanks in advance for looking, if you have the time and resources.

73
 
Mike
W4DSE (x-WA4DLF)
"Digital Signal Expert" (as in The Original Digital Mode... CW Forever!)