[Milsurplus] WWI spark transmitter

[Mike Morrow]

I wrote:

> I have a BC-14-A crystal set (SCR-54) receiver, not related to
> the BC-15 transmitter, AFAIK.

William wrote:

>Very related. The BC-15 was used in observation aircraft, with
>guys listening in on them with BC-14s. 

I wondered about that possibility.  Makes sense.  I have a 1924 Signal Corp radio operator training book that describes the common sets then in service.  It has a section of the BC-14 and the BC-15, yet nothing in the text ties the two together.

>I would bet an average of 1 BC-14 or BC-15 hits Ebay every week.

I found my BC-14-A (made by Liberty) at a non-radio-related military collector show a few years ago.  The set and box are in wonderful condition, intact box label, extra crystals, no mods, etc.  It's just missing the screwdriver that clipped to the box top and the odd-size battery that powered the buzzer/noise generator which is used when adjusting the crystal cat whisker.

I don't know why this type of relatively common gear usually brings a high price on ebay.

Mike / KK5F