[Milsurplus] An old piece of cardboard

[Mark K3MSB]

One of my favorite activities is participating in the SKCC's (Straight Key
Century Club) monthly two hour sprint.  I typically use tube gear and I try
to rotate what I use on the air.

Last Tuesday I lugged my BC-348-Q off the shelf and was contemplating using
it in place of the SX-101A.   I haven't fired up the 348 in about a year, so
it was time.   After thinking about it I decided not to run it as I really
need to yank the dynamotor and oil it.

There's a small piece of cardboard on the back of the case that has
handwritten upon it the power connections.   Never gave it much thought
until I was putting the radio back on the shelf.   My hand rubbed against it
in just the right way and bent it back.... to reveal that it was not a blank
blank piece of cardboard,  but actually part of an old claim check.

My heart started beating just a bit.

I carefully removed the cardboard and found that it was claim ticket 243
from Standard Electronics  on "So.  Govs. Ave".

Name:   Al Waller   Call:  K3TKJ   Item:  Ranger  Price  $75

Al Waller is the owner of QSL.net;   So,  I emailed Al and this is what he
sent back:

" I traded that receiver and some cash for a Johnson Ranger in 1963.
Standard Electronics was owned by W3BSV, Cy Derickson and had a store in
Salisbury and Dover. He did not sell ham gear but he always could get
whatever we needed. I remember that receiver like it was yesterday. I got it
from W3VJ ( an issued call not a vanity LOL ) I was about 16 he was in his
late 80's and a MARS operator. Back then if you put in so many hours you
could request equipment. I opened the sealed carton that Rx came in.... Was
not a big deal for him as I recall he had about 30 of them new in the box.
This was around 1961 or so  Thanks for the memories LOL"

This kind of stuff is what brings the history of an old radio alive!  As
Calvin said to Hobbs (if you follow that comic strip)   "Treasure is where
you find it" !!

73 Mark K3MSB