-40%
Vintage RARE 1930's American model C-9 crystal microphone w period stand
$ 166.32
- Description
- Size Guide
Description
Hello and welcome to the House of Chrome.
You are looking at one of the rarest of the rare. A very early and unique 1930's / early era American model C-9 crystal microphone with classic deco "lollipop" looks. This is a very hard to come by microphone made by American Microphone Company for a short time. It was much like many of those microphones of the 1920's and early 30's that were using carbon and crystal elements except it was the modern style without springs or a ring. Made in Los Angeles, California and comes with an early mic stand as well.
The mics using these elements were considered inferior by the 1950's as most quality mics were using dynamic and ribbon elements. This C-9 model would have been considered an affordable entry level mic and was used with a pre amp to boost the crystal's signal. By 1960's there weren't many crystal mics being made or sold by the major manufacturers. Anyways...
You'll notice right away that the mic has very typical on the polished nickel housing. there is some loss of plating. Several spots of fine pitting. Despite the wear it'sin decent cosmetic condition. Free of any fractures and the front screen looks good as does the rear American label. Perfectly legible. I haven't seen one of these for sale on Ebay in a long time. I have no idea how many were sold or how many are left out there in circulation but this is probably one of the rarest American mics available?
The mic is hand sized. Basically the size of a peach. The original element is still inside though non-working. It's solid...nothing loose. The mic has a short 8 inch cable that protrudes from the side of the lower shaft and has a female 1/4 inch connector just for prop and display purposes.
MICROPHONE STAND SHOWN IN PICTURE IS PART OF THIS SALE
...
The Great Western Fixture Works stand is a very early piece with cast iron base and eccentric riser made in Chicago, Illinoise sometime in the 1920's or 30's. A very rare piece and the first I have seen. They probably folded up during the Great depression or were bought out by another company?
It's got some weight to it and very practical for all small, medium and many larger microphones of it's time. It' a universal thread as well so it will fit any American and most foreign screw on microphones.
The style was a very modern look for it's time that really sets itself apart from other stands at that time. It has a touch of elegance. If you are looking for something rare and nice you won't want to let this one get away. It's one of my favorite designs and looks particularly nice with this certain style of microphone.
As you can see in the pics provided the stand shows very lite signs of wear located mostly on the stem. The base appears to have been repainted and there is typical lite rust on the bottom of the base. Overall a nice stand though that makes a stable platform and looks the part. Two very rare pieces in one.
With the mic on top it's appx 9 inches tall.
The base is 5 inches wide.
If you are a serious collector of vintage Americans mics then you know what a unique mic this is. She'll make an awesome display piece anywhere it sits in the home, studio or office.
And as always...
I can promise you will be happy with it for the price paid. If not...I have a no hassle return policy. The shipping will be on you as I believe that's fair but the purchase price would be refunded. Simply return in the same nice condition...period. Check my rating. International buyers are welcome as well.
Buyer must pay within 24 hours
or an unpaid case will be opened and item relisted. Domestic buyer will get priority shipping.
If you have any questions feel free to ask and...thanks for looking.