1915 Sterling W/T No. 1 Wireless Radio Airplane Spark Transmitter
$1,250.00
Ships Worldwide.
The Sterling W/T No. 1 spark transmitter was manufactured for the British Royal Flying Corps by the War Department Wireless Factory in Soho, England. These sets were used in World War I by British pilots relaying surveillance information about enemy artillery positions and submarine activity to ground troops below. The transmitter operated on a frequency range of 100 – 260 meters, and its 40 watt output was fed into a 120-foot-long trailing antenna.
Condition of this example is very good, and the transmitter includes its original flameproof spark key and spark gap, tucked into the compartment on the side. One of the wires running to the helix has been replaced, along with one of the knurled nuts, but the transmitter otherwise appears to be original throughout.
No damage to the hard rubber panels, and the original latches are both intact and working, securing the side door. There are stress cracks in the wood housing consistent with age and utility, but the transmitter presents well and — weighing less than 10 lb. and measuring just 8″ x 7″ x 3″ — is a wonderful illustration of how necessity spawns both invention and design.
SOLD
