1918 Menominee Loose Coupler With Novel Secondary Tap Switch Control
$750.00
Ships Worldwide.
Unusual and uncommon Navy Type Receiving Transformer (aka Loose Coupler) manufactured in Michigan by Menominee Electric prior to that company’s reorganization and name change to Signal Electric in 1919. The coupler was sold by Wm. Duck and Sears, Roebuck (this one bears a Sears metal tag on the top of the front standard), and as you can see in both the video and the photographs, it features a secondary tap switch control that’s manipulated from the front of the coupler rather than the side. This is done with the aid of a spring that’s configured at a right angle, so that as you turn the front control clockwise or counterclockwise, the corresponding side control moves in the same direction at the same speed.
Very unique, and it wasn’t in production for very long.
Condition is excellent throughout, and the apparatus is original throughout, with normal signs of age and wear, but no signs of negligence or abuse. All binding posts and binding post nuts are original to the loose coupler, and no binding post nuts are missing. Likewise, all of the screws are original, and the screws securing the top to the primary housing retain their original lacquer coating.
Wood finish is original, and the wood itself is in good shape, with no damage, no warping, no problems. No damage to the panel, no repairs to the panel. Original metal Sears, Roebuck & Co. tag on the standard is complete, legible and undamaged.
Nice original winding on the secondary coil, and no dings or dents in the coil form. Coil slides easily along the rail. Original screws, original tap switches. No missing or replaced tap switch contacts.
A nice example of a hard-to-find early radio tuner.
SOLD
