Hi all,

being a newbie on this site I would simply like to know what info I need to supply in a photograph of a stereo (AWA Radiola Model 699-GA. RC 121 Mk2 on turntable) to be able to further ID and assess saleability. I have undertaken some internet searches and have come up, so far, with a blank.
Am assisting a deceased estate for worthiness of sale or dumping (heavens' forbid !).
It's a terrific looking retro unit and I need to direct my research into a straight line to be effective.
I undertake helping charities and others on a volunteer basis in this type of endeavour.
Cheers and thanks in advance.
Kath

That model number draws a blank in Internet searches with me too. If you have a photo of your receiver you can e-mail it to me and I will upload it to the site for you. My e-mail address is on my profile page.

Knowing what the set looks like will help with identification.

Hello

Kevin Chant has the Technical Information & Service Data sheet for this radiogram. This has a picture.
http://www.kevinchant.com/uploads/7/1/0/8/7108231/699-ga.pdf.

Stereo unit with separate speakers. Must have been amongst the last valve gear produced and a worthy addition to a Radiola collection..

I'm in Newcastle as well, if you want me to come have a look at it, email camerongrieve AT gmail dot com
(obviously, replace the symbols above )

Hi guys, thanks for all the responses.

STC830 - thanks ! That certainly is the unit in question. Speakers and all. Also has original operating pamphlet with it.

Brad - I managed to snap a couple of general shots this arvo so will email them to you. If more detailed ones are required I can manage that also.

Grieve - hey, thanks. I certainly may take you up on that following more research.

I'll follow up once I have some feedback from pics.

This has been a great start to a new arm of valve operated units research - an informative, well managed site - and well above expectations.

Cheers now now.
Kath

Hello Kath

Valve gear that has been out of service can deteriorate just from lack of use. This involves capacitors in the high voltage power supply; it is possible that they can be reformed but that is a specialised process. The upshot of this is that the set should not be turned on unless you know that it has been operating satisfactorily recently. If it is turned on other components could be damaged.

Hey, thanks STC830.

I'm back checking on the stereo etc today so will ascertain last time used. Will upload pics tonight and advise status of use.

Thanks for info.

Sorry about the delay with the intial set of photos - it was a big job due to the number of them and work has kept me busy of late.

Feel free to e-mail any further photos as needed.

Brad, thanks so for the up-load. No worries about time-frame.

I wasn't sure what you may require for the members to make any informed decisions about the unit so may have gone overboard with the pics. The only thing I didn't do was get the family to open the rear of the unit, leaving that instead to any of the members who may wish to see it and open it correctly (?).

The family have also informed me that the set hasn't been turned on for many years, if fact since it was put into storage (of sorts) in the garage at least a couple of decades ago.

The LP in the pics was the original one supplied with the unit and they have the original operating manual.

They're open to having it assessed personally with a view to selling. There's no major rush as the house is now staying in the family.

Anyway peoples, thanks again, especailly to Brad (I hope the pic file format/size was okay and work eases up a bit for you!).

Again, if any other inforequired, ask away and I'll see what I can do.

Cheers for now, and happy hunting,
Kath

Re saleability: old stereograms are listed on eBay fairly frequently. Many don't attract a single bid, while others go for the low hundreds or less.

As with almost anything, the wide desirability factor has a strong bearing on whether or not an item will sell and for what price.

Some stereograms are fine pieces of furniture, if not architecture, and people are keen to own them. However, from what I've seen by watching eBay, that applies in very few cases.

The other thing about stereograms is that you can't post them, and "pickup only" limits the number of potential buyers, too.

It's mainly due to floorspace I think. I have three radiograms from the 1940's though not one of them enjoys a prominent display position due to me living in a flat. This is a bit annoying for me as I like playing vinyl records and even a few scratch-free 78s. Vinyl in particular reproduces low frequencies far better than digital formats such as Compact Disc and MP3, the latter two requiring synthesis to even come close to vinyl and modern speakers being mostly less than 200mm in diameter don't help the cause much.

I also have 15 console radios and whilst some of these have significant historical value, also sell for much less than their mantel cousins due to the space they take up. Several years ago I bought one gentleman's entire collection of nine consoles and then shifted abode only to find that there simply wasn't the room for them.

All but one are also kept in the garage (under controlled conditions) with my trusty Airzone on duty in my loungeroom. The tuning dial for this Airzone currently features in the masthead of this website.

Guys,

thanks for the responses. Appreciated. Sorry for the delay - recovering from an unexpected trip to hosp.

I'll ask about for some ideas on prices as the family wishes it to be sold on.

It's been an interesting exercise as I normally help research other smaller antiques and collectables, as mentioned above.

Simply glad to have saved this one from the dump.

Enjoy the weekend,
Kath

Hi guys,

following up on the possible sale of this Radiola.

The house has now been sold and they've asked for any feedback from anyone interested in possibly looking at the stereo for possible sale. They don't have overly high expectations, but rather it went to an enthusiate.

If anyone is interested, please feel free to contact me at this site or via
koz at tpg dot com dot au

Again, much thanks to all.

Kath

Kath, suggest you also list it on Gumtree.