Halson Model NS-50 "Moderne" Mini Tombstone Radio (1933/1934)
This NS-50 from the Halson Radio and Television Company
is one little gem of a radio. It was introduced in the summer
of 1933 with a list price of $29.50. To me, it's a simply spec-
tacular example of 1930's machine age design. I especially
like the way that the expression of symmetry in its lower
reaches, accentuated through the use of brushed and
etched aluminum trim, is boldly contrasted against the stark
asymmetry of the grille area above.
With its contrasting veneers in tones of ebony and gold, this
set nicely complements my Majestic models 49 and 59 and
my Halson model NS-40 from the same era. The cabinet
measures just 101/2" high by 8" wide by 61/2" deep.
I located a photograph of this rare set in Mark Stein's "The
Complete Price Guide To Antique Radios: Tabletop Radios
Vol. 1", where it's listed as a Halson model 610 "Moderne".
However, a 610 it is not, as that model's chassis is too big
for this little cabinet. Rather this set's chassis matches the
schematic for a Halson model NS-50.
The fact that my set is marked with the name Jefferson in
the spot where Halson would otherwise reside must surely
indicate that my set was manufactured by Halson for
Jefferson and resold under that name. Perhaps Jefferson
was a retail chain of some kind, though exactly what I've
been unable to yet ascertain. Halson did advertise them-
selves as being "specialists in private brand merchandise",
so this explanation appears highly plausible.
The set is a two-band super-heterodyne with tube line-up:-
6A7 (mixer/LO), 78 (IF), 75 (2nd-det/1st AF), 43 (AF output)
and 25Z5 (rectifier). It uses a resistive line cord.
is one little gem of a radio. It was introduced in the summer
of 1933 with a list price of $29.50. To me, it's a simply spec-
tacular example of 1930's machine age design. I especially
like the way that the expression of symmetry in its lower
reaches, accentuated through the use of brushed and
etched aluminum trim, is boldly contrasted against the stark
asymmetry of the grille area above.
With its contrasting veneers in tones of ebony and gold, this
set nicely complements my Majestic models 49 and 59 and
my Halson model NS-40 from the same era. The cabinet
measures just 101/2" high by 8" wide by 61/2" deep.
I located a photograph of this rare set in Mark Stein's "The
Complete Price Guide To Antique Radios: Tabletop Radios
Vol. 1", where it's listed as a Halson model 610 "Moderne".
However, a 610 it is not, as that model's chassis is too big
for this little cabinet. Rather this set's chassis matches the
schematic for a Halson model NS-50.
The fact that my set is marked with the name Jefferson in
the spot where Halson would otherwise reside must surely
indicate that my set was manufactured by Halson for
Jefferson and resold under that name. Perhaps Jefferson
was a retail chain of some kind, though exactly what I've
been unable to yet ascertain. Halson did advertise them-
selves as being "specialists in private brand merchandise",
so this explanation appears highly plausible.
The set is a two-band super-heterodyne with tube line-up:-
6A7 (mixer/LO), 78 (IF), 75 (2nd-det/1st AF), 43 (AF output)
and 25Z5 (rectifier). It uses a resistive line cord.
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The second ace in a NEW DEAL ...by Halson
| "This receiver is the NUMBER 2 pioneer sales value of the NEW DEAL Halson line" |