Many thank to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Evans (W4/VP9KF), who writes:
I was watching a TV advert (well, no I wasn’t), but then this one
comes on with a drug for COPD.On the kitchen table, along with the inhaler thing there just happens
to be a radio 🙂Let’s see who can find out what it is! Thanksgiving Quiz!
Oooh…good challenge. The resolution is pretty poor int he photo, but I’m almost certain I can ID the radio. Can you? Please comment!
This was my first shortwave-capable radio, a 1965 Christmas present…a Realistic 4597 that i still had when I joined NASWA in 1967. The main tuning knob was slightly different from the picture shown, which may have separated the design from Longines/Realtone models.
It seems you are all correct: According to someone @radiomuseum.org, Realtone Electronics Co. was (still is?) a NY/later NJ based company which was associated with a factory in Tokyo that ran under the MITI code “604”. “Sounddesign” was a brand of the same company introduced in 1963. Longines marketed a variety of radios from different Japanese factories including the model on the picture.
Longines Symphonette World Traveler Model 4597
https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/longinessy_world_traveler_4597_b.html
I have the very radio. My radio is badged as a Longine Symphonette though I have heard of others. It’s actually a great performer on the 49 metre band.
Yes, also sold as Realtone:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/51764518@N02/16648805897/in/photostream/
Cannnot find Sounddesign in 4 band (only 5 and 6):
https://img1.etsystatic.com/102/0/7268578/il_570xN.855784883_pj8m.jpg
James may have a very rare beast under that name.
I didn’t know about the Realtone. Here is an eBay link to the Longines. It has a special badge designating it “World Traveler”. A great little radio made in Japan. Battery life is really great at a modest volume. I use my radio in the bathroom in every morning. I change the batteries about every 3-4 years.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/WORLD-TRAVELER-RADIO-FM-AM-MB-SW-LONGINES-SYMPHONETTE-Excellent-Condition/224244029951?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=224244029951&targetid=935065067427&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=1023640&campaignid=10897980375&mkgroupid=114065836464&rlsatarget=pla-935065067427&abcId=9300403&merchantid=112248252&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvZGA3Myh7QIViLzACh0RvQclEAQYAyABEgKMU_D_BwE&pageci=a232f15c-5592-4631-9973-64fd91b646c4
Yes!
Your right , Paul – 6 band it is ! Pulled it off the mantle for another look,
Soundesign from 1974. I have one, my first, bought new.
Sure looks like a realistic patrolman 6!
I thought so at first but it isn’t. Compare on Google Images (or others).Still have no idea, unless Thomas has it nailed……
It’s four band, you can see that.