Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who notes:
This military version of the 51S-1 receiver is almost never seen on the used market.
Thank you, Dan! The seller claims that this radio is fully working with tubes replaced and has undergone a complete alignment. Hopefully, caps have been replaced as well.
I’ll admit: if I had the space, I would add this rig to my collection in a heartbeat, although I expect the price of this unit will far exceed my budget! It is a beauty, though.
For those dreaming of owning this receiver … you’ll have to keep dreaming!
It was sold on April 4 for $2,125.
I had one in really nice shape but with a “spinner” main tuning knob. Premier SSB receiver.
The 51S-1 was a high end receiver at the time, so most went to government agencies. Embassies, spies,maybe mi!itary installations. (Apparently Gary Power’s U-2 plane had a Collins KWM-1 for special communication.)
These were modified by a third party for some specific use.So while they have that “mi!itary look”, I’m sure other 51S-1 receivers saw mi!itary use without the modifications.
I gather there may have been other high end receivers that were modified for specific use by third parties. Start with an ultimate receiver like the 51J-4, and customize it for specific demand. Cheaper than designing a receiver from scratch.