Code: M28443
By RCA Victor Company Ltd. (Radio Corporation of America). A rare MI-8383-D loudspeaker made for use by the RAF Intelligence and 'Y'-stations in conjunction with the AR88 radio receiver. Manufactured with a crackle finish black painted steel case, approximately 29 x 15 x 26.5cm sitting on four rubber feet. There is an 18cm/7" diameter 'RAF' grille cover with 'fretworked' stylised lettering typical of the 1930s/40s. The reverse reveals a 20cm/8" RCA permanent magnetic speaker - 2.2 Ohms @ 400 hz impedence, with small 3-pin plug, associated wiring and socket. There is an original RCA label / swing tag for both speaker and cable along with a 1943 dated list of contents (Speaker Unit & Case, Cable With Female Plug & Terminals and Packing List). These speakers and the AR88 were supplied as Lend-Lease equipment from the USA and used extensively by the Allies during WW2, notably by the S.O.E receiving stations and Y-Service who were responsible for interception and analysis of enemy communications and 'Direction Finding' to discover the location of enemy transmitters. The RAF was also issued with sets, their speakers having the distinctive grille cover in place of the usual 'slatted' type. This example predates the near identical MI-22202, it's case has minor soiling and wear, the internal components/speaker are a bit grubby, but it is otherwise in excellent overall condition. Completely untested and sold for display purposes but could probably be made to function. An impressive looking piece that would grace any collection. Heavy. Stock code M28443.
