Abe, the Capehart radio/phonos made from the mid 1930s to about 1950
were among the very finest, most exclusive models available in the USA.
With very few exceptions such as the D-22 and the QU-8 which actually used a
Capehart 16E changer and the postwar Berkshire series, ALL of which are very
rare, RCA had nothing to compare. Aside from a very few other specialty
makers such as E.H. Scott and McMurdo Silver, there were were no
radio/phonos available in the USA that compared with the Capeharts. That's
why these Capeharts are held in such high regard by collectors today.
There were two common series made during these years, the 100 and the
400 series (model number were in these ranges). The 100 series was the
cheaper one with smaller amplifiers and less elaborate cabinetry. The 400
series looked similar to the 100 series, but they usually (not always) had
more and/or larger amplifiers and more expensive speakers and more elaborate
cabinets. There was also a much rarer 300 series which were "tall-boy"
cabinets with the components stacked vertically, and the EXTREMELY RARE 500
series which were the SUPER deluxe models available usually by special,
customized order only. All these series used the exclusive Capehart
flipover record changers. The early (prewar) record changers were the 16E
models (several variations), and the postwar changers were the 41E models
which are easily identifiable by their chromed, tubular tonearms. All these
changers played only 78rpm until the 41E-2 model which came out about late
1948. This model had interchangeable TONEARMS (not just headshells) that
provided for either 78rpm or for microgroove 33rpm playback. The 41E-2 was
made for only a short time (probably less than 2 years) before Capehart
discontinued the flipover changers completely and went to cheaper drop-type
changers, most of which were furnished by VM (Voice of Music). These later
Capeharts (starting around 1950) used a different numbering system and were
cheapened considerably from the early 100 and 400 series. These later
Capeharts are not very collectible and do not bring high prices from
collectors. The B-1002-F model that you have mentioned in Arizona is an
example of one of these later, post 1950 models. It would probably bring
around $200 in nice condition.
Greg Bogantz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Abe Feder" <abefed...@gmail.com>
To: "Antique Phonograph List" <phono-l@oldcrank.org>
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2010 7:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Phono-L] O/T: Capehart 414N-1
Greg, I have noted that you and several members like the Capehart units .
I
have seen a few of them here in Arizona from time to time.-I know nothing
about them. There is one for sale now on Craigslist a model # B-1002-F.
Owner says that it has been in his family for 60 years. He has original
instruction manual as well as bill of sale and is asking $750.00. Any
comments about it or price?
Thx Abe Feder
On Tue, Mar 23, 2010 at 2:46 PM, Greg Bogantz <gbogan...@charter.net>
wrote:
I realize that electronic phonos are a bit off-topic for this forum, but
for those of you who can really appreciate a fine Capehart, here's a rare
find: A 414N-1 with the VERY hard to find 41E-2 flipover changer:
eBay Item #150426006960
This is the last version of the 41E changer that has the interchangeable
tonearms and plays both 78 and 33rpm microgroove records, circa 1949. I'm
posting this here to try to rescue this unit from the grimy clutches of
the
Western Weenies who are going to buy this console ONLY to rip out the
Western Electric speaker from it so that they can mount it under glass
and
drool over it. Note that there is already a bidder question posted about
wanting to see the speaker. Then they'll sell off the N-1 power amp with
the
2A3 output triodes to some golden ear tube yahoos. Then they'll simply
junk
the rest of the console or turn it into a liquor cabinet. That would be a
particular shame since this is appears to be a really nice and complete
original example of a fine, RARE Capehart. Trust me: the 41E-2 machines
are
RARE! Let's see one of our Phono-L members give this complete unit the
home
it deserves. This model is particularly easy to enjoy while you're not
playing records as it has t
he modern FM radio band which means you can actually listen to good
radio
programs on it. In glorious monophonic sound, of course. I don't have a
problem with collectors mounting things under glass to admire, but to
destroy a perfectly good, working piece of fine equipment just to
preserve
one part of it really grinds my gears. I'd bid on it, but I don't have
room
for it.
Greg Bogantz
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