1932 Marconiphone 256 radio with manual - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Angela C · 22nd Jun 2013, 8:23 pm

Hi all,
Can anyone help me?
I have been sorting out my fathers loft and he has several old radios...
This particular one looks in very good condition and it works!
Does it have any value, do you think?
Thank you.

paulsherwin · 22nd Jun 2013, 9:22 pm

I can't provide a valuation request, but don't attempt to power up any old radio in an as-found condition. Serious damage may result and it makes the radio less, not more, saleable.

If you list all the radio models here experienced forum members will attempt to give honest valuations. Note that if you want to sell the radios here, forum rules require you to state a fixed price and not ask for offers. Ebay is an alternative place to sell them.

Most old radios are worth £10-£30 in complete but unrestored condition. However, there are a few sought after models which sell for several hundred pounds.

Cobaltblue · 22nd Jun 2013, 9:31 pm

The Marconiphone 256 has a lovely case and a sought after valve line up so is one of the more expensive sets (for a wooden case).

I agree with Paul Ebay might be the best way to go for this particular set to let it find its true value.

Cheers

Mike T

Herald1360 · 22nd Jun 2013, 9:33 pm

That one's interesting! Early superhet, with RF stage and audiofule output valve that also looks quite pretty.

http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/marconi_256_1.html

This set, if its output valve is good, will be worth quite a bit! Unfortunately this isn't necessarily good news for the survival of the set itself.......

ukcol · 22nd Jun 2013, 9:42 pm

Hello Angela

The Marconi 256 is a desirable set because it is an early example of a "superhet" receiver, most sets up until then were called "TRFs".

The set also has a nice art deco cabinet and uses a PX4 valve which is very sort after. It value probably falls between the two groups mentioned by Paul but someone here will have a more accurate idea.

Condition is everything of course, but even it is a woodworm's holiday camp, if it still has its PX4 valve it will have some value.

Colin M

EDIT: Sorry to repeat a lot of what Chris has said, the usual posting while typing cross over.

Angela C · 22nd Jun 2013, 10:34 pm

Thank you so much for your very quick and interesting replies..... However.. I must be honest and say I dont understand the technical stuff!
The wood looks to be in very good condition and it is the same as the one in Chris' link.
I have just looked on ebay and there is nothing like it so I am unsure whether to put a reserve on it. I am disinclined to start it at a low price.
Thoughts please..

I don't think I will go the ebay route at the moment as I don't want to end up getting 99p for it.
Now my dad has seen a picture of one on the internet, it is taking pride of place in the corner of his lounge

Thanks again

22nd Jun 2013, 8:23 pm	#1
Angela C Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Southampton Posts: 2	1932 Marconiphone 256 radio with manual Hi all, Can anyone help me? I have been sorting out my fathers loft and he has several old radios... This particular one looks in very good condition and it works! Does it have any value, do you think? Thank you.

22nd Jun 2013, 9:22 pm	#2
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,970	Re: 1932 Marconiphone 256 radio with manual I can't provide a valuation request, but don't attempt to power up any old radio in an as-found condition. Serious damage may result and it makes the radio less, not more, saleable. If you list all the radio models here experienced forum members will attempt to give honest valuations. Note that if you want to sell the radios here, forum rules require you to state a fixed price and not ask for offers. Ebay is an alternative place to sell them. Most old radios are worth £10-£30 in complete but unrestored condition. However, there are a few sought after models which sell for several hundred pounds.

22nd Jun 2013, 9:31 pm	#3
Cobaltblue Moderator Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Exeter, Devon and Poole, Dorset UK. Posts: 6,878	Re: 1932 Marconiphone 256 radio with manual The Marconiphone 256 has a lovely case and a sought after valve line up so is one of the more expensive sets (for a wooden case). I agree with Paul Ebay might be the best way to go for this particular set to let it find its true value. Cheers Mike T __________________ Invisible airwaves crackle with life or at least they used to Mike T BVWS member. www.cossor.co.uk

22nd Jun 2013, 9:33 pm	#4
Herald1360 Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Leominster, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 16,536	Re: 1932 Marconiphone 256 radio with manual That one's interesting! Early superhet, with RF stage and audiofule output valve that also looks quite pretty. http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/marconi_256_1.html This set, if its output valve is good, will be worth quite a bit! Unfortunately this isn't necessarily good news for the survival of the set itself....... __________________ ....__________ ....\|____\|\|__\|__\_____ .=.\| _---\__\|__\|_---_\|. .........O..Chris....O

22nd Jun 2013, 9:42 pm	#5
ukcol Rest in Peace Join Date: May 2003 Location: Harlaxton, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 3,944	Re: 1932 Marconiphone 256 radio with manual Hello Angela The Marconi 256 is a desirable set because it is an early example of a "superhet" receiver, most sets up until then were called "TRFs". The set also has a nice art deco cabinet and uses a PX4 valve which is very sort after. It value probably falls between the two groups mentioned by Paul but someone here will have a more accurate idea. Condition is everything of course, but even it is a woodworm's holiday camp, if it still has its PX4 valve it will have some value. Colin M EDIT: Sorry to repeat a lot of what Chris has said, the usual posting while typing cross over.

22nd Jun 2013, 10:34 pm	#6
Angela C Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Southampton Posts: 2	Thank you so much for your very quick and interesting replies..... However.. I must be honest and say I dont understand the technical stuff! The wood looks to be in very good condition and it is the same as the one in Chris' link. I have just looked on ebay and there is nothing like it so I am unsure whether to put a reserve on it. I am disinclined to start it at a low price. Thoughts please.. I don't think I will go the ebay route at the moment as I don't want to end up getting 99p for it. Now my dad has seen a picture of one on the internet, it is taking pride of place in the corner of his lounge Thanks again