Murphy radiogram A26RG

[Maff1979]

Hi guys.

I have a Murphy A26RG radiogram, just after a little advice if possible. Is it a common RG?

Cannot find any on auction sites etc.

Any help appreciated

[Paul_RK]

There can't be many common 1930s radiogram models. Standard Murphy table sets of the early to mid '30s sold well and are still fairly numerous, console versions less so, and their radiograms of the period all seem pretty scarce. I've the only one I have physically met in fifty years, an A30RG which was the successor to your model, then I don't get around very much and haven't visited the specialist fairs and auctions: it would be interesting to hear what's in other members' collections and what has been spotted lately.

Paul

[electrogram]

Of the 26 series the table model seems to be most numerous, l have seen more consoles than
RGs. 24 series there seems to be only slightly more table models than RGs and consoles. Of the 30 series the the console model seems to have been made, or survived, in much greater numbers than the table model. The 30RG seems to be very rare beast, l have only ever seen one.

[Maff1979]

Thanks for your reply.
It was still used regularly 25 years ago and then put in storage. Any more info would be great.
Thanks ago

[Maff1979]

Would anyone have an idea of an approximate value?

[dave walsh]

Hi Maff. You might want to look at the thread opened by Murphy Nut [Clive] via the search box above.... "1935 Murphy A28RG Radiogram Restoration" 7/5/16. He did a great deal of work to achieve a very impressive result. You can see my comments on there! Valuation is a bit tricky. Are you wanting to sell? I must admit I found this model and minimalist styling very attractive but as someone says, it may not be everyone's cup of tea Usually a 1930's RG will be rare as not many people could afford them back then but scarcity does not always equate to a high value. TV's, in particular and most RG's from that period may do very well but few people will have heard of this model [I hadn't]. That's probably why your initial searches didn't come up with much. It very much interests me though, so I will send you a pm tomorrow unless you intend to hang on to it.

Cheers,

Dave W

[dave walsh]

I can see I may have confused things here Maff-apologies! I've somehow conflated the A28 with your A26 which is not of interest [as I have something similar to that one already]. If you want to compare different models the "Murphy Diagram Dungeon" website is a very helpful resource with line drawings, circuits and chronological listings ! My comments about value will still apply however [and Clive's restoration job on the 28].

Dave W

[Paul_RK]

Value won't be huge, it's really a matter of finding someone who would like to accommodate it and is willing to pay a little for the privilege. I think the price of my fairly similar A30RG was £35, twenty or so years ago but inflation hasn't much touched the general vintage radio market since then. A few 1930s radiograms fetch far higher sums, but those are massive high-end instruments from the more exclusive manufacturers - RGD, Dynatron etc. - and the very largest HMVs. Even with those, and to much regret here, it's often only the amplifier or just the output valves that are sought and the poor old radiogram winds up getting scrapped. Your Murphy is much more modest, with the innards of a standard table radio: none of its parts is much coveted, it's just a nice old 'gram deserving a good home.

Paul

[Maff1979]

Thanks for your input guys, much appreciated

[MurphyNut]

I'd say pre-war Murphy radiograms are rare, I own 3 and always looking out for others and they just don't seem to turn up. Surprisingly most Murphy radios sets from the 1930's do seem plentiful.
Regards to value I agree with Paul, not really that high, a shame as these were quality items in their day and deserve better status.