Heathkit High Fidelity Amplifier, Model W-5M, circa 1955

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Artifact Overview

The Heath Company was founded in the 1920s as a "do-it-yourself" electronics kit provider. "Heathkits" provided simple, accessible instructions understandable to amateurs and experts alike. As hobbyists built radios, televisions, and computers from scratch, they gained electronics skills. These kits were not novelties, but emphasized access to affordable, advanced, high-performance technology. Parallels easily be seen within present-day "Maker" culture.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Amplifier

Date Made

circa 1955

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

90.262.6

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)
Plastic
Rubber (Material)
Steel (Alloy)
Copper alloy

Dimensions

Height: 8.25 in
Width: 8.75 in
Length: 13.25 in

Inscriptions

46-12 138726
Heathkit High Fidelity Amplifier, Model W-5M, circa 1955