Western Electric Microphone, Model 47A, Used at WXYZ Radio Station
THF156640 / Western Electric Microphone, Model 47A, Used at WXYZ Radio Station
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Artifact Overview
Western Electric produced the first commercially available condenser microphone. It was widely used in broadcast, cinema, and studio applications until the mid-1930s, when ribbon microphones were introduced. WXYZ-Radio (whose call letters were WGHP until 1930) was a charter member of the CBS Radio Network, producing popular programs like The Lone Ranger and Green Hornet.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Microphone
Date Made
1928-1935
Creators
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2014.0.17.8
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Brass (Alloy)
Iron alloy
Rubber (Material)
Textile materials
Dimensions
Height: 17.5 in
Width: 4.5 in
Length: 5 in
Inscriptions
plaque:
Trade Mark
Western Electric
Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.
47-A Amplifier
Patent
1223496 . . . 1636765
Made in U.S.A.
WXYZ
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