Antenna Used in the Piccards' Stratospheric Balloon Ascension, 1934

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Artifact Overview

The Piccard stratosphere flight departed Ford Airport field on October 23, 1934. Spouses Jean and Jeannette Piccard ascended 10.9 miles in a metal gondola carried by a hydrogen balloon. To maintain ground communication, William Duckwitz built a radio transceiver and antenna, installing it in the "radio car" trailing the flight. Duckwitz's call sign, W8CJT, is burned into its base.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Antenna

Date Made

1934

Subject Date

23 October 1934

Creator Notes

Made by Ford employees William Gassett, assisted by William Duckwitz on behalf of Ford Motor Company.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

62.48.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of William M. Duckwitz.

Material

Copper (Metal)
Porcelain (Material)
Wood (Plant material)

Dimensions

Height: 5 in
Width: 4 in
Length: 31 in

Inscriptions

on board: W8CJT
Antenna Used in the Piccards' Stratospheric Balloon Ascension, 1934