Description: Hello and welcome to The House of Chrome. You are looking at a unique and rare early Astatic model D-104 crystal microphone from the 1940's (possibly late 1930's) that comes with the original lower chrome handle and built in on / off switch. Pic # 2 shows the D-104 from a 1950's catalog. The D-104 is probably the longest running model crystal microphone ever made and is quite popular with HAM radio operators. The D-104 was manufactured by Astatic in Youngstown, Ohio and was to be used as a public address mic as it's non-directional. The D-104 had evolved slightly over the decades but has many similarities from start to finish and utilized the same crystal element during it's production run. You'll notice right away that while this looks like the newer D-104's of the past 60 years this one has a few differences that are quite obvious. This model was intended to either be handheld for public speaking or could be suspended from a hook. This was a specialized version so you don't see too many around. It lacks the typical Astatic badge on top because that's where the factory installed hook went. It also has the attached lower chrome handle that is in very nice condition and free of any noticeable wear. The handle is rugged and allowed the user to hold the mic while speaking. It has a built in on / off switch that may or may not work? The short cable has an old Cannon male XLR end connector. I really don't know if the original crystal element still works or not but the mic was tested via cable and doesn't work so I would have to assume the element is dead. Again, I have no idea. This would be an ideal restoration project because of it's pristine condition but there will be some extensive rewiring needed. If you are willing to spend a few hours doing so you'll have a great working mic but it's just not worth the time and labor for me to do so therefore I'm selling this as a display / prop mic only. The polished chrome body is free of any deep scratches, corrosion or dents. Very lite scratches and scuffs only. I would rate the cosmetic condition a very conservative 8 out of 1 - 10. Will make a great paper weight as well. Just a very cool older D-104 model all around. A very nice piece that will draw attention anywhere it's shown. If you demand a D-104 that few others have then this is your girl. As with all my vintage microphones for sale... I can promise you will be happy with it for the price paid. If not...I have a no hassle return policy. The return shipping will be on you as I believe that's fair but the purchase price would be refunded. Simply return in the same nice condition...period. Check my rating. International buyers are welcome as well. BUYER MUST PAY WITHIN 24 HOURS or will lose rights to this item, unpaid item report will be filed and will be relisted. If you don't intend on buying this...do not commit to buy please. Domestic buyer will get priority shipping. If you have any questions feel free to ask and...thanks for looking.
Price: 125 USD
Location: Park Rapids, Minnesota
End Time: 2024-02-07T19:45:02.000Z
Shipping Cost: 11.99 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Country of Manufacture: United States
Model: D-104
Type: Vintage Microphone
Brand: Astatic
