1949 Webster-Chicago "Electronic Memory" 180-1

It's a wire recorder from around April of '49. It came with everything, including the microphone, which is still good and in excellent condition, although I did not show it. This machine seems to have a good life, without much use, however. All of the components, aside from the power cord are original and perfectly functional. The wires are in okay shape, and I was able to listen to recordings made in the early fifties, in around 51-52. I saved these recordings and put them on to a cassette so that I could re-record the wires with a clear conscience.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Webster-Chicago
• webcor
• vintage
• wire
• tape
• recorder
• old
• antique
• tube
• original
• mint
• crystal
• radio
• collectors
• collectable

[kalash12345]

You should show, how rewind works.

[ForgetfulCollector]

Rewind just makes the motor shift over and press against the underside of the feel reel.

[coolbluelights]

wow! i've heard of these but never seen one! forgive me if I missed it, but how long is recording time on that machine usually?

[ForgetfulCollector]

see Tubeie07's comment, which I replied to.

[tubeie07]

Remarkably good considering it's age - I guess it's 'good storage' is the thing that saved it ! Around the 08:30 mark the audio sounded excellent, so I see what you mean by it's more than unacceptable quality. You even have the BOOK ! Glad to see you saved the historic recordings before use (being an archivist myself). A great find and glad that it found it's way to someone who appreciates this sort of equipment. It's in safe hands Sean! BTW, what's the total recording time per reel??

[ForgetfulCollector]

You could get spools up to 1 hour, but the ones that I have are mere 15 minutes long.

[CragarPimp]

How much it worth???

[feelingproject]

GOOD DESCRIPTION ..Look in my videos: have an interesting & very rare American/French Clone Wire Recorder ..peace all

[vincentmoonfish]

@ForgetfulCollector Hi! I live in Blegium and my father has got one of those recorder. It's frustrating it doesn't work anymore (even if electricity does). There are several wheels inside the box and he has told me it should be his voice when he was 13 or so on those wheels!!! He is 69! I think he would be very pleased if someone could fix this recorder: it would be a bit like a time machine. I would also enjoy listening to those audio treasures. Do you think a basic electrician could fix it?

[Vinylrecordsneverdie]

Sounds very good for being unrestored! The innards reminds me of an RCA record changer because of the copper chassis.

[CassetteMaster]

Very very very nice deal on the wire recorder!!! All the stuff to it, the good condition, and spools, and the very good working condition! That has a good sound to it. I have the same model wire recorder, but no microphone, manual, and only one spool. It does manage to playback quietly, but won't record. It needs a recap.