General Electric Company Ltd

Rare English Art Deco "Gecophone No. 1" Radio Casing (Model BC1001) – GEC / BBC – Mahogany – Circa 1923 Description A beautiful and authentically styled antique wooden radio cabinet from the iconic English manufacturer GEC (General Electric Company Ltd.), marketed under the famous brand name Gecophone. This example concerns the mahogany housing of the legendary Gecophone Crystal Set No. 1 (Type BC1001), introduced in 1923. On the front sits the characteristic, gold-coloured transfer logo with the text "GECOPHONE - REG. No. 102" and the official postmaster’s approval logo of the BBC (British Broadcasting Company). Inside the lid is still the original brass plaque bearing the notation B.C. 1001 and INST. No. 3536. Historical use: In the early 1920s, this cabinet served as the housing for one of the very first commercially available crystal receivers (radio sets) for the general public. People could listen to early BBC radio broadcasts using headphones and a crystal detector in the dawn of wireless broadcasting. Current use: Today this is a coveted and tangible museum piece from the early history of radio. Extremely suitable for collectors of early communications technology, as a stylish decorative object in a classic or industrial interior, or as a unique storage box for precious small possessions. Period, Style and Provenance Period: 1920s (circa 1923) Style: Early Art Deco / Industrial / British Antique Provenance: United Kingdom (produced by GEC in London/England) Material and Construction The cabinet is made of solid mahogany with a warm, polished deep gloss. The corners are traditionally and meticulously joined by dovetail joints, underscoring the high quality of British furniture and instrument-making craftsmanship of the time. The box is fitted with original brass hinges, a lift-up lid, and a decorative brass latch at the front. Designer / Manufacturer Produced by the General Electric Company Ltd. (GEC) in England, in close collaboration with the newly established British Broadcasting Company (BBC) to meet the enormous demand for approved radio receivers. Dimensions and Weight Width: 23.5 cm Depth: 15.5 cm Height: 16.0 cm Weight: 800 g Condition In nice, authentic antique condition with light, characteristic signs of age appropriate for a object over a hundred years old. The wood carries a beautiful patina. The original papers/gold transfers on the front and the plate on the inside are beautifully preserved. (Note: this is only the empty wooden housing/cabinet as shown in the photos, excluding the internal workings). Shipping Will be packed with great care using bubble wrap, foam and cardboard and fully insured and registered with track and trace. PS: The last photo was created with AI to create atmosphere.

Estimation:€140

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