What is this? Radio?

[ZJS]

I have this I’m assuming 20s 30s wooden device of some sort however I haven’t a clue what it is or how it works… a person said it looked homemade made…
Any ideas or knowledge?

 

[Martaine2005]

It has a ferrite core antenna in there so possibly a receiver of some type. Possibly AM?. Most FM AM ferrite core antennas have two windings.

 

[ZJS]

Yes I was thinking it must be some sort of receiver as I saw the antenna…
But how would you listen to it as no external ports for speakers or speaker..?

 

[Alec_t]

Is the round thing with four connecting pins on the back a bulb/light of some sort? Xenon flash tube?

 

[EddyFiRa]

Vintage radios often feature unique designs and components that can make identification challenging. Collectors and enthusiasts frequently share images and descriptions on forums to tap into the community's collective knowledge for assistance. Engaging with such communities can provide valuable insights into the history and specifics of various radio models.

 

[Bluejets]

Possibly a detector of some kind using the front knob as a range switch and the front panel "bulb" being similar to a "tuned to frequency" component. Old valve radios ( pre 2nd world war....I bought one for $5 when I was an apprentice) used simiar to indicate " on station" tuning. A seeing eye if you like.

 

[travellingblue]

It doesn't seem like a traditional AM/FM radio. This is my continental M-500 portable AM radio from 1950's. If it were it would have tubes. Unless they are hidden behind the other sections. It doesn't seem to have a speaker or an audio transformer for a speaker. See the plastic bit with 4 holes on my radio? That was for headphones. Is there something to that extent on yours? If it were truly custom it wouldn't have manufacturer numbers stamped on the square component there. Opening up those hidden sections might give more Insite.