Signal Corps R-388 (Collins 51J-3)

Manufactured 1952 through 1955, Cedar Rapids, IA

Retail (51J-3): $1000

Type: General Coverage HF Communications Receiver

 

Arthur Collins started manufacturing amateur (Ham) transmitters in the basement of his house in 1931. In 1933, the company incorporated and moved downtown. At that time, the company had already grown to 8 employees. By 1940, employment reached 150, and reached its’ wartime peak of over 3300 employees in 1945.

 

During the war years, Collins produced over 26,000 ART-13 transmitters and 35,000 TCS receivers. Other companies manufactured another 90,000 units of the Collins-designed equipment. After Japan’s surrender, most of Collins’ military contracts were cancelled. They put their resources into the development of new products, one of which, the 75A-1, led to the design of this receiver, the 51J-3.

 

Collins went on to develop the first transceiver, which spelled the end of separate receivers and transmitters. In the 1960’s, the companys’ sales grew to over $500 million. Collins was acquired by Rockwell International in 1971. Arthur Collins stayed on for awhile, then resigned in 1972 and formed a consulting firm in Dallas. He died in 1987.

 

This history of this particular 51J-3 is unknown, but it most likely saw active service into the 60’s, when it was probably replaced by the ultimate tube receiver and direct descendent of the 51J-3, the legendary Collins R-390.

 

Today, the 51J and 75A series receivers have become collectors’ items, and continue to increase in value each year.