U.S. Navy Model RCH*

Manufactured approx 1937 by Scott Radio Labs, Chicago Il.

Type: Standard U.S.Navy Shipboard Moral Receiver

Features: Really Heavy. Probably bullet-proof, too.

 

E.H. Scott, a native New Zealander, came to the United States after World War I and founded the Scott Transformer Company. The company was renamed in 1931.

 

Scott Radio Labs was the best known of the manufacturers of custom, high-end broadcast receivers who flourished during the 1930’s. Scott peaked in popularity in 1937 with the introduction of the massive, chrome-plated, 30-tube Philharmonic model. It was modestly proclaimed in full-page ads as “Worlds’ Most Powerful Radio”.

 

During World War II, specially sheilded, low radiation receivers were produced for shipboard use in both communications and entertainment applications.

 

E.H.Scott sold most of his interest in the company in 1944 and resigned in 1945 after being demoted from president to sales manager. He died in his retirement home in Victoria, BC, Canada.

 

The company became unprofitable by 1947 after entering the TV receiver business. It was sold in 1950 to John Meck and was briefly profitable, but by 1956 was bankrupt. The Scott name was exploited by a few unscrupulous companies until it died forever in 1961 as the result of a suit by H.H. Scott, Inc.

 

* This radio (and my first transmitter) were given to me at age 13 by the widow of a local ham operator that knew my dad  – JC