Another pick up and another very uncommon SOE radio.
Waterproof Radio receiver and battery pack built in 1943 by Emerson Radio, New York, for the US Navy. This radio was initially designed for use by USN/USMC for beach assaults and covered the frequency band 2 - 5.8 MHz.
However, a special set was designed for use by SOE/OSS which had the frequency band modified to 5 - 13 MHz to enable pick up of coded messages sent by BBC broadcasts.
Receiver showing the markings 5 - 13 MC which meant the frequencies on this set had been modified for SOE/OSS clandestine use.
These modified sets were dropped over occupied France and used by the French resistance. They were also used by British and Free French SAS troops during D-Day operations.
Another neat item SiPo , as you say, not too common. I have loaned my own example of the RBZ to our Museum and have it set-up as you can see. I believe mine also has the 5-13 MC markings, but will check when I am next there.
About 3 weeks ago, a small UK auction house offered a transmitter unit for a B2 suitcase radio with a low reserve price. Unfortunately, there was no picture of the item uploaded by the auction house at the time but as I was about to leave for a family holiday, I left a cheeky bid.
On return to the UK I found that not only did I win the auction but that there was now a picture of the set avaialable to view.
Well, what a lovely surprise to find that it was not just your ordinary run of the mill B2 set but was indeed an exceptionally rare and special set indeed.
I am due to pick it up soon but for now here is the pic from the auction house.
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