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Freshman Co. Masterpiece

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Freshman Co. Masterpiece
During 1923 and early 1924 the radio market was dominated by neutrodynes and Atwater Kent 3-dial TRFs costing $100 to $200. This was just the window of opportunity Charles Freshman needed. His engineers were able to bypass the need for expensive neutralizing methods or potentiometer bias controls by simply mounting the RF transformers so close to the metal-frame tuning condensers that they would stop the set from oscillating. It didn’t work great but it did work, and it was cheap. He could now offer a 5-tube set capable of operating a loudspeaker for $60. It was a great success, allowing Freshman to dominate the Christmas market for 1924 and most of the following year. There are 3 versions of the “ Masterpiece “ in this collection, one each from 1924, 1925, and 1926. The simplicity of design and sales success of this model spawned countless imitations over the next 2 years. Many examples are represented in this collection. Any set described simply as a 3-dial TRF is in fact, at least technically speaking, and an imitation of the “Masterpiece”. This set is complete and is in very good condition. Sold without tubes.