The Case:
Back in 1959 Joe Bidwell of Tucson, AZ saved his pennies to buy his first transistor radio. He still owns the Motorola and fondly remembers the freedom he felt listening to music with a radio he could fit in his pocket.
He watched the transistor revolutionize electronics, paving the way for personal computers, space travel and much more. Then about ten years ago Joe bought a Regency TR-1 at an online auction site. The TR-1 was the first transistor radio made in 1954. His has a serial number of 2067, which Joe thinks seems very low.
Joe asks History Detectives host Tukufu Zuberi to find out whether he has the oldest transistor radio in existence.
Transistor Radio Patent
Take a closer look at Regency's original patent for the transistor radio.
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Space Boot
What does this odd-looking boot have to do with America's first steps in space?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Ventriloquist Dummy
How did an African-American ventriloquist act become so successful in a time of racial unrest?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Carson Family Secrets
Is this book a Carson family heirloom?
-
Related Investigation
Manhattan Project Letter
Did this letter help persuade President Harry S. Truman to change policy in the post war era?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Anti-Slavery Flag
Did this old sheet found in a family trunk contribute to the end of slavery in America?
-
Also in Post War: 1945-1960
Korean War Letter
What does this letter reveal about a forgotten act of heroism during the final days of the Korean War?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.