Original German WWII Restoration Project Luftwaffe Portable Model K32 GWB Barracks Radio by Siemens - Door Button & Dials Missing - Serial 17538

Original Item: Only One Available. The NSDAP recognized early on that radio would be a very effective propaganda tool as the spoken word was more influential than the written. When AH came to power, Germany's national radio broadcasting system was quickly taken over by the Ministry for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda. A special department, the Chamber of Radio, was created, and it pushed manufacturers into producing an inexpensive radio that the average person could afford. This way the Ministry could reach more people. The Wehrmacht (Armed Forces) also recognized the influence of the radio, so commercial radios were provided for some units.

This is a very rough example of one of these early Luftwaffe radios, which are very rare. This is a Siemens model K32 GWB barracks radio, with long and short wave capabilities. It is marked with serial number 17538 by the top handle, and was most likely manufactured for the Luftwaffe in 1942-1943 based on the data labels. This set is good for a restoration project, as the button to open the iconic double doors is broken so the doors just sit open, and the dials are all gone. The radio retains its internals although the main structure is loose and is likely not working. There is a bag with replacement dials but we don’t know if they fit. The instructions on internal reverse side door are present but it is missing the screws to hold it secure to the interior lid, showing the intricate reverse. It has a Super-Heterodyne IF-Frequency of 468khz, 6 AM tuned circuits, moving coil dynamic speaker, and ability to be powered by battery or wall outlet. It most certainly does not work now however. 

It measures 12 1/8" tall x 17 3/4" wide x 7 1/4" deep. It still retains the original deep grey/blue Luftwaffe paint over multi-panel hardwood construction, with finger corner joints, and molded black Bakelite and metal fittings. There is heavy material loss to the wood especially on the backside with many pieces missing. The paint of the Luftwaffe eagles has been retained well however.

The cabinet is in rough condition with some damage to the paint and wood due to age and wear. The fabric covering the speaker is torn as shown. The doors are present but the release button is unfortunately missing, so they stay open, and the spring is sticking out of the buttonhole. The cabinet has 3 white Luftwaffe eagles with swass, which are quite crisp. The original power cord is still present but there is heavy tearing to the fabric and to some of the wiring. 

The original knobs are all gone. The two metal/bakelite tubes are present but the vacuum tubes are all gone. This set needs a lot of love and care, but could certainly be displayed now as a representative example. 

This is a very scarce collectible model for both radio and military collectors. Ready to restore and display!