Original German WWII Wehrmacht Tornister-Empfänger b "Berta" Torn.E.b. Field Radio Transceiver with Battery Box, Headsets & Rare Cable Harness - Dated 1942

Original Item. Only One Available. This is an ultra rare German WWII field radio set, the Tornister-Empfänger b (Backpack Receiver b), usually shortened to Torn.E.b.. Nicknamed "Berta", it was introduced in 1935 and could be used in various different configurations. Produced in very large quantities by the famous Telefunken firm, this direct-amplification receiver was robust and could be quickly fixed in the field. The Torn.E.b was produced in three versions, the 1935 version (with the feedback dial), the 1943 version (without the feedback dial), and the mid-1944 version (with integrated console control labels). The Torn. E. b came with an accessory case which contained a combination of the anode and the filament batteries, or an E.W.b. power supply which converts 12 volts to 90 volts to simulate the anode battery.

This example comes with the battery box, headsets, and the very scarce cable harness.

The radio is clearly marked Torn.E.b. on the top by the handle, and still has the original data plate at the bottom of the front panel, which reads:

Torn.E.b.
Nr. 02173 42

It was made in 1942, relatively early in the war, so it is the original version with all of the features, many of which were removed later in the war as supplies dwindled. This example looks to be complete, and we assume that no components have been removed internally.

The set measures approximately 13 ¼"W x 9"H x 8 ¼"D, and the exterior retains much gray paint, although it does not appear to be the original paint. Included with the Transceiver are two sets of headphones, which retain the plug, and a handset, which has electrical tape holding the wire to the bottom.

The battery box is empty but adds some great character to the set. The paint is well-retained with many areas of loss. There are some faint markings to the front, a good research project. The set also comes with the very rare cable harness which has several wires with tags attached. The harness plugs into the front of the radio, and allows it to interface with additional radio items via the various "banana" style plugs.

It is offered in AS IS condition, we have no idea if it works or could be made to work. There are loads of Wartime photos of German soldiers using this same radio in the field.