Original Item: Only One Available. The RBZ was a portable miniature valve-based receiver, introduced in 1943 by the Emerson Radio and Phonograph Corporation in News York (USA) for the US Navy. The receiver was used during Naval raids – for example during the D-Day landings – but also by resistance groups for the reception of BBC broadcasts. The device is powered by a battery pack and uses the helmet as its antenna.

It was originally developed for the US Navy and was probably intended for the reception of instructions during beach landings. As such, both the receiver and the battery case are water tight and all accessories are cast in rubber. The two cases themselves are made from Bakelite.

The initial model had a frequency range of 2 - 5.8 MHz, but the unit was later modified for an extended frequency range of 5 - 13 MHz AM. The extended units were dropped over occupied European territory during WWII and were subsequently used by resistance groups.

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As such, it resembles the British war-time MCR-1, the Sweetheart and the post war Mk-301 receivers. The RZB receiver was manufactured by the Emerson Radio and Phonograph Corporation in New York (USA) around 1943. The headset is connected to the battery case with a fixed rubber lead and consists of two flat speakers in a canvas skull cap, so that it could be worn under a standard helmet. Unfortunately, the skull cap is missing from the item shown here.

The receiver is beautifully built and operates around 5 valves: RF pre-amplifier (1T4), local oscillator/mixer (1R5), IF amplifier (1T4), detector (1S5) and the AF amplifier (1L4). For frequency adjustment it uses coil tuning (permeability tuning). The sensitivity of the receiver is 1 to 4 µV at 1mW audio output (into 600 ohm headphones).

In Naval use, the soldier's metal helmet would be used as the antenna. A short piece of fixed wire (approx. 70 cm) and a screw-on terminal is used to connect the receiver to the helmet. Although it is uncertain whether these radios were issued to US Marines during WWII, it has now been confirmed that British SAS troops used the RBZ Radio during Operation Houndsworth in Morvan (France) in June 1944.

This example is offered in excellent condition and is complete with canvas carry bag and ear receivers in lace up canvas skull cap. There is wear present on the rubber coated wiring which now exposes the inner structure of wires.

A very rare set offered in great display condition.

NOTE: We cannot promise functionality as we have not tested these receivers.