{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-era-austrian-radione-r2-portable-three-band-radio-receiver-by-nikolaus-eltz-of-vienna-circa-1939-1945","title":"Original German WWII-Era Austrian Radione R2 Portable Three-Band Radio Receiver by Nikolaus Eltz of Vienna - Circa 1939-1945","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a German WWII-era Radione R2 portable radio receiver, manufactured by the Austrian firm Radione, established by engineer Nikolaus Eltz in Vienna. Introduced in 1939, the R2 was a portable three-band radio designed for personal, automobile, and household use. Its durable construction and adaptable power supply also made it suitable for military applications, and versions of the receiver were employed by the German Wehrmacht during WWII. It measures approximately \u003cb\u003e13 ½” x 6” x 9”.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe radio is housed in a rectangular sheet-steel cabinet with a textured dark gray finish and a brown leather carrying handle secured to the top by metal brackets. The front incorporates a large circular loudspeaker opening covered with light-colored fabric, a multicolored circular tuning dial, and two black control knobs beneath the dial. A small shield-shaped emblem is also present near the upper left corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tuning dial is a particularly attractive feature, displaying an extensive assortment of European and international broadcasting stations printed around three colored wavelength scales. Station names include Berlin, London, Paris, Rome, and numerous others, while the original tuning pointer remains present. The top retains its recessed rotary control and small projecting switch, and the sides have several openings for external connections. A recessed fastening point is present on the rear panel, together with a rectangular identification-plate recess near the bottom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is good overall, with expected age and handling wear. The gray cabinet retains much of its textured finish, with scattered scratches, paint loss, and localized oxidation, particularly around the edges and metal fittings. The leather carrying handle remains attached, while the tuning dial retains its printed station markings despite scratches and wear to the transparent cover. The loudspeaker fabric shows discoloration and minor damage. Electrical operation has not been tested, and the internal condition is unknown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Radione R2 was introduced in 1939 by the Viennese radio manufacturer Nikolaus Eltz, whose company produced a range of radio receivers and related electrical equipment. Developed during the closing years of the 1930s, the R2 was intended to provide reliable broadcasting reception in a portable format, suitable for operation in automobiles, temporary accommodations, and locations without conventional household electrical service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe receiver employed a superheterodyne circuit, a design that had become increasingly important in European radio manufacturing during the interwar period. This system converted incoming radio signals to a fixed intermediate frequency before amplification and detection, improving reception sensitivity and selectivity. The R2 also incorporated a radio-frequency amplifier stage, helping it receive weaker transmissions and separate broadcasting stations occupying nearby frequencies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original design covered three principal broadcasting ranges: long wave (\u003ci\u003eLangwelle\u003c\/i\u003e), medium wave (\u003ci\u003eMittelwelle\u003c\/i\u003e), and short wave (\u003ci\u003eKurzwelle\u003c\/i\u003e). Long- and medium-wave reception provided access to domestic and regional broadcasting services, while short-wave reception allowed listeners to receive international transmissions over considerable distances under suitable atmospheric conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe R2's original specifications included approximate wavelength coverage of 730-1,800 meters for long wave, 200-580 meters for medium wave, and 16-50 meters for short wave, although technical details varied among production configurations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the receiver's more useful characteristics was its adaptable power arrangement. The civilian design could operate from an alternating-current electrical supply or an external 6- or 12-volt battery, making it practical for automobile use and travel. Battery operation relied on an electromechanical vibrator, known as a \u003ci\u003eZerhacker\u003c\/i\u003e, which allowed the low-voltage electrical supply to generate the higher voltages required by the vacuum-tube circuitry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis flexibility became especially useful during the Second World War. Following Austria's incorporation into Germany in March 1938, Austrian manufacturing increasingly contributed to German industrial and military requirements. Radione continued producing radio equipment, and the R2 was adapted for military use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe German Wehrmacht employed specially configured R2 receivers for \u003ci\u003eTruppenbetreuung\u003c\/i\u003e, a term referring to programs intended to provide entertainment, information, and recreational activities for military personnel. Radio broadcasting was an important part of these efforts, allowing soldiers to receive news, music, speeches, and other programming while stationed away from home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMilitary versions of the R2 included configurations designed for operation from 24-volt vehicle batteries. The receiver's sturdy cabinet, portability, and ability to work from independent electrical supplies made it useful in military accommodations, administrative facilities, and other locations where conventional domestic radio equipment was inconvenient.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring WWII, German radio broadcasting was also an important instrument of state communication and propaganda. The Reichs-Rundfunk-Gesellschaft and associated broadcasting organizations transmitted official announcements, entertainment programs, military news, and political material. Radio programming formed a regular part of life on the German home front and was also made available to military personnel serving abroad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePortable receivers such as the Radione R2 helped extend access to these broadcasts beyond permanent residential and institutional settings. Depending on reception conditions, their short-wave capability could also provide access to transmissions originating outside Germany.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Radione R2 remained in production in various configurations during the wartime period, with differences in electrical arrangements and equipment details reflecting its intended applications. Its combination of multiband reception, vacuum-tube circuitry, and portable metal construction represents the established radio technology of the late 1930s and early 1940s, when manufacturers were increasingly developing receivers capable of operating independently of household electrical supplies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe R2 occupies an interesting place in the history of European radio technology through its dual civilian and military applications, particularly its documented use as a portable broadcast receiver within the German Wehrmacht.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46351335751749,"sku":"ONSV26KMK081","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/53F6E09D-8D76-47B1-8F7D-0A124BB24288.jpg?v=1794257041","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-era-austrian-radione-r2-portable-three-band-radio-receiver-by-nikolaus-eltz-of-vienna-circa-1939-1945","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}