John, M0BQO reports on a VHB that was offered for sale.
(04/08/10)
JULY 2010 Some years ago I wrote an article for the BVWS Bulletin that was also put it on the SDRS website, on the subject of the three radio manufacturers in the Weymouth area in the 1920s. They were Marshalls of Portland, Smiths of Weymouth and V H Bennett of Weymouth. Less than a handful of these are known to exist, so it was a surprise to me when Ray Henville phoned to tell of a VHB set on eBay. It had just five hours to run. The listing was as follows (including a picture):
'V H B III Valve radio by V.H.Bennett of Weymouth. Dates from 1926. One of only two known to exist. Untested.
For more info on this set see: www.g3sds.org.uk/vintageupdate.htm'
Please note that the above page,which was hosted on the old SDRG website no longer exists.
I contacted the seller explaining that it was I who was responsible for the information on the SDRS website. I agreed that it was indeed a rare beast and it would be appropriate for it to come home to Weymouth. I placed a bid of £50 but it went to £82 and still failed to reach its reserve (the seller, acting on behalf of a relative, thought the reserve was much too high).
AUGUST 2010 The VHB radio (V.H.Bennett) of Weymouth failed to sell a few months ago, as reported in July's Catswhisker. It did not reach its reserve, which was at least £82. It has recently come onto eBay again and this time it started at £299. Yes - £299! (Though it included a Horn.) There was also a £30 post and packing charge. Not surprisingly, it remained unsold. At that price there is no way it will ever find its way home to Weymouth, but perhaps an affluent collector will at some time snap it up as a trophy. Question is, will he ever appreciate what he has got? I doubt it.
I can only hope that there will be a positive outcome - in this direction! If there is any more to report, I will publish it in Catswhisker - John, M0BQO