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Todas las subastas / Muebles, diseño & espejos / Decorative ornament - Radio-Célard “Chrono Capte” – 1950s...
Highly decorative Radio-Célard “Chrono Capte”, manufactured in Grenoble, France, circa 1952–1954. This unusual object belongs to the fascinating early post-war period of European radio technology, when manufacturers combined technical innovation with increasingly sculptural forms designed to be displayed inside the home. Although at first glance it strongly resembles a futuristic table clock, the Chrono Capte was not conceived as a conventional clock or radio. It was a sophisticated radio-wave selector, directional loop antenna and RF anti-interference device, designed to improve the reception of domestic valve radios. Radio-Célard of Grenoble specialised in reception equipment sold under the CAPTE name. Period advertising described the CAPTE system as a device designed to reduce interference, suppress whistles and unwanted noise, separate stations more effectively, improve listening quality and give older radio receivers a new lease of life. The principle was particularly ingenious. The Chrono Capte was connected to the household radio and formed part of its antenna reception system. The signal from the CAPTE was fed into the radio in place of, or in conjunction with, the normal antenna connection, allowing the device to filter and amplify the incoming radio signal before it reached the receiver. In practical terms, it was therefore inserted into the radio reception chain in order to help reduce interference and parasitic noise before the signal entered the radio circuitry. The large twin-loop antenna surrounding the circular body could be physically rotated and oriented. This made it possible to search for the best reception angle and, at the same time, reduce unwanted signals or electrical interference arriving from other directions. This directional principle was especially useful at a time when domestic radio reception could be affected by electrical appliances, atmospheric interference, neighbouring stations and relatively unsophisticated antenna installations. Internally, the unit contains original valve-era electronics, including a vacuum tube and radio-frequency circuitry used to amplify and condition the incoming signal. The front dial was intentionally designed in the style of a clock, turning what was essentially a technical radio accessory into an elegant object suitable for display in a living room. This combination of technology and decoration is one of the most distinctive aspects of the Chrono Capte. The design features a circular ivory-coloured body mounted above a dark brown moulded base, surrounded by two large gold/brass-coloured antenna loops. The sharply pointed central indicators and the minimalist dial give the object a remarkable Atomic Age / early Mid-Century Modern appearance. The twin-loop structure almost appears to suspend the central body inside a large halo, giving the piece a sculptural presence that remains striking even today. The antenna frame is orientable, as originally intended for improving reception and reducing interference. The rear cover is clearly embossed: “CONSTRUCTIONS CÉLARD – GRENOBLE – MADE IN FRANCE” Radio-Célard was an important French manufacturer based in Grenoble. Period advertising from the early 1950s promoted CAPTE as a unique radio-wave selector and highlighted its ability to: - reduce parasitic interference; - suppress whistles; - separate radio stations more effectively; - improve sound quality; - increase listening comfort; - and improve the performance of both modern and older radio receivers. The contemporary advertisements also show essentially the same distinctive circular CAPTE unit with its large surrounding loop antenna, confirming the originality of this remarkable design. Today, the Chrono Capte is particularly fascinating because a device originally created to perform a technical function beside a radio has survived as a striking piece of French technological and decorative design in its own right. It represents a period when radio technology was becoming part of modern domestic life and technical equipment was increasingly designed not merely to work, but also to be visually attractive. A particularly interesting collector’s object for enthusiasts of: vintage radio equipment, French industrial design, Atomic Age design, Mid-Century Modern objects, valve electronics and unusual technological antiques. Approximate dimensions: Width: 30 cm Height: 32 cm Base diameter: 18 cm The large twin-loop antenna is adjustable/orientable. CONDITION Preserved in attractive vintage condition considering its age. The cream-coloured circular body is generally well preserved, with normal traces of age and use. The gold/brass-coloured antenna loops show visible patina, oxidation, small marks and age-related wear, consistent with an original object from the early 1950s. The dark brown moulded base is substantially complete and remains structurally intact, with a small imperfection/chip clearly shown in the photographs. The original wiring, connectors, internal components and vacuum tube are present, as shown in the photographs. The rear cover can be removed and the internal radio-frequency circuitry is visible in the photographs. Because this is an approximately 70-year-old valve-era electronic accessory, it is sold as a decorative and collectible historical object. Its electrical operation has not been tested and no guarantee is given regarding present or future electrical functionality. Before any attempt is made to operate it electrically, inspection by a qualified technician familiar with vintage valve equipment is strongly recommended. The period advertisements shown are included for historical and documentary purposes only and are not included in the sale. The photographs form an integral part of the description and show the actual condition of the item, including age-related wear, patina and imperfections. This is an original vintage/pre-owned item and therefore may show normal signs of age, use, patina, oxidation, surface marks, manufacturing irregularities and other characteristics consistent with its period. All visible imperfections, age-related traces and relevant condition details are described and/or shown in the photographs. The photographs are an integral part of the description and should be carefully examined before bidding. Colours, tones and reflections may appear slightly different in person due to lighting conditions, camera settings and individual screen calibration. Vintage electrical and electronic equipment is fundamentally different from modern equipment. Components may be original and several decades old, and long-term performance or future reliability cannot be guaranteed. For this specific lot, however, the electrical operation has not been tested, and the object is sold primarily as a decorative and collectible vintage radio accessory. Any future electrical use should only be attempted after inspection by a qualified professional familiar with vintage valve equipment. The item will be professionally and carefully packed using suitable protective materials. The buyer is responsible for providing a complete and correct delivery address and for collecting or accepting the parcel within the carrier’s required timeframe. In the unlikely event of transport damage, the buyer is strongly requested to photograph the external packaging before opening the parcel and to document the unpacking process and any visible damage. By placing a bid, the buyer confirms having carefully read the complete description, examined all photographs and accepted the vintage nature, condition and characteristics of the item.
Estimación:€110
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Estimación:
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