History of Hallicrafters
The Hallicrafters Company produced some of the most desirable amateur communication radios of the 1930s, '40s and '50s. Hallicrafters produced the classic SX-28, SX-42 and SX-101 communication receivers, and the HT-1 and HT-32 transmitter line. This equipment is still in use today and very popular with antique radio collectors.
History
William J. Halligan (1899-1992) was the founder and CEO of Hallicrafters. He began experimenting with wireless radio equipment at a very early age. He received a first-class amateur radio license in his early teens and at the age of 16 worked as a wireless radio operator. In World War I he served aboard the battleship Illinois and acquired the nickname "Wireless Willie". In 1933 he formed a radio manufacturing company known as Hallicrafters.
The Early Years
Bill Halligan adopted the slogan "Handcraft Makes Perfect" and began the manufacture of shortwave radios. Halligan named his company Hallicrafters by using a combination of his last name and handcrafters. Between 1936 and 1938 the Hallicrafters Company produced 23 different models of radio receivers. In 1938, Hallicrafters produced more communication receivers than any other company in the U.S. and sold shortwave radios to 89 countries. Bob Samuelson became the chief engineer for Hallicrafters and designed the company's first transmitter.
World War II
World War II caught the U.S. completely by surprise and unprepared. The military desperately needed shortwave communications equipment, causing the U.S. government to ask private citizens to donate their equipment to the war effort. Many amateur radio products produced by Hallicrafters were drafted into service by the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Hallicrafters Company acquired wartime contracts and produced several innovative receivers and transmitters. All commercial production of amateur radio communications gear was suspended until the end of the war.
Post-War Production
After World War II, there was great demand for amateur radio equipment. Hallicrafters built a new manufacturing plant, and hired Raymond Loewy as an industrial designer. Loewy was well-known as a designer for Coca-Cola, Nabisco and Studebaker. Loewy updated older Hallicrafters designs and created an all-new look for the SX-42 receiver. This sleek new shortwave radio introduced the FM band to customers and was a featured display at the Museum of Modern Art.
1950s
The 1950 production of consumer products included clock radios, AM/FM receivers and televisions. By 1952, Hallicrafters had more than 2,500 employees. One division of the company focused on civil defense and released the receiver classics "Civic Patrol" and "Defender". In 1966, the Northrop Corp. purchased Hallicrafters from the Halligan family. In 1975, the Hallicrafters Company was again sold to the Braker Corporation. The Braker Corporation ceased operations in 1980, bringing an end to a long line of Hallicrafters products. Hallicrafters produced many desirable models that are still sought by antique radio communications collectors.
Tags: amateur radio, Hallicrafters Company, Hallicrafters produced, 1938 Hallicrafters, antique radio, Braker Corporation
