Historical information

Edward ( Ted) Salamy (1903-1977) succeeded his father in business in Warrnambool as a jeweller and was at 179 Liebig Street when he retired in the 1960s. On 1st December in 1924 he obtained an amateur radio licence ( Call sign A3AJ). This was the 35th licence issued in the State of Victoria and the first in Warrnambool. The original licence cost two shillings and sixpence. Amateur radio, still a popular hobby today, was particularly important in the 1920s when few people had radios of any sort
and there were no provincial radio stations. People were able to access amateur radio sets to listen to such broadcast as overseas cricket matches.

Significance

This amateur radio set is of considerable historical importance as it belonged to Ted Salamy, credited with being the first to operate an amateur radio station in Warrnambool.

Physical description

This is a rectangular box containing five valves, a radio frequency mechanism and three coils with fine copper winding. The mechanisms are connected by wires and metal screws. The box has a raised black -composite material front which has a voltage meter, three switches or knobs and a tuning dial.

Inscriptions & markings

Philips made in Holland
British Made (voltage meter)