Ask The Expert — Rocket Radio

By: Mike Huen Posted: 4:00 AM CDT Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/10/2017 (3184 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Mike,

I was cleaning my parents’ house and found this little toy Miniman Germanium radio in the toy box. I think it might have belonged to my dad. It measures five inches (12.7 centimetres) tall and the metal tip extends up and down.

I do not know if it works or how old it is. Does it have a collectible value?

Submitted
This Miniman Germanium radio might be worth around $50 to $60 in working condition. — Submitted This Miniman Germanium radio might be worth around $50 to $60 in working condition.

Trent W.

Winnipeg

Dear Trent,

What you have is known as a “Rocket Radio.” It uses a crystal to locate radio stations.

These were very popular in the 1950s and ’60s. They were made by many different companies and came in all kinds of styles. The way they work is you connect the alligator clip to a radiator or centre screw on a wall plug. You pull the antenna up and down to locate a radio station.

The price of these radios has declined in the past 10 years. I would value your radio in working condition at $50 to $60.

Mike Huen is an antique dealer and owner of Mike’s General Store. If you would like to have an item appraised, email your questions and include a photo to mike@mikesgeneralstore.com and put “Free Press” in the subject line, or write to Mike’s Appraisals, 52 St. Anne’s Rd., Winnipeg, MB, R2M 2Y3.