Initial Function Test of a Howard Model 450A Receiver

I bought this set yesterday from a friend who had recapped it some time ago, so I thought I would give it a power-up and function test in is 'as arrived' condition. All controls are functioning as they should, although the tuning gang has some issues (crackly) over parts of its travel, and the set appears to be very 'deaf' on the upper bands. That said, I have not studied the schematic or any other literature yet. After I made this video I realized that I had to switch the IF (manually) when using Bands E and F(!), however, I could still not receive any stations on Bands E and F, though I could receive WWV on 10MHz on Band D (mid-morning in Victoria, BC, Canada in early-March) . Also, there appears to be separate antenna connections for different bands, so that may be part of the issue. I plan on giving this receiver a thorough 'going over' at some point in the next few months (earlier if I can find the time), so hopefully, I should be able to resolve things and have this beautiful vintage art-deco set perform as it did in 1938.

[@dieselten01]

Beautiful!

[@elext9q]

Wow that is gorgeous! Wish I could find one like it

[@RadioRestoration]

Indeed, a rare find - much too nice to let it slip away... All the other Howard receivers I have seen have been in poor shape. Someone has really looked after this one!

[@TheGmr140]

Looks great 😊😊

[@RadioRestoration]

Thanks! - I agree!!

[@iceberg789]

jewel !

[@joelima201]

That's a nice Howard. I guess Kieth had is fun with it !

[@RadioRestoration]

Hi Joe. Yes, it used to be in his family room as Deb really liked the look of it. Then it was relegated to the basement 'restored equipment room'. He is in downsizing mode, so I guess I was in the right place at the right time to become the current custodian of this beauty (even my wife likes the look of it!)

[@zdzisiek1979]

Ładny ... Ładny stan :)

[@RadioRestoration]

Yes - one of the best-looking Howard sets I have ever seen!

[@anthonymokelkie9360]

thats a really rare nice set you have there

[@RadioRestoration]

Hi Anthony. Yes, I am lucky to have found this one - and only two blocks from my house(!)

[@anthonymokelkie9360]

I been in the hobby since about 1978 as a youngster and ham since 1981 and i never seen one all these years i seen few rare ones but never this model, thats real collectors set that one @@RadioRestoration

[@RadioRestoration]

Yes, it is a classic - first receiver I have been tempted to buy since my McMurdo Silver Masterpiece VI@@anthonymokelkie9360

[@myradiovideos]

Very Nice, Clean the controls and tuning and then give us another demonstration, could not hear the radio itself...

[@RadioRestoration]

Yes, I will be working on the chassis sometime in the not too distant future - there are certainly some shortcomings as it is now.