Question about a 16A

[Eugene Pederson]

What would be a fair/reasonable price for a 16A that looks to be in good condition both chassis wise and cabinet wise?  Is this model a good set to own?  Any input is appreciated.

 

Gene

[Norman S Braithwaite]

The Metropolitan 16A is a very good sounding receiver when working properly.  There were approximately 2000 made, far less than the 10,000 Model 800B receivers.  The value of the receiver hinges on whether or not the original speaker is present and working.  The original speaker is a dual concentric Jensen HNP-51 and is often removed for sale to asian collectors.  With the correct original speaker, the Metropolitan 16A in a nice original cabinet should be worth $300 to $500.  Without the original speaker, $100 to $300.

[Eugene Pederson]

Hi Norman,

Here is a picture of the speaker in this set has. It looks to me like the number on the speaker is HNP50 C4887 858268.

Would this be the original or the replacement?

 

This also has the dial scale missing. Evidently it got broken. I see there are repros available. How much will lthat hurt the value?

Gene

[Norman S Braithwaite]

That is a correct original speaker.  It is nice to see that it has not been swapped.  As it appears you are aware a near identical reproduction dial scale can be obtained from Radio Daze (http://www.radiodaze.com/reproglassdials.htm - scroll down to Scott 16A).  Check with Radio Daze for availability before making a decision.  When out of stock, they have been slow to replace stock.  Use of the reproduction dial scale will not depreciate the value much at all.

Norman

[Eugene Pederson]

Thank you for your input. I am going to go look at the set and decide what to offer. He is aware of the $300-$500 range and is willing to negotiate in that area. I am not sure how much work this needs yet. Wires have been cut or broken according to the owner.Being a late 40's set is it safe to play 45's and 33 records on? I have read that the tracking forces for these older units are in the 5-8 gram range. I have a bunch of pictures he sent if you have any interest in seeing them.

 

Gene

[Norman S Braithwaite]

The Metropolitan 16A was originally offered with a Webster Chicago Model 70 record changer that played 78 rpm records only.  Some of the last Metropolitan 16A receivers were sold with a Webster Chicago Model 356 three speed record changer.  These changers did require higher tracking weight than later models but I don't believe a 5 to 8 gram tracking weight is to much for average records.

Norman