Walter Winchell's E.H Scott Check

[David Wilson]

This is an interesting piece I came across when going through my Scott paper items today. It's the famed national radio news commentator and syndicated newspaper columnist Walter Winchell's canceled check made out to E.H. Scott Laboratories on December 21, 1933. I find this check interesting for a number of reasons. We know from E.H Scott ads and brochure literature Walter Winchell is listed as a E.H.Scott radio owner. The check was written 4 days before Christmas of 1933, at the most sever part of the Great Depression. I've also included an original Scott price catalog that was published for the Christmas season in 1933. The closest radio package I can price out, within $2.12 of what Winchell's check was written for, is an Allwave Deluxe 12 receiver, amplifier, speaker and tubes with the $57 Wellington Cabinet. Who knows what he bought, Scott may have cut Winchell a special deal on a nicer cabinet at the time if he allowed Scott to use his name in their promotional materials. 

[Kent King]

There are two other things to consider: First, I'd almost bet he opted for installation ($10). Scott would not waive that fee, as he had to pay a local person for that service. Also, Scott often took deposits/down payments - so this check might be a "final" check following a deposit on a much larger cabinet combo. While we can't say for sure - it is still a great piece of history and a wonderful part of the Scott story.

Kent