Linguaphone

Linguaphone Corso D’Italiano
made in England 1954

This fantastic vinyl case holds an Italian language course – with 50 ‘Lezione’ on 45 RPM records, and various student books – such as “Vocabularies and Text of Sound Record” and the like. The books are published by Linguaphone Institute Ltd, in London by The Woodbridge Press.

There’s a “Reading Book” in Italian, “Students Instructions”, and “Explanatory Notes”- all supporting the lessons on the records. The illustrations in the books are pure 50s- as are the pictures on the records [I confess that I bought this set on the drawings alone. And the vinyl case is totally funky.]

The case has never been opened [until now!]- the records are unused and the books unread. A 50s course in Italiano awaits you! Classic Italian sentences that will assist your next trip to Italy such as : “Do you have a light”? and “Have you seen Sophia Loren in ‘It Started in Naples’?”

The Linguaphone- unused, is in excellent vintage condition, and is for sale: $AU55

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Jetset- jet….- set….

Jetset solid state radio & phonograph
made in Japan 1969

The radio and phonograph work on this portable turntable, which has the standard 33 and 45 settings, but I suspect a new stylus would improve the sound quality substantially. I like the way the phonograph arm is recessed into the body of the player, you can just see the round metal section that houses the needle, to the middle right of the housing. How good would it be to take it on a picnic and play some old vinyl?

The Jetset runs on mains power – or- takes 4 x c size batteries- it is good to go, or on the go.

The aluminium knobs are a little scuffed- probably from 40 years of use, but other than that, this lovely orange portable radio/turntable is good to go.  For sale: $AUD95

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Folding slide projector

Minolta ‘Mini’ folding slide projector
made in Japan, c.1950s

The Mini is a ‘folding’ projector in that you lift the metal case up and fold out the lens and the mechanics of the slide projector for use. It’s an incredibly efficient design – quite a feat of 50s engineering.

The Mini comes with its own funky white vinyl bag [black piping, metal zip, internal compartments for all the bits] a dual slide changer AND an ‘Autochanger’ and is excellent working condition. The Autochanger allows you to stack a number of 35mm slides on both sides so one needed hold up the slide-show too long.

The lens is 1:2.5, f=7.5mm, and it runs on 200-240 V, AC/DC. The current bulb is still working, and I have researched replacement bulbs: a $10 CDS 100 watt, 115-120 volt bulb will suffice. There’s a cute little bakelite on/off switch on the electrical cord.

The folding slide projector is for sale: $AUD125

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50s anodised aluminium

Anodised beakers
made in Hong Kong, c.1950s

I found another set of anodised aluminium cups- they are unused and were still wrapped individually in 1950s tissue paper! This set from Hong Kong hasn’t a maker’s mark, just the place of origin…but they do come with a handy bottle-opener concealed in the vinyl case lid. Perfect for the retro picnic!

Aren’t those 50s colours adorable? This is a harlequin set- so called because there’s one of each colour. Anodised aluminium beakers are highly collectible- and I have sold a few sets. So many people have fond memories of the picnics of yesteryear. Perhaps it’s because picnics are such fun as children? No admonitions to get your elbows off the table, or not to speak with your mouth full.

All the beakers are in good condition, ~ still shiny and having no dings ~ I suspect they have never been near a picnic.     For sale: $AUD75

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Jetset

Jetset solid state radio & phonograph
Runs from the mains & takes 4 x c size batteries
Made in Japan c.1969

The radio and phonograph work on this portable turntable, which has the standard 33 and 45 settings, but I suspect a new stylus would improve the sound quality substantially. I like the way the phonograph arm is recessed into the body of the player, you can just see the round metal section that houses the needle, to the middle right of the housing. How good would it be to take it on a picnic and play some old vinyl?

The aluminium knobs are a little scuffed- probably from 40 years of use, but other than that, this lovely orange portable radio/turntable is good to go.  For sale: $AUD95

Buy Now