Rare McMurdo Silver 15-17 Radio Console - Oxford Cabinet - Col. Roy C. Kirtland

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Rare McMurdo Silver 15-17 Radio Console - Oxford Cabinet - Col. Roy C. Kirtland:
$19000.00

TITLE:
Rare McMurdo Silver 15-17 Radio Console - Oxford Cabinet - Col. Roy C. Kirtland
SUBTITLE:
1937 Masterpiece Era Chrome Tube Chassis, 15" Jensen Speaker, Historic Aviator
ITEM SPECIFICS:
Brand: McMurdo Silver Corp. (Chicago, USA)
Model: "15-17" Custom Receiver
Year Manufactured: c. 1937 - 1938
Cabinet Model: Factory "Oxford" Console Cabinet
Speaker: 15" Jensen Heavy-Duty Electrodynamic Speaker
Tube Count: 15 Vacuum Tubes
Chassis Finish: Chrome Plated
Provenance Tag: "Built Especially for Colonel Roy C. Kirtland"
Condition: Non-Working / For Restoration (Needs Tube & Servicing worked prior to tube going bad)
ITEM DESCRIPTION:
HISTORIC 1937-1938 MCMURDO SILVER "15-17" CONSOLE RADIO
Up for sale is an extraordinary piece of American audio and aviation history: a complete McMurdo Silver "15-17" custom-built high-end console radio, housed in its original Oxford wood cabinet with the original 15-inch Jensen speaker.
McMurdo Silver radios were elite, ultra-luxury high-fidelity receivers produced in Chicago to compete directly with E.H. Scott. Each radio was individually tailored for the original buyer and featured a custom factory-engraved presentation badge on the rear of the chrome chassis.
HISTORICAL PROVENANCE
This unit features its original, factory-engraved brass nameplate reading:
"15-17" Built Especially for Colonel Roy C. Kirtland
Colonel Roy C. Kirtland (1874-1941) was a legendary aviation pioneer in the United States military:
One of the first military pilots personally trained by the Wright brothers.
Commander and organizer of the 1st Aero Squadron.
Mentor to General Hap Arnold.
Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was officially named in his honor. Key Reasons for His Historic Fame:
Air Force Base Namesake: Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico—a massive 50,000+ acre installation—was officially named in his honor in 1942 by direct order of General Hap Arnold.
Wright Brothers Student: He was among the very first military officers personally taught to fly by Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1911 (earning Pilot Certificate No. 46).
Aviation Firsts: In 1912, he piloted the Wright Model B airplane in the first-ever airborne test of a machine gun (a Lewis gun) fired from an aircraft. He also pioneered aerial mapping, night flying, and photography.
General "Hap" Arnold’s Mentor: Kirtland was the officer who personally recommended Henry "Hap" Arnold for flight training. Arnold went on to become the legendary five-star General of the Air Force during WWII.
Command Roles: He organized and led the 1st Aero Squadron, commanded Langley Field, and served as commandant of the Air Corps Tactical School.
Having a high-end luxury custom radio built for a figure of this military prominence makes this set a museum-quality artifact.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
McMurdo Silver 15-17 Chrome Chassis: Complete 15-tube capacity layout with original tube shields, transformers, and hand-engraved ID plate.
15" Jensen Speaker: Heavy-duty electrodynamic speaker mounted in the lower baffle with original wiring intact.
Oxford Console Cabinet: Solid wood console cabinet with factory finish, original dial assembly, and control knobs.
Historical Documentation: Includes printed research sheets detailing the history of the McMurdo Silver Corporation and the "15-17" line.
DETAILED CONDITION & OPERATIONAL REPORT
Current Operational Status: NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING / NON-WORKING. This unit is being sold STRICTLY AS-IS for restoration, repair, or collector display.
Tubes: Requires replacement of at least one missing/defective tube to complete the tube complement. one know damaged shown in photo.
Completeness: Chassis retains tube shields, transformers, knobs, speaker connection, and dial hardware intact.
Cosmetics: Cabinet shows light age-appropriate surface wear, scuffs, and minor finish patina, remaining structurally sound. The chrome chassis exhibits surface oxidation/patina typical for an 85+ year-old unrestored set.
Important Safety Note: To prevent damage to vintage power transformers and original capacitors, the unit has NOT been powered on or tested under high voltage. Full electrical restoration (replacing original capacitors/resistors and tube testing) is recommended before attempting operation.
SHIPPING & FREIGHT DETAILS
Freight / Delivery: Due to the size and weight of this console, white-glove freight shipping or specialized courier transport (such as uShip) will be required by buyer.
Local Pickup: Free local pickup is welcome and encouraged. shipping set at 500 but suggested buyer sets up shipping. if buyer sets up shipping 500 will be refunded to buyer.