The spark-gap transmitters which came into vogue after the turn of the century were capable of bridging continents but were limited to telegraphy only – Morse code. They spawned a lot of interest amongst experimenters and wireless enthusiasts but as a consumer item, they were a lame duck.

In the 1920's 'coffin' radios were connected to external horn speaakers like this Amplion. The first car audio systems even had horn speakers.

It took a lot more development to be able to transmit (and receive) voice and music. But over the next two decades such development did occur and radio broadcasting, as we know it today, became a reality.

The equipment to receive those broadcasts naturally followed. Thanks to some inspired and creative inventors and producers from the early 1920s onwards, we can now look back and see radios that are absolute works of art. The wiring is superb and the cases lovingly constructed to showcase the finest possession in the home.

Many of these treasures should be in museums but due to a lack of space and resources, plus the overwhelming demand for diversity in their collections, few radios are restored and displayed in public.

Fortunately, 25 years ago a group of radio enthusiasts created an organisation dedicated to saving and restoring many of these iconic centrepieces of the 20th century way of life. Now many collectors’ homes display jaw-dropping collections of radio equipment and ephemera (posters, plans, circuits, advertisements and photographs).

The HRSA (or Historical Radio Society of Australia), was established by a small group of radio enthusiasts, motivated by Ray Kelly, in April 1982. Today, the HRSA has about 1000 members throughout Australia, with a number in overseas countries as well.