RCA Theremin

Description:

RCA Theremin, circa 1930, Model AR 1264, No. 200085, with pitch and volume bars, controls and seven tubes, in mahogany cabinet with slant front and music rest, on square tapered legs, ht. 46 1/2 in., and companion RCA Model 106 Electro-Dynamic Loudspeaker, ht. 34 in.

Invented by Russian physicist Leon Theremin in 1918, the RCA model was introduced in 1929 with production of approximately five hundred. The first all-electronic musical instrument the Theremin produces music by the performer moving his hands above the metal rods, thereby manipulating the electro-magnetic field generated by the oscillator. They enjoyed limited success in the begining, but achived much more with the coming of electronically-enhanced and then all-electronic music.
Estimate $3,000-5,000

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