Spring Military Aviation and Militaria Auction
Lot 133:
Description
A Cold War-era US Army portable FM transceiver, model RT-196/PRC-6, manufactured by Utility Electronics Corporation. This unit, commonly referred to as the Banana Radio due to its ergonomic shape, features a cast magnesium and aluminum alloy housing with an olive drab finish. The exterior is equipped with a push-to-talk button, an integrated speaker and microphone assembly, a top-mounted selector switch for internal or external use, and a flexible whip antenna. The metal data plate is marked Signal Corps U.S. Army, Radio Receiver-Transmitter RT-196/PRC-6, Serial No. 6820, and Order No. 23441-Ph-50. The side of the case features white stenciling for Modification Work Orders (MWO) SIG 11-296-1 through 4. A red caution label provides instructions for the air valve located at the lower end of the case. The interior compartment contains a modification record chart with entries dated 1-58 and detailed instructions for the use of a BA-270/U battery, including a battery socket circuit diagram. The unit includes an adjustable olive drab canvas shoulder strap attached via metal hardware.
Share this lot:
