Ingelen Columbus 51 GW
The Ingelen Columbus 51 GW is an Austrian table radio from the early 1950s, built by Ingelen, Elektrotechnische Fabrik Ing. Ludwig Neumann GmbH in Vienna. The model dates from 1950/1951 and belongs to the post-war Columbus series, a line of well-built Austrian domestic receivers.
The Columbus 51 GW is still a classic AM radio and covers long wave, medium wave and two short-wave ranges. It does not yet include FM, which makes it representative of the period shortly before FM receivers became common in Austrian households. Technically, it is a 6-circuit superheterodyne receiver with an intermediate frequency of 451 kHz.
The suffix GW indicates an AC/DC universal-current receiver. It was designed for mains voltages between 110 and 220 V and does not use a conventional mains transformer. This makes the set technically interesting, but also means that special care is required before any attempt is made to power it up. The valve line-up is typical for such a universal-current radio: UCH42, 2 × UAF42, UL41, UM4 and UY41.
Visually, the Columbus 51 GW follows the restrained but elegant design language of Austrian radios of the early 1950s. The wooden cabinet, horizontal dial and practical front layout give the set a solid, domestic appearance. It is not a luxury receiver, but rather a well-made household radio from the immediate post-war years, when radio was still one of the central sources of information and entertainment.
Condition
This radio is currently preserved in unrestored / as acquired condition. No electrical or cosmetic restoration has been carried out so far. The set therefore documents the condition in which it was found, including all traces of age, storage and previous use.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Ingelen, Elektrotechnische Fabrik Ing. Ludwig Neumann GmbH, Vienna
Model: Columbus 51 GW
Year: 1950/1951
Type: Table radio, AC/DC universal-current receiver
Principle: Superheterodyne receiver
IF: 451 kHz
Tuned circuits: 6 AM circuits
Wavebands: Long wave, medium wave, 2 × short wave
Valves: UCH42, 2 × UAF42, UL41, UM4, UY41
Power supply: AC/DC, 110–220 V
Loudspeaker: Permanent-magnet dynamic loudspeaker
Cabinet: Wooden cabinet
Original price: 1,545 Austrian schillings
Circuit Diagram
References
Radiomuseum.org – Ingelen Columbus 51 GW
Wikipedia – Ingelen
Pictures
