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Gilligan's Island RadiothePackard Bell AR 851 AM RadioModified to be Just Like the One Used on the TV Show
This is a vintage Packard Bell AR-851 AM 8 Transistor Radio
Let me give you a little background on the Packard Bell AR-851 radio and why itis so sought after....
In 1964 CBS debuted a television show featuring 7Castaways and their attempts to survive their shipwreck
on a tiny unchartedisland after what started out as a.....three hour tour....a three hourtour.............
That show was....GILLIGAN'S ISLAND
Today, it is widelyaccepted that GILLIGAN'S ISLAND has become a cultural icon of the 1960's
Whileshipwrecked...one of their only ways that they were able to stay in touch withwhat was going on "back home"
was a Transistor Radio that they wouldlisten to....that radio....the Packard Bell AR-851
This radio is exactly THAT radio...a Packard Bell AR-851...all original parts and components
The radio that was used in the show was modified by the propdepartment to have a handle and an antenna
AM radios (such as this) do notneed an antenna to receive a signal but the prop department thought it would look better with one
I have added the handle and the antenna sothat this radio would match the one used in the filming of Gilligan's Island
There were 2 variations of the radio that were used on the show an off white/ivory colored one and a beige colored one
They were both so similar that you really don't notice a difference when watching the episodes
This radio "case" is the "beige" color that was used in the show this color was the one used inthe majority of the TV scenes
Made in Japan sometime between 1964-1967 (after the CD symbols were required on AM radios)
It powers on...but will not dial in any AM radio stations
The back panel has JAPAN as part of the molded case (inside recessed top "finger hold")
Case is in excellent condition with no MAJORdamage
There are some minor signs of wear and age....
Minor surface scuffs, nicks and scratches...a tiny crack in the top, right, front edge toward the corner...very minor (see pic)
All of the minor wear is what I would expect to see on a radio that is over 50 years old...and was on a deserted island! LOL 😂😂
The plastic battery tubes are original...but the graphics had worn off so I covered them with exact replica battery placement diagrams
(Batteries are NOT included in this sale)
No corrosion of any kind other thanpaper discoloration from age in battery compartment
If you take off the case.....the original paper schematic, printed in JAPAN, isstill attached to the bottom of the back panel (see pics)
I took the case offto get a picture of the "inner workings" of the radio so you couldsee how clean this one is (see pics)
Antenna extends 2" above radio when fully collapsed and canextend to 58"
These are SUPER RARE and HARD TO COME BY.... Especially inthis condition...withthe "show modifications"
You will not see another one outthere
This would be an awesome addition to someone's Gilligan IslandCollection...and or Vintage Radio Collection
I took pictures from just aboutevery angle to give you a good idea of JUST HOW COOL and HOW COLLECTIBLE this is
The pictures do a much better job of describing this item than I ever could, please check them out!If you have any questions, or need any additional information regarding this item, please contact me PRIOR to offerding
Shipping options provided are the most economical and yet reliable based on delivery to your locationI have passed along the discounted shipping savings to YOUThis item IS AVAILABLE for international ShippingWinning international buyer would pay all shipping and customs fees to destination country
DO NOT MISS OUTon thisHIGHLY COLLECTIBLE ITEMCheck out my references and offer with confidenceThank you for your interest in my item
