A genuine Wartime Civilian Receiver (WCR) – the simplified “Utility Radio” issued to British households during WWII under strict government control. This is the AC mains model, retaining all original components, fittings, and labels. A solid example in good, honest wartime condition, exactly as collectors prefer. Increasingly difficult to find in untouched form.

Cabinet & Exterior
Constructed from wartime softwood with expected surface wear, scratches, and age marks. The front retains its original speaker cloth, not a modern replacement, and both original Bakelite knobs are present. The worn but present government label on the top is a nice survival feature, which reads ” Wartime civilian receiver, produced by the radio industry under government direction”.

Back Panel
The radio retains its original back panel with full AC model instructions, aerial and earth guidance, and the wartime valve chart. The metal licensing plate issued by the BTH, EMI, GEC, Marconi, Philips consortium is present and correct.

Interior & Condition
The radio shows a certain amount of wear, but is internally untouched, with all original wartime capacitors, resistors, and cloth wiring visible through the grille. No modern repairs, except being fitted with a modern three-prong plug. The radio powers on and produces hum/static but did not tune a station, so it may require valves or a routine service after 80 years.

Overall
A complete, untouched Home Front WWII radio in honest wartime condition. Radios with their original knobs, cloth, back panel, and internal components are becoming harder to find. Displays beautifully and represents a true wartime piece.

Historical Note
During WWII, British manufacturers were restricted to producing one standardised design known as the Wartime Civilian Receiver. Softwood cabinets and simplified components were used to conserve metal for aircraft, vehicles, and munitions. These radios kept the nation informed via the BBC Home Service and Forces Programme during air raids and wartime broadcasts.