Radio Receiver Used in the Piccards' Stratospheric Balloon Ascension, 1934

Summary

The Piccard stratosphere flight departed Ford Airport field on October 23, 1934. Spouses Jean and Jeannette Piccard ascended 10.9 miles in a metal gondola carried by a hydrogen balloon. To maintain ground communication, William Duckwitz built this radio transceiver, installing it in the "radio car" that trailed the flight. Duckwitz's call sign, W8CJT, is burned into its base.

The Piccard stratosphere flight departed Ford Airport field on October 23, 1934. Spouses Jean and Jeannette Piccard ascended 10.9 miles in a metal gondola carried by a hydrogen balloon. To maintain ground communication, William Duckwitz built this radio transceiver, installing it in the "radio car" that trailed the flight. Duckwitz's call sign, W8CJT, is burned into its base.

Artifact

Transceiver

Date Made

1934

Subject Date

23 October 1934

Creators

Gassett, William O. 

Duckwitz, William M. 

Ford Motor Company 

Place of Creation

United States, Michigan, Dearborn 

Creator Notes

Made by Ford employees William Gassett, assisted by William Duckwitz on behalf of Ford Motor Company.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

62.48.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of William M. Duckwitz.

Material

Copper (Metal)
Porcelain (Material)
Wood (Plant material)

Dimensions

Height: 7 in

Width: 5.75 in

Length: 19.5 in

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