Vintage Electronics: Safer With a Dim-Bulb Tester

Recently I noticed an irresistible offer on Craigslist: a Majestic 3C70 AM/shortwave radio for just US $50. This model dates from the 1930s, when such radios came in gorgeous wooden cabinets. The specimen I stumbled on was still in the possession of the original owner, who used to listen to it with her family when she was a little girl. The wood and speaker fabric were nicely preserved, probably looking much as they when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. I snatched it up.

I knew at the very least I’d need…