The Fascinating Journey of Antique Radio Collector Abuthahir M.A.

Abuthahir M.A., a 42-year-old antique radio enthusiast, has amassed an impressive collection of vintage radios from regions such as Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. Initially, he relied on conversations with older individuals to uncover the histories of these radios, but now he utilizes the internet for information.

Among his most cherished acquisitions is a Gerard’s Philips Radio from 1956. This particular model, weighing 70 kg, became available in Namakkal in 1999. However, upon his arrival, Abuthahir discovered that another buyer had just purchased it. Undeterred, he continued his search and, nearly a year later, found a similar model in Thoothukudi, which he acquired for Rs. 16,000.

The Gerard’s Philips Radio from 1956 is notable for its design and technological features. For instance, the Philips B4X61A, produced in the Netherlands in 1956, is a table-top model equipped with multiple wavebands, including LW, MW, SW, and FM. It features a series-balanced output stage without using an output transformer, a design characteristic of Philips radios from that era.

Collectors like Abuthahir play a vital role in preserving and sharing the history of such vintage electronics, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the craftsmanship and technological advancements of the past.