On 14 May 1887 the first wireless telegraphic communication took place between Laverck Point and Fratholm Isle in the English Bristol Channel, over a distance of some five kilometres. It was the dawn of radio communication, one of the major inventions of the past couple of centuries. Since then, this device has occupied a privileged position in homes the world over. It is thus no surprise that many people want to piece together the history of this means of communication by collecting some of the most representative models.

Antique radio collectors tend to look in street markets and flea markets to find the model that extends their collection. They are generally initiated into this world via a family inheritance and the desire to continue the work of relatives. They are also keen to learn how these machines function, as any serious collector needs to have his radio working perfectly. This means visiting specialised stores where spare parts are sold or, given that most of these pieces are completely out of stock, materials with which to manufacture your own.

There is no particularly criteria on how to collect antique radios. In truth, this is an usual hobby in that the important thing is to own machines as possible from as many eras and manufacturers (Marconi, Westinghouse, Telefunken, Philips, etc�). Of course there is the aesthetic criteria of each collector and other distinctions such as the internal functioning of the radios, the number of valves used (also known as vacuum tubes; an electronic amplifier that increases the radio signal, both in transmission and reception), the type of source (current accumulators or electricity), size or country of origin of the manufacturer.

If you wish to join the ranks of antique radio collectors, you can find extensive bibliographies on the history of this invention with illustrations showing the most representative models, their internal workings and the main manufacturers.

Antique radio museums
The best way of getting to know this exciting world is to visit a specialised museum. Here are some suggestions:

- Lisbon Radio Museum (Portugal). Located in the Lapa district of Lisbon, this museum houses over 6,000 receivers and radios (professional and amateur), as well as booths, studio equipment, microphones and spare parts covering many eras, as well as a library. The collection ranges from the first receivers to the listening devices used by the Portuguese broadcasting authority. Genuine relics in perfect condition make for one of the best radio collections in the world.

- Pe�afiel Radio Museum (Castilla-Le�n). Houses various exhibits that help to evoke and understand the world of radio communication. Includes the F�lix Valencia collection, regarded as the best� in Europe and one of the three most important in the world. There are around 600 receivers in perfect working condition, many indoor antennas, various home-made devices and other accessories. These include earphones, microphones, receiver and transmission valves as well as ample documentation related to the world of radio: original posters, brand publicity and various catalogues.