Vintage 1940's Shure CX50 / 708A crystal "Zeppelin" microphone w Atlas stand
Hello and welcome to The House of Chrome.
You are looking at a unique and harder to come by Shure Brother's CX50 model microphone based on the same 708A crystal model microphone produced during the 1940's and early 1950's. This particular model came in the classic "Zeppelin" inspired design with an all metal painted body. This mic also came in the much rarer 508A and 120 model with the only difference being the element utilized within. This CX50 / 708A comes with the period Atlas DS-10 model desk stand shown in which to display. It should be noted that while the original element is still inside the housing...the crystal element is dead. This should be used for prop, display or repair purposes only.
Shure sold the 708A as the CX50 because the CX50 was original sold with other audio equipment in a package deal. That is the only reason the mic was rebadged. There is absolutely no difference between the two other than the model number given.
Pic # 2 shows this very model in a 1940's Shure Brother catalog and it's basic characteristics.
Again, the 708A design was based on the very popular German Zeppelin's being flown around the world at that time. You can see that in the deco styling which makes this mic look like virtually none other ever made.
All 708 and 508 mics were sold with a painted body. Some having a chrome or painted lower pistol grip (like this painted one).
As you can see the mic itself shows typical heavier wear as the painted body shows paint loss and several scratches as well as scuff marks but the good news is that the front grill is free of any dents and the original red cloth screen looks decent with zero rips or holes but there is significant fading in the coloration. The shell of the body is free of any dents as well. The joint mechanism has lots of tension so you can get just the right angle needed. The lower pistol grip is painted and has paint loss. The black label is legible though worn.
The threads for both the stand and cable are excellent. Nothing stripped.
MICROPHONE STAND SHOWN IS PART OF THIS SALE...
The stand is a 1950's era Atlas DS-10 "Stratoliner" model desk stand that's in good overall condition showing the same amount of wear as the mic and makes for a very stable platform.
The DS-10 an all aluminum body being virtually corrosion proof and comes with an original painted finish. The 3 inch riser was designed to give just a bit of height to the mic. This isn't the prettiest example of a DS-10 I have ever offered but it's 100% complete and even has the original 5 pads on the bottom that work great.
The DS-10 has a center chrome accent piece that was designed to come off the stand so that you could run a cable through to allow it to exit out the rear. It's a clever design really.
This DS-10 is appx 4 inches tall X 5 1/2 inches wide X 7 inches deep. With the mic on top it's 11 1/2 inches tall when the head of the mic is raised upright fully.
The CX50 / 708A with it's industrial, deco look is quite stunning on this stand and will look amazing anywhere it sits in the home, office or studio. An instant conversation piece despite the heavier wear.
As with all my vintage microphones...
I can promise you will be happy with it for the price paid. If not...I have a no hassle return policy. The shipping will be on you as I believe that's fair but the purchase price would be refunded. Simply return in the same nice condition...period. Check my rating. INTERNATIONAL BUYERS are welcome as well. Buyer must pay within 24 hours or an unpaid case will be opened and the item will be re-listed. Domestic buyer will get priority shipping.
If you have any questions feel free to ask and...thanks for looking.
| Listed | a year ago |
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| Condition | Non Functioning (Used) Non-functioning items do not work as they should. All known issues should be described in the listing description.Learn more |
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