Item: BBC Marconi AXBT Ribbon Microphone and Stand – Iconic Symbol of the B.B.C. A rare collectors item looking for a new home.
Sold For: $4,362.69
Bids: 13
Date: Feb 19, 2012
Auction: Ebay
Seller: pinchwheel
Feedback: 100% (297)
Description and Image By: pinchwheel
B.B.C – Marconi Type AXBT Ribbon Microphone and Stand
If you collect microphones then you must have this one!
One of the most rare, desirable and sought after microphones ever. Words can’t fully describe what even just the image of this microphone conveys. The standard microphone of the BBC throughout the 1930’s and 1940’s even into the 1950’s. It was the symbol of the voice of freedom and truth during the darkest days of World War 2 and this microphone was there. Who’s spoken into the bronzed grill of this piece of Broadcasting History?
To accompany this microphone is an even more scares original wartime BBC table stand. These were cast in iron during the war years due to the scarcity of bronze. The stand is still in its original Bronze patina with a few scars acquired along the way. These original stands are now VERY VERY SCARSE. In 35 years I have only ever found 2 originals, most are now in museums.
At some time the original spigot has got separated from the microphone, and close inspection reveals that the current spigot is a very well manufactured solid bronze replacement – perhaps done in the BBC’s own workshops. I’ve had this repaired as the brass threaded section had broken, this is now good again. The only give-away tht this is not an original is the absence of the cable retaining clip on the rear. You can see in photo 11 that there is a small dent to the rear corner of the grill. This is very minor, these mics are usually well dented especially the transformer housing, so this mic is exceptionally good.
I have tested the microphone and checked the ribbon for damage. The mic sounds fine, with just a little hum induction which is caused by the open terminals on the rear. Remember these microphones require a significant amount of amplification, and cannot be compared directly with modern condenser types with their high level outputs. Having said that, there is no earthly reason why this microphone couldn’t be put back into service once again. Personally though, at 70 years old, I think it belongs in a glass case. The flash on my camera has been quite cruel and the microphone looks much better in reality than the photos suggest.
There are various sources on the Web with information about these microphones.
I am selling this microphone on behalf of a retired BBC Engineer, (now in his 90s) who has had the mic for the last 45 years. It is sold as a collectors item. If you have any questions please ask, and I’ll do my best to answer them fully. There is also an original floor stand for the microphone, which is to be auctioned after the sale of the microphone has been completed.