The GE/RCA Type P-64713
carbon microphone

The 1930s GE (General Electric) Type P-64713 Carbon Microphone. RCA build these, but some were licensed to sell through GE. These desktop microphones were manufactured for use with the then-new RCA Home Recording Victrola system, allowing amateurs to record their own discs. Even into the 1940s, having an RCA recording system at home had to be more amazing than having the first television set in the neighborhood. But the quality was limited, and not suitable for radio stations or recording studios. The cloth-insulated micro­phone cord is three feet long, wired to a ¼-inch male phono plug. Dimensions are six inches tall by four inches wide, with cork pads on the bottom.

Double logo label for RCA.

Single logo label for GE.

Carbon element revealed.

Unmarked or missing label.

Casting marked “BACK.”