The Sarnoff Horn
1924
 

In June, 1924, Mr. David Sarnoff, President of the Radio Corporation of America, commissioned a group of artisans in Czechoslovakia to construct a pair of horn speakers so beautiful and different that they would attract all buyers in this country. Upon the completion of the prototypes, they were sent to Mr. Sarnoff with a quotation of their cost in quantity.  Unfortunately, despite their exceptional beauty and superb construction, they could not be reproduced because of the staggering cost.

The speakers remained in a vault at RCA for years, and finally found their way to the home of one of the RCA executives where they were preserved. They were given to a family friend, who kept them until they were purchased by Dr. Ralph “Doc” Muchow, one of the premier radio collectors in the world. 

The speakers were displayed in the Muchow museum until February, 2001 when Dr. Muchow passed away. In August of 2001 the speakers were sold at auction. This speaker was purchased by John Jenkins for his collection and is on display at the American Museum of Radio in Bellingham, Washington. The other speaker was purchased by the Automobile Museum in Tupelo, Mississippi .

Without a doubt, they are the most elaborate and exotic horn speakers in existence, and work perfectly even today.