General Radio 1490 Decade Inductor MIT IL NASA Tagged Vintage Lab Instrument for Sale

Recent Threads

On eBay Now...

General Radio 1490 Decade Inductor MIT IL NASA Tagged Vintage Lab Instrument For Sale

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

General Radio 1490 Decade Inductor MIT IL NASA Tagged Vintage Lab Instrument:
$1499.99

This is an unusual vintage General Radio laboratory instrument with strong institutional markings and excellent display/collector appeal.

The front panel identifies the unit as aGeneral Radio Company Decade Inductor, Type 1490, Serial No. 3067. The instrument contains three General Radio Type 940 decade inductor assemblies:

Type 940-E – 1 mH per step
Type 940-F – 10 mH per step
Type 940-G – 100 mH per step

The exterior retains an original-style property/inventory tag marked:

M.I.T. – I.L. – N.A.S.A.
55-191 / 5618 / P

The case is also hand marked“NASA 55-191 5618,”corresponding with the numbers appearing on the property tag. An additionalS&ID Metrology Number 17253label is present on the front panel.

The exact history, laboratory assignment, or NASA program associated with this instrument is unknown. No claim is being made that it was used for any particular NASA mission or program. All identifying labels and markings are shown clearly in the photographs so buyers may evaluate the provenance for themselves.

Condition / Testing:

The instrument is in vintage used condition with age-related scratches, scuffs, finish wear, label residue, discoloration, and other cosmetic wear consistent with long-term laboratory use and storage.

All three selector dials were manually operated and move through their positions with positive mechanical engagement. A video is included demonstrating operation of the selector controls.

The unit hasnot been electrically tested, calibrated, or checked for inductance accuracy.Because of its age and specialized nature, it is being soldas-is as a vintage laboratory instrument/collectiblewith no guarantee of electrical specifications or calibration.

The case has been intentionally left largely in its acquired condition to preserve the original markings, labels, and historical character.

*The outer case was opened for visual inspection and photography. Internal photographs are included in the listing and show the three General Radio Type 940 decade inductor assemblies. No components were removed, modified, or electrically tested during this inspection.

Please review all photographs carefully for exact condition, configuration, markings, and included components.

Only the pictured General Radio instrument is included.