Hammarlund HQ-129X
Post-war successor to the HQ-120X. The first ads proclaim the HQ-129 to be "essentially the same as the HQ-120 but has several improvements and modifications". A prototype HQ-129X that looks like a modified HQ-120 appeared in the November 1945 full-page ad in Radio News (page 24). The first picture of the HQ-129 as manufactured appeared the following month (December 1945, page 24). The round knobs and the extreme left and right bottom pointer knobs are original. The other pointer knobs are similar to the originals. Owners of the HQ-129X often replaced the knobs with larger ones for a more solid "feel". A review article with a discussion of the noise limiter circuit can be found in QST magazine, June 1946. Inflation brought the original $129 price to $168 in an Allied Radio ad in the November 1946 Radio News. Note that all of the front panel markings on this HQ-129X are in white. An earlier panel style had the Hammarlund name and the HQ-129X model number in red-orange with all other front panel marking in white. The front panel of the HQ-129X pictured below is the older two-color style. The two large tuning knobs on the receiver below are not original. All other knobs are original. A third variation had the Hammarlund name and model number in black.
Hammarlund HQ-129X with red and white panel markings.
This picture from the cover of the December 1946 Radio News clearly shows the HQ-129X model number on the panel in red-orange. The photo depicts the radio being assembled in the Hammarlund factory. Because of this picture, I am assuming that the red-orange color is the oldest version.
