WWII U.S. Navy Western Electric CW-23087 RU-19 Aircraft Radio Receiver Switch Box

WWII U.S. Navy Western Electric CW-23087 RU-19 Aircraft Radio Receiver Switch Box

Original WWII U.S. Navy receiver switch box Type CW-23087, manufactured by Western Electric for the Navy Department Bureau of Ships. This unit was part of the 24-volt RU-19 aircraft radio receiving system produced beginning in 1941. RU-19 installations saw general naval-aircraft service, with documented configurations including the Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless.

The box provided remote control of receiver power and amplification, with automatic, off and manual settings; CW/MCW selection; output-volume adjustment; telephone connections and a meter jack. It retains its original controls, aircraft connector, black wrinkle finish and blue Western Electric identification plate. Serial number 5387. The output knob has considerable surface wear, and the case displays scattered scratches and finish loss. Untested and sold as a collectible aircraft-radio component.