Dickerson Tube Amplifier, c. 1947
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Dickerson Tube Amplifier, c. 1947, made in Los Angeles, California, green pearloid covering finish.
This attractive if fairly common 1940s lap steel amp is a little worn-in but nicely original. Made by Dickerson/Fators Mfg. Co. in Los Angeles, CA, this small MOTS-clad (mother of toilet seat) accompanied a similarly styled lap steel as a set for the student players of the time. The amp features a simple single-ended 6V6 design with two inputs and a single volume control, not unlike the later Fender Champ amps that would have been its direct competitors. The amp puts out around 4-5 watts into the Rola field-coil speaker, sounding attractively raunchy fairly fast as the knob is rolled up.
Height is 11 in. (27.9 cm.), 13 in. (33 cm.) width, and 5 in. (12.7 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this little amp is decently preserved for its age. The green perloid exterior is showing some cracking and missing pieces, particularly around the rear corners and front right edge. The grille cloth is nicely intact but most of its "Dickerson" graphic has worn off. The handle and hardware is showing moderate corrosion and the rear panel shows some pitting on the edges as well.
Electrically, the amp is nicely original, including the Thordarson power transformer stamped 5567 and the output transformer, stamped T1535. The Rola-made field coil speaker bears the code 285-718, likely dating it to the 18th week of 1947. The speaker retains its original cone and sounds excellent. The amp has otherwise received our typical maintenance and servicing including a grounded 3-prong power cord, replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and biased to spec. Overall a sweet-sounding little amp with a crunch factor when pushed and a cool vibe. Very Good + Condition.
This attractive if fairly common 1940s lap steel amp is a little worn-in but nicely original. Made by Dickerson/Fators Mfg. Co. in Los Angeles, CA, this small MOTS-clad (mother of toilet seat) accompanied a similarly styled lap steel as a set for the student players of the time. The amp features a simple single-ended 6V6 design with two inputs and a single volume control, not unlike the later Fender Champ amps that would have been its direct competitors. The amp puts out around 4-5 watts into the Rola field-coil speaker, sounding attractively raunchy fairly fast as the knob is rolled up.
Height is 11 in. (27.9 cm.), 13 in. (33 cm.) width, and 5 in. (12.7 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this little amp is decently preserved for its age. The green perloid exterior is showing some cracking and missing pieces, particularly around the rear corners and front right edge. The grille cloth is nicely intact but most of its "Dickerson" graphic has worn off. The handle and hardware is showing moderate corrosion and the rear panel shows some pitting on the edges as well.
Electrically, the amp is nicely original, including the Thordarson power transformer stamped 5567 and the output transformer, stamped T1535. The Rola-made field coil speaker bears the code 285-718, likely dating it to the 18th week of 1947. The speaker retains its original cone and sounds excellent. The amp has otherwise received our typical maintenance and servicing including a grounded 3-prong power cord, replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and biased to spec. Overall a sweet-sounding little amp with a crunch factor when pushed and a cool vibe. Very Good + Condition.