Canada, Commonwealth. A Second War Wireless Radio Set No. 27, by Rogers-Majestic, 1943

A Second World War Canadian Wireless Radio Set Number 27, serial number 334, by Rogers-Majestic, Ltd, Canada. A scarce piece of Canadian field equipment, comprising the metal encased main set with canvas strap, on the top a removable brass cap to protect the telescopic antenna, and black bakelite dial with Arabic numerals from 1-7. The base presents the manufacturer’s label and a C Broadarrow is stamped below the speaker disc. A cable extends from the base and connects to the battery (of which only the lid and plug is present). A cloth covered cord extends from the battery and runs to a headset, of which only the earphones are present as the surrounding foam/rubber ear covers has liquified/destructed. The wires have seized and the rubber has evidence of mildew, fraying to cords, missing batter, however remains a scarce piece of Canadian history in better than fine condition. 

Footnote: The WS27 was developed in 1943 by Donald Hings, who had previously designed the WS58. Production was undertaken by Rogers-Majestic in Toronto as a Canadian counterpart to the British WS38. In keeping with government policy to prioritize domestically manufactured equipment, the First Canadian Army ordered 6,000 sets in 1943, with the first 3,000 scheduled for delivery in two production drafts.

Like the WS58, the WS27 was built around a proprietary battery. Shortages of this battery ultimately led to the set’s demise. With an operational field life of approximately 12 hours, the Department of National Defence estimated a monthly requirement of 36,000 batteries—far beyond available supply. As a result, the Canadian Army Overseas cancelled the order in July 1944. It is estimated that between 900 and 1,000 units were produced, although the highest recorded serial number observed is in the 500 range.