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Vintage 1965 Sears 9-Transistor KPD-3639 Portable Transceiver – Channel 11
Very cool and unusual vintage Sears portable two-way radio dating to May 1965, as shown on the original manufacturer\'s label on the back.
The radio is marked Sears KPD-3639, 9 Transistor, Portable Unit No. 2, Channel 11. The rear identification plate lists Sears, Roebuck and Co., manufacture in Japan, chassis #787.10001 and service #787.645000.
This example retains its long telescoping antenna with red tip, wrist strap, speaker grille, battery indicator and original exterior labeling. The chrome and black case displays very nicely for its age, with normal scratches, scuffs and other age-related wear visible in the photos.
Interesting Spokane / Railroad Provenance
This radio has previous-owner identification permanently engraved into the case, including the owner\'s name and a Spokane, Washington residential address.
Research into the engraved information indicates that the radio is believed to have belonged to a longtime Spokane-area railroad worker who was later identified in local historical reporting as a Burlington Northern brakeman. His family also has a notable place in Spokane civic history: his wife later became the first woman elected to the Spokane County Board of Commissioners.
The radio was manufactured in May 1965, according to its original Sears identification plate, consistent with the period of the previous owner\'s Spokane history. While the combination of the engraved identification, location and dates provides compelling provenance, no separate documentation or chain of ownership accompanies the radio, so the historical ownership is presented as a believed attribution rather than authenticated provenance.
Privacy Note: The previous owner\'s name and residential address remain permanently engraved on the radio but have been intentionally covered in the listing photographs to comply with privacy/contact-information policies and to protect the previous owner\'s information. The engraving itself has not been altered or removed.
Condition / Testing
The radio shows age-related wear, including scratches, scuffs and marks to the chrome and case.
Please review all photos carefully for the exact cosmetic condition.
The unit has not been tested for full operation, but does turn on with a 9V battery installed (not included) and is being sold as a vintage collectible in untested, as-is condition. No guarantee is made regarding electronic functionality.
A fascinating survivor from the early era of consumer portable two-way radio, with an especially interesting connection to Spokane and regional railroad history.
Please inspect all photos carefully, as they are part of the description and show the exact item you will receive.
