Hallicrafters Company

Overview

The Hallicrafters Company was one of America’s most influential manufacturers of communications receivers, amateur radio equipment, shortwave radios, military communications systems, and consumer electronics. Founded in Chicago, Illinois, by William J. “Bill” Halligan in 1932, the company became a major supplier of radio communications equipment for amateur operators, government agencies, military organizations, and commercial users.

Hallicrafters products were known for innovative engineering, distinctive styling, and strong performance. The company produced some of the most recognizable communications receivers of the twentieth century and remains highly respected among radio collectors and amateur radio enthusiasts.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Company Name	The Hallicrafters Company
Founded	1932
Founder	William J. “Bill” Halligan
Headquarters	Chicago, Illinois, USA
Industry	Radio Communications Equipment
Primary Products	Communications Receivers, Amateur Radio Equipment, Shortwave Radios, Military Electronics
Markets Served	Amateur Radio, Military, Government, Commercial, Consumer
Employees	Approximately 2,500 (1952)
Acquired By	Northrop Corporation (1966)

Description

Hallicrafters specialized in communications receivers and transmitting equipment designed for amateur radio operators, shortwave listeners, military organizations, and commercial users.

The company became particularly well known for its SX-series receivers, including the SX-28, SX-42, SX-62, SX-101, SX-115, and SX-117. Other popular products included the S-series general coverage receivers and HT-series amateur radio transmitters.

During World War II, Hallicrafters manufactured communications equipment for the United States military, including equipment used in the SCR-299 mobile communications system. After the war, the company expanded into televisions, phonographs, AM/FM radios, and other consumer electronics while continuing to produce communications equipment.

History

William J. Halligan founded Hallicrafters in Chicago in 1932. The company initially produced communications receivers and quickly established a reputation for quality and performance. By the late 1930s, Hallicrafters products were sold worldwide and the company had become one of the leading names in radio communications.

World War II brought substantial military contracts and significant growth. Following the war, Hallicrafters entered its most successful period, producing a wide range of communications receivers, amateur radio equipment, and consumer electronics.

In 1966, Bill Halligan sold the company to Northrop Corporation, ending Halligan family ownership. Under Northrop, Hallicrafters continued producing amateur radio equipment for several years while increasingly focusing on military and defense-related electronics.

The final major amateur-radio product introduced by Hallicrafters was the FPM-300 transceiver in 1972. Amateur radio production largely ended in 1972, with a few accessories remaining available through 1974. By 1975, the Hallicrafters name had been sold and non-military electronics production had effectively ended.

Bill Halligan died on July 14, 1992, at the age of 93.

The Hallicrafters trademark was later registered by Professional Electronics Co., Inc. in 1998 and remains an active registered trademark.

Historical Addresses

417 North State Street
Chicago, Illinois