There are just 14 remaining elements from the original 32-element Alford Antenna that once worked its magic atop New York City’s Empire State building. When the antenna was decommissioned in 2019, some of the elements were offered - free for the taking - to interested parties. Now, however, the remaining elements are being put back to work for a cause. The Society of Broadcast Engineer’s NYC chapter is auctioning them off to raise money for the general scholarship fund of the society’s Ennes Educational Foundation Trust.
This is not your average vertical antenna. It is, in a way, the King Kong of antennas even though the Alford didn’t yet exist when the famous giant gorilla romanced the terrified actress Fay Wray in the classic 1933 film. This became the first master antenna system in the US when it was installed in 1965. At one time, as many as 16 FM stations used it, earning it the distinction of being the world’s largest combined FM station system. The antenna was relegated to auxiliary status in 1990 and by 2017, it was no longer needed.
Bidding, which ended on April 30th, started at $300 per element. It remains to be seen whether, like King Kong, those bids ascended to impressive heights. Winners will be asked to take delivery in New Jersey - at ground-floor level.