RARE Civil Defense CDV-700 Model 2 Victoreen 661 Geiger Counter Collector's Item, US $199.99 – Picture 0

RARE Civil Defense CDV-700 Model 2 Victoreen 661 Geiger Counter Collector's Item, US $199.99 – Picture 1

RARE Civil Defense CDV-700 Model 2 Victoreen 661 Geiger Counter Collector's Item, US $199.99 – Picture 2

RARE Civil Defense CDV-700 Model 2 Victoreen 661 Geiger Counter Collector's Item, US $199.99 – Picture 3

RARE Civil Defense CDV-700 Model 2 Victoreen 661 Geiger Counter Collector's Item, US $199.99 – Picture 4

RARE Civil Defense CDV-700 Model 2 Victoreen 661 Geiger Counter Collector's Item, US $199.99 – Picture 5

Rare Civil Defense Cdv-700 Model 2 Victoreen 661 Geiger Counter Collector's Item

US $199.99

Arlington, Washington, United States
Jan 30th

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Up for sale is a very rare early manufacture CDV-700 straight from my personal collection. I'm consolidating my radiation detecting meters, and unfortunately this one must go. This is an original CDV-700 model 2. This is one of the first true high sensitivity Geiger counters purchased by the US government for use by Civil Defense during the Cold War. This model was made between 1955 and 1956, and was replaced quickly by more modern transistorized units within a few years; thus these early models that were often scrapped are prized collectors pieces for their rarity and unique retro look. They are also about 20% smaller than later models. For those who don't know, the CDV-700 series was originally designed as a training meter because in the event of a nuclear attack, radiation levels would thousands of times above the max reading for this unit rendering it useless. Above ground nuclear tests in Nevada provided the training capability for high range survey work, but risk to the people involved was very high. Monitors could train safely with low level radioactive materials and the early CDV-700's without risk of radiation sickness. However, as the long term threat of fallout and the need to decontaminate was realized, the super sensitive CDV-700 became standard issue in large fallout shelters starting in late 1958-59 with the model 5 and 6. The CDV-700 was produced through 1954-1965 and is still in use today by underfunded first responders and can be found at any US nuclear reactor. Fewer than 25,000 models 1 through 3 were produced, and most were scrapped during equipment recalls when the model 6's came out, or destroyed over time. The model 4 suffered from serious design flaws and is also very hard to find. Models 5 through 6b were produced by the hundreds of thousands and most still work today just as well as they did 50 years ago. This particular unit is in excellent condition for it's age. I have never cleaned it since I acquired it so it's a bit dirty. The CD decal is yellowing, there is paint wear on high spots. The external screws have a brown patina where the nickel plating is coming off. The battery compartment and circuit board are in AMAZING condition. The vacuum tubes are clear and clean. Zero corrosion or broken parts on the internals. Batteries often leaked in these early units ruining them and burning holes through the case. This one is in exceptional shape. The original probe cord is stiff, but has no tears, breaks, or splices. The Geiger tube is a very early glass type. I have not removed it or tested it for functionality. One of the more interesting parts of this meter is that the check source on the side is Radium 226 rather than depleted uranium like on later CDV-700's. Since it's Radium, it emits more gamma radiation than your average 700 unit making it a curiosity for those who collect different types of radioactive check sources. The check source is likely under 1 uCi and is safe to ship and have in the home. Don't eat it. The only thing wrong with this unit is the rubber bumper that goes on the end if the probe is missing. You could pull a spare off of a more common commercial Victoreen 661 prospecting meter. It isn't necessary to function, but it is a missing part. Overall I'd rate this a 7/10 in condition. The biggest hit from the missing bumper. The rest of the wear is honest use and gives it a great character. This is a collectors item for display only. Don't buy this expecting to detect radiation with it. It uses B style batteries and it would cost around $200 in batteries to power up the board to even see if it works. Please ask any questions you have before purchasing or making an offer- I am an expert in this field. I am accepting reasonable offers. Ships via priority mail anywhere in the US with a tracking number and full insurance for $15. I make no profit on shipping charges. Can be picked up for free in Arlington, WA 98223 USA. International shipping: $50

Condition	For parts or not working : An item that does not function as intended and is not fully operational. This includes items that are defective in ways that render them difficult to use, items that require service or repair, or items missing essential components. See the seller’s listing for full details.
Seller Notes	“Untested due to the use of obsolete batteries.”