Anyone identified this 1939 secret code relic

49er12

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Aug 22, 2013
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Minelab xterra, Whites DFX, Notka Makro Simplex. Folks the price don’t mean everything, the question is are you willing to put in the time to learn the machine, experience will pay off I guarantee it.
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7B6CDF76-36A8-4E2D-8E35-19F89544EE61.jpeg
 

Upvote 15

Dharmacy

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Nov 1, 2006
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Varies with location and conditions.
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Radio Orphan Annie decoder.
 

Red-Coat

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Dec 23, 2019
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Yes. it’s a “Mysto Matic” decoder badge for kids. Before it got corroded you could have turned the dial such that letters appeared in the window at the top of the front to decode encrypted messages broadcast on the radio show “Orphan Annie” and its associated “Radio Orphan Annie Secret Society” sponsored by the Ovaltine company. The decoder badge could be obtained via purchases of Ovaltine. The show first aired around 1930 and the Secret Society began in 1934, using a different badge design in each subsequent year.

ROA1.jpg ROA2.jpg
 

Last edited:
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49er12

49er12

Bronze Member
Aug 22, 2013
1,238
1,627
Rolling Rock, Pennsylvania
Detector(s) used
Minelab xterra, Whites DFX, Notka Makro Simplex. Folks the price don’t mean everything, the question is are you willing to put in the time to learn the machine, experience will pay off I guarantee it.
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Thanks red coat
 

caretaker

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Jan 20, 2008
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pepperj

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Feb 3, 2009
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They're a cool find, and usually show up in older school yards.
 

Steve in PA

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Jul 5, 2010
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Pittsburgh, PA
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Cool find. I found a 1939 ROA decoder a couple years ago in pretty nice shape.
 

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