Here is another Antique microphone by Lifetime Corporation. Unlike Continental Microphone and Universal Microphone who hailed out of California, Lifetime Corporation was based out of Toledo, Ohio. We know of at least 4 different spring carbon microphone models produced by Lifetime including a model 6, model 8 and a model 99. There is mention of them in in various Radio Craft magazines from 1933-1942, Radio Engineering November 1933 and in issues of QST in August, October, and November 1933.
David Letterman – Lifetime Corporation Model 6
David Letterman was given a Lifetime model 6 microphone by the CBS crew and staff of the LATE SHOW in recognition of his first 10 years on the show.
The Lifetime Corporation type 88 looks slightly different than the type 6 or type 99 microphones, showing a single bar across the front. The early model 6 had eyelets that were attached to the microphone. The model 88 and model 99 used screw on eyelets. This setup probably made them a little more rugged and easier to repair should one get damaged.
The Lifetime Corporation model 99 looks very similar to the Ellis Microphones, both having a 3 bar front with the screw type eyelets.
Below are a bunch of Ads that show the Lifetime Corporation models 88 and 99 carbon microphones. These were all showcased around 1933. We are still trying to locate ads showing the earlier carbon microphone versions, model 6 and 8.
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