Anyone identified this 1939 secret code relic

[49er12]

 

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[Dharmacy]

Radio Orphan Annie decoder.

 

[Red-Coat]

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.

 

[49er12]

Thanks red coat

 

[caretaker]

cool

 

[Digger RJ]

Nice!!! Congrats!!!

 

[pepperj]

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

 

[Steve in PA]

Cool find. I found a 1939 ROA decoder a couple years ago in pretty nice shape.