CHCR Radio/TSF Fair in Riquewihr

The Riquewihr Radio/TSF Fair: A Unique Event in Alsace

The CHCR (Club Histoire et Collection Radio) Radio/TSF Fair is a rare and valuable event in the Alsatian specialized fair scene. Every year, it brings together about sixty passionate exhibitors from France and neighboring countries in the heart of the medieval village of Riquewihr, along Avenue Méquillet, to share their love for vintage radio heritage.

Riquewihr, One of France's Most Beautiful Villages

Riquewihr (68340) is a commune of about 1,200 inhabitants, classified among the most beautiful villages in France and a true gem of the Alsace Wine Route. Its intact medieval ramparts, its cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses adorned with geraniums, and its renowned wine cellars make it one of Alsace's most popular tourist destinations. It is in this exceptional setting that the CHCR has chosen to host its annual fair, combining historical heritage with radio heritage.

The CHCR: Passionate About Radio History

The Club Histoire et Collection Radio (CHCR) is an association of collectors and enthusiasts of the history of technology dedicated to the preservation and promotion of vintage broadcasting equipment – commonly called TSF (Télégraphie Sans Fil), although the term has become generic to refer to all pre-television radios. The club brings together enthusiasts of all generations, restorers, collectors, and technology historians who dedicate their energy to documenting, conserving, and reviving this 20th-century technical heritage.

Specialized Offerings for TSF Enthusiasts

The fair brings together about sixty exhibitors offering:

• TSF Sets: Crystal radios, tube radios, superheterodyne receivers from the 1920s–1960s
• Transistor Radios: Portable and tabletop sets from the 1950s–1980s
• Radio Tubes: Triodes, tetrodes, pentodes, and special tubes – all brands (Philips, Telefunken, Mazda, Valvo)
• Spare Parts: Capacitors, transformers, resistors, dials, coil forms, and old switches
• Measuring Instruments: Oscilloscopes, galvanometers, universal testers, and old laboratory instruments
• Technical Documentation: Radio Plans, Radio Constructor, L'Onde Électrique magazines, component catalogs
• Gramophones and Phonographs: Mechanical players, horns, needles, and 78 rpm records
• Badges and Ephemera: Advertisements, posters, catalogs, and related merchandise linked to broadcasting

Early Morning Hours for True Connoisseurs

The fair is distinguished by its early morning hours: open from 7 am to 3 pm, it primarily targets collectors and professionals who know that the best items at specialized fairs are gone early. Admission is free for all visitors. Avenue Méquillet, the main street of Riquewihr village, offers a spacious and picturesque setting to host exhibitor tables in a unique medieval environment.

Exchange, Restore, Preserve

Beyond commercial transactions, the Riquewihr Radio/TSF Fair is above all a place for exchanging knowledge and know-how. Restorers find the missing parts to bring their equipment back to life; new collectors receive advice from experienced ones; technology historians document little-known devices. This sharing of passion across generations is the strength and uniqueness of this event.