Airline Modl 04BR - 512A Antique Bakelite Tube Radio From 1940 Restored Well
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:18325946 | Brand: Airline |
| Featured Refinements: Bakelite Tube Radio |
MODEL, YEAR, FEATURES: Standing just 5 ½ inches tall, these miniature Bakelite sets sold by Montgomery Wards in the early to late 40’s were popular with people needing a radio to fit just about anywhere to listen to the news, music, or ballgame. Controls are simple Volume and Tuning on this set. This Model 04BR-512A radio came from the factory painted white. Age and sun exposure took their toll over the last 79 years, and rather than reapply white, I decided to add some... interest with this yellow / black color scheme. I recently went through the electronics on this set, and it will play reliably in the years to come. CONDITION, SERVICING, PERFORMANCE: The Bakelite cabinet is free of damage or repairs. All traces of the original faded paint were removed, and it was carefully prepped, precisely masked, and painted last year, and displays beautifully with a reflective gloss after a wet sanding and polish process. The slide rule dial had badly warped as often happens on this model, so I created a master for a durable and accurate replica with sharp graphics and numerals to fit the opening, allowing a clear view of the tuning dial cursor. I replaced the old wax / foil capacitors and electrolytic filters to eliminate hum and distortion. In the process, resistors and wiring were checked along with many other items including the tuning mechanism and set was given an extended operation and alignment. Amazingly, five full sized tubes were designed into this set (see photo of powered chassis), and it puts out room filling sound. The tubes are well ventilated from the rear metal louvered backboard that doubles as an antenna on this set. Radio is able to pick up most stations in our area; reception for weaker stations can be boosted by clipping a simple length of wire onto the rear backboard terminal if needed. Reception is clear without hum or distortion from the speaker. Radio has its original knobs and fasteners, and the power cord is safe and pliable. This little Made in USA prewar radio will look great and fit just about anywhere.DIMENSIONS, SHIPPING: Chassis is clean and dust free, cabinet dimensions are a compact 7.8 inches wide, 5.5 inches tall, and 5 inches deep from front of knobs to back panel. Old 6.5 Oz Coke bottle in one photo placed to give a sense of scale. I’ve shipped well over a thousand delicate tube radios all over the world for the past 20 years on eBay with fine packing materials and methods; radio will be shipped on the day or day after payment is received.
