AWA Fisk Radiolette 'Empire State' Radio in Jade Green Plaskon

Beautiful AWA Fisk Skyscraper Radio in Marbled Beetle PlasticBeautiful AWA Fisk Skyscraper Radio in

Ref: RA752

Scarce Deco 1930's Skyscraper FISK Radiolette by AWA 'Empire State' tube radio made of a lustrous jade green plaskon, with beautifully contrasting chrome dial bezel surround. Strong Art Deco elements are at the very heart of this 1934 model's design, including, stepped "Skyscraper" design, molded vertical and horizontal rounded cross-ribbing that heightens the cabinet's exceptional look. It is believed that the radio was designed to model the companies AWA Building at 45-47 York Street in Sydney, Australia. This example is the earlier and rarer version with the matching color coordinated molded back panel.

Amalgamated Wireless Australia (A.W.A.) produced a number of Radiolette models over the years in a variety of sizes, designs, and materials. But the one that every radio collector wants is the 1934 model that is officially named "The Fisk".   Collectors for obvious architectural reasons also refer to this model as “The Skyscraper” or “Empire State”, and it is reputedly the first Bakelite case radio ever produced in Australia. This radio is the AUS version of the American made Air King "Skyscraper" designed by Harold Van Doren.  Interesting features on this radio include listings of the Australian and New Zealand radio station call letters around the frequency selector dial, plus a distant and local ("D/L") switch at the rear of the chassis.

Radio is in good original condition with some of the common defects this model and pastel colors are prone to;  some tight hairlines and discoloration in the fragile plaskon case, knobs and back panel. Grill cloth, knobs, chrome trim and dial face are original to the radio. Dial plastic is a correct replacement.

Radio measures approximately: 10.5” wide by 11” high by 6.5" deep. This set is sold "as-is + untested", the chassis seems complete. Set is being sold as a "non-working" vintage electronic device that should be gone over by a qualified technician.