BesTone 601 Catalin Radio in Butterscotch - Stunning Rarity

Rarely Seen BesTone / Namco Catalin Radio

Ref: RA561

Rarely seen BesTone (Namco) model 601 Catalin Radio in butterscotch with original blue plaskon knobs. This mid to late 1930's relatively small catalin radio has unique design details such as deep horizontal grooves/louvers that travel around the entire radio and a carved curved handle. This radio is as close to perfect as one can be found as this model radio is often found heavily damaged due to the manufacturing process/grooves. This is the best example with the least damage, also the best original and un-repaired example that I have seen in 30+yrs. No other radios compare in style to this model in design and very few catalin radio are as rare to find.

This radio's beautiful faintly marbleized yellow catalin cabinet is in original condition with no cracks, chips, or repairs; however it does have two small barely visible hairlines on each side as visible in the photos.  The radio retains its original carved yellow handle and blue plaskon knobs with no cracks, chips or repairs.  Dial plastic and BesTone decal are correct replacements. Radio has small scratches consistent with age + use of set.

To see more about this model click here.

This radio measures approximately: 8" wide by 5" high by 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.

The person whom I acquired this great radio from purchased it in a resale shop in NYC 46yrs ago.

Here is the story about the purchase from the person:

"The radio was purchased in 1972 while I was an Art/Photography student at The School of Visual Arts in New York City.

After a visit to Pearl Paints to buy supplies my friends and I meandered to an electronic store..not a typical electronic store as this was Canal St.  At that time Canal St was were you went to buy Army surplus, plastic, plexiglas and all things electronic mostly electronic parts…the wares were outside the storefronts and all mashed up inside the stores on big tables.  Most stores on Canal St were dirty, dusty and crowded with wares jumbled up and piled on tables.…some people would consider them ‘junk’ stores.  In the rear of the store I spied a lone radio in a corner of a shelf..I was attracted by it’s color, the design especially the louvers and the handle and of course by the size and portability.  It actually worked then and has accompanied me during all my moves in the past 45 years.  It was one of my most cherished objects and has always held a place of pride in every home I have had.

It was purchased for the princely sum of $12.00.

I have always loved radios..especially transistor radios from my youth and teenage years…(how I wish I still had them) this radio was a step up from them…"

** We are always LOOKING TO BUY NamCo, Commander and BesTone Radios - TOP PRICE PAID FOR THIS RADIO in any color or condition. Please contact us if you are looking to sell a radio. **