Ebony Sparton 517-B Radio Walter Dorwin Teague Art Deco Design

Rare Ebony Lacquer with Chrome Trim Sparton Radio

Ref: RA200

Rare 1936 517-B Sparton "Cube" with the ebony lacquer finish + chrome trim is seldom a seen Art Deco radio. Manufactured by the Sparks-Withington Company of Jackson, Michigan and was the creation of renowned industrial designer Walter Dorwin Teague. This model radio was one of three finishes available in 1936: wood, ivory and ebony.  Of the three, the 517-B in ebony is the only one that was available with chrome stripes and the ribbed knobs also with chrome inserts, a feature that in my opinion sets it quite apart from all the other cube radios of the period. This is truly a striking radio to look at.

Radio retains the original manufacturers label affixed to chassis showing the model # as 517-B, the original grill cloth in wonderful condition with only minimal wear consistent with age.  This radio has been carefully restored back to its original state, black lacquer has a beautiful sheen. The 3 chrome strips are orignal to the radio and are in very good original condition with light surface wear consistent with age and use. The Art Deco dial scale has some mild fading on the red numerals, which is common on this model. Knobs are original to the set + are the same ones used on other Teague designed models such as the mirror 557 and 558 models. Speaker is the original "Sparton Reproducer".

Radio measures approximately 13.5" wide x 12.5" high x 9" 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.