Striking Ebony Sparton 517B Radio Walter Dorwin Teague Design

Rare Ebony Lacquer with Chrome Trim Sparton Radio

Ref: RA807

Striking and Rare 1936 517-B Sparton 'Cube' with the ebony lacquer finish + polished metal trim is a seldom 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 polished metal strips and the ribbed knobs also with metal 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.

This radios cabinet has been carefully restored back to its original state, black lacquer has a beautiful sheen. The bottom, inside and back edge of cabinet were not repainted in to retain its originality. The 3 polished metal strips are original to the radio and are in very good original condition with light surface wear consistent with age and use. The Art Deco black, red and orange celluloid dial scale is not faded.  Knobs are original and are the same ones used on other Teague designed models such as the 557 and Sparton 558. Radio retains the original grill cloth in wonderful condition with only minimal wear consistent with age. Dial plastic is a correct replacement.

Please note how the original trim for this radio is tapered on each end (front + back edge) and is hollow with channel that allows a special screw to be interested/slid and attached to the cabinet; see photo of detail. I've been told that this trim fastening system is similar to how Porsche made and secured the trim on the iconic 356 models.

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.