Motorola Radio
Chicago - Illinois [1928-Present]
Company founded by Paul V. Galvin and his brother Joseph as the Galvin Manufacturing Corporation in Chicago, Illinois, in 1928. The name of the company was changed to Motorola, Inc., in 1930 after buying the name and patents from the original owner inventor William Lear. The 1940's saw the company begin government work + open a research laboratory in Phoenix, Arizona, to explore the manufacturing + use of solid-state electronics. Motorola made everything from car radios, Televisions, wood radios and electronic items.
Starting in 1939 time Motorola made 3 Art Deco Catalin radios, model 52 "Vertical Grill", model 51X15/16 "S-Grill" and the 50XC "Circle Grill", that all are extremely popular with the likes of Catalin radio + Art Deco collectors. These radios embody Art Deco + Machine Age design elements.
By the time of Paul Galvin’s death in 1959, Motorola was a leader in military and commercial communications, had built its first semiconductor facility and was a growing manufacturer of consumer electronics. Motorola continues to be a leader in technology and innovation to this day.
** We are always looking to buy Motorola Catalin Radios as well as other Catalin, Plaskon + Bakelite radios by any manufacturer. Please contact us if you are looking to sell a radio. Calls are always welcome: 305.778.2182 **
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Catalin Motorola 52 'Vertical Grill' Radio - Marbleized Green + Yellow
Stunning Art Deco Motorola "Vertical Grill" Catalin Radio
Catalin Motorola 52 'Vertical Grill' radio in marbleized green with butterscotch trim is the first in a series of three different Catalin cabinet radios produced by Motorola. Manufactured in 1939 by Motorola Radio also known to collectors as the 'Vertical Grill'. This Motorola design highlights the Art Deco elements of the era. The green is highlighted by swirls of light yellow, brown and clear to add depth to the color. This beautiful radio would make a fantastic addition to a collection.The details in the design are unique with its vertically louvered grill which feathers out from the center to the left + right and hexagonal knobs make for an unusual design and highly sought after radio. The cabinet features streamlined hand incised ridges that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together while adding to the geometric aspect of the radio. The golden dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and the Motorola logo written in script. This is an exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio.This stunning radio is in excellent condition with no cracks, chips, tube burns or repairs to the cabinet. Butterscotch knobs and grill are original to radio and in great condition. Radio retains the original paper manufactures label affixed to the bottom of the cabinet and the cardboard back panel. Dial plastic is a correct replacement. Radio has been well taken care of and only shows some scratches consistent with age + careful use. Measures approximately: 9.4" wide x 5.75" high x 4.4" 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.
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Motorola 50XC Radio Marbleized Tortoise Catalin "Circle-Grill"
Art Deco Streamline Catalin Motorola Circle-Grill Radio
Motorola Catalin Radio 50XC-4 "Circle-Grill" in a beautiful marbleized tortoise brown with translucent tortoise catalin trim. The Motorola "Circle-Grille" model is a magnificent, exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio manufactured in 1940 by Motorola Radio. This Motorola design is considered one of the most appealing sets of its time beautifully designed in the Art Deco Style. The details are unique with its round catalin speaker bezel, scalloped handle, and hexagonal knobs. The cabinet features streamlined ridges that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together. The golden dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and sunburst designs that emanate from a red plastic dial pointer with the letter "M" cast in to it. The tortoise catalin has a deep shine that makes its rich color glow and shows off exceptionally striking, deep and colorful, yellow + orange marbleizing. This radio's beautiful catalin cabinet is in original condition with no cracks chips, tube burns, or repairs. The radio retains its original Translucent Amber catalin trim in perfect condition. The grill cloth is original to the tortoise color radio and has no tears + exhibits a small amount of wear consistent with age. Radio retains the original cardboard back panel, dial face and correct 50XC-4 stamped chassis. The dial plastic is a correct replacement. This radio measures approximately: 9.5" wide by 5.75" high by 5.5" deep. This set is playing, the chassis has been gone over and plays well.
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Catalin Motorola 52 'Vertical Grill' Radio - Marbleized Apricot + Tortoise
Stunning Art Deco Motorola 'Vertical Grill' Catalin Radio
Striking Motorola 52 catalin radio in highly marbleized apricot with tortoise trim. This model is part of a series of three different Catalin cabinet radios produced by Motorola. Manufactured in 1939 by Motorola Radio also known to collectors as the 'Vertical Grill'. This Motorola design highlights the Art Deco elements of the era. The apricot colored catalin is highlighted by swirls of orange, sand, white, brown and clear to add depth to the color. The translucent tortoise trim makes for a harmonious color combination.The details in the design are unique with its vertically louvered grill which feathers out from the center to the left + right and hexagonal knobs make for an unusual design and highly sought after radio. The cabinet features streamlined hand incised ridges that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together while adding to the geometric aspect of the radio. The golden dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and the Motorola logo written in script. This is an exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio.The catalin cabinet has a gloss that makes it's beautiful apricot, sand, orange, butterscotch, yellow, clear and brown colors glow. This stunning radio is in excellent condition with no cracks, chips, repairs or tube burns to the cabinet. Tortoise knobs and grill are original to radio and in perfect condition. Radio retains the original "Aero-Vane" back panel antennae. Dial plastic is original to the radio. Radio has been well taken care of and only shows some scratches consistent with age + careful use. Measures approximately: 9.4" wide x 5.75" high x 4.4" 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.
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Motorola 52 'Vertical Grill' Catalin Radio - Marbleized Sand + Tortoise
Stunning Art Deco Motorola 'Vertical Grill' Catalin Radio
Motorola 52 catalin radio in marbleized sand color with tortoise trim. This model is part of a series of three different Catalin cabinet radios produced by Motorola. Manufactured in 1939 by Motorola Radio also known to collectors as the 'Vertical Grill'. The sand colored catalin is highlighted by swirls of orange, brown and yellow to add depth to the color. The translucent tortoise trim makes for a harmonious color combination. The details in the design are unique with its vertically louvered grill which feathers out from the center to the left + right and hexagonal knobs make for an unusual design and highly sought after radio. The cabinet features streamlined hand incised ridges that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together while adding to the geometric aspect of the radio. The golden dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and the Motorola logo written in script. This is an exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio.The catalin cabinet has a gloss that makes it's beautiful sand, orange, butterscotch, yellow, clear and brown colors glow. This stunning radio is in excellent condition with no cracks, chips, repairs or tube burns to the cabinet. Tortoise knobs and grill are original to radio and in perfect condition. Radio retains the original "Aero-Vane" back panel antennae. Dial plastic is original to the radio but can be replaced if requested. Radio has been well taken care of and only shows some scratches consistent with age + careful use. This beautiful radio would make a fantastic addition to a collection. Measures approximately: 9.4" wide x 5.75" high x 4.4" deep. This set is sold "as-is + untested", the chassis seems complete, cord is cut. Set is being sold as a "non-working" vintage electronic device that should be gone over by a qualified technician.
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Motorola 'Circle Grille' Radio 50XC Catalin in Oatmeal - Striking
Art Deco Streamline Catalin Motorola Circle-Grille Radio
Catalin Motorola 'Circle-Grille' Model 50-XC-3 radio in highly marbleized oatmeal with patina'd oatmeal catalin trim. The Motorola 50XC is a magnificent, exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio manufactured in 1940 by Motorola Radio. This radio is also known to collectors as the 'Circle Grille'. This Motorola design is considered one of the most appealing sets of its time beautifully designed in the Art Deco Style. This example is one of the nicest I have had, the strong oatmeal color combined with the highly marbleized cabinet and trim makes it stand out from others. The Catalin has a deep shine that makes its oatmeal color glow + show off exceptionally striking brown, clear, and white marbleizing. The details are unique with its round Catalin speaker bezel, scalloped handle, and hexagonal knobs. The cabinet features streamlined ridges that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together. The golden dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and sunburst designs that emanate from a red plastic dial pointer with the letter "M" cast in to it. This radio's beautiful catalin cabinet is in perfect original condition with no cracks, chips, tube burns, or repairs. The radio retains its original oatmeal catalin trim with no cracks, chips or repairs. Radio has been polished back to its factory original oatmeal color from it's oxidized pumpkin coloring, trim was left alone to add contrast to an exceptional radio. The grill cloth is original to the radio + has no tears or stains with only a small amount of wear consistent with age. Cardboard back panel is original to the radio. Dial plastic cover is a correct replacement. This radio measures approximately: 9.5" wide by 5.75" high by 5.5" 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.
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Motorola Catalin Radio 51x16 'S-Grill' Yellow + Green Art Deco Beauty
Rare Stunning Motorola 'S-Grill' Catalin Radio
Catalin Motorola radio 51X16 Yellow and Green 'S-Grill'. Manufactured starting in 1939 by Motorola Radio also known to collectors as the 'S-Grill'. This is a beautifully designed and exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio. This beautiful radio is in great original condition and is rarely seen with this intense of a green, they are often washed out.This Art Deco Motorola design is considered one of the most appealing sets of its time. The details are unique with its from very thin and sleek etched front panel with the wonderful S curve speaker cutout to its cylindrical handle + knobs and its very Deco dial face in foil. Unique S-curve speaker cutout. The butterscotch catalin cabinet features streamlined speed-lines that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together. The golden foil dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and a red plastic dial pointer with the letter "M" cast in to it.The yellow cabinet + knobs are in beautiful original condition with no cracks, chips, tube burns, or repairs. The original green catalin front and handle all in perfect condition with no cracks, chips, burns or repairs. The cardboard back panel is original to the radio. The gold grill cloth is a period correct replacement. Dial plastic cover is a replacement. This radio measures approximately: 9.75" wide by 6" high by 5.75" 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.
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Catalin Motorola 52 'Vertical Grill' Radio - Marbleized Sand + Tortoise
Stunning Art Deco Motorola "Vertical Grill" Catalin Radio
Striking Motorola 52 catalin radio in highly marbleized sand with tortoise trim. This model is part of a series of three different Catalin cabinet radios produced by Motorola. Manufactured in 1939 by Motorola Radio also known to collectors as the 'Vertical Grill'. This Motorola design highlights the Art Deco elements of the era. The sand colored catalin is highlighted by swirls of orange, yellow, brown and clear to add depth to the color. The translucent tortoise trim makes for a harmonious color combination.The details in the design are unique with its vertically louvered grill which feathers out from the center to the left + right and hexagonal knobs make for an unusual design and highly sought after radio. The cabinet features streamlined hand incised ridges that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together while adding to the geometric aspect of the radio. The golden dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and the Motorola logo written in script. This is an exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio.The catalin cabinet has a gloss that makes it's beautiful sand, orange, butterscotch, yellow, clear and brown colors glow. This stunning radio is in excellent condition with no cracks, chips, repairs or tube burns to the cabinet. Tortoise knobs and grill are original to radio and in perfect condition. Radio retains the original "Aero-Vane" back panel antennae. Dial plastic is original to the radio. Radio has been well taken care of and only shows some scratches consistent with age + careful use. Measures approximately: 9.4" wide x 5.75" high x 4.4" 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.
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Motorola Radio 50XC Catalin 'Circle Grille' in Light Yellow Oatmeal
Art Deco Streamline Catalin Motorola Circle-Grill Radio
The oatmeal/light yellow Motorola catalin radio model 50-XC-3 'Circle-Grill' is a magnificent, exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio. Manufactured in 1940 by Motorola Radio also known to collectors as the "Circle Grille". This Motorola design is considered one of the most appealing sets of its time beautifully designed in the Art Deco Style. The catalin has a deep shine that makes its light yellow/oatmeal color glow + show off exceptionally striking, yellow and brown marbleizing, which, makes it stand out from other Catalin radios. The details are unique with its round Catalin speaker bezel, scalloped handle, and hexagonal knobs. The cabinet features streamlined ridges that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together. The golden dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and sunburst designs that emanate from a red plastic dial pointer with the letter "M" cast in to it. This radio's beautiful oatmeal/light yellow catalin cabinet is in original condition with no cracks, chips, tube burns, or repairs. The radio retains its original matching catalin trim with no cracks, chips or repairs. The fabric grill cloth is an accurate recreation for this radio. Cardboard back panel + dial plastic are original to the radio. This radio measures approximately: 9.5" wide by 5.75" high by 5.5" 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.
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Motorola 50XC Catalin Radio Turquoise + Yellow 'Circle-Grill'
Fabulous Highly Marbled Turquoise Catalin Motorola Radio
Rare Catalin Motorola Model 50XC-2 "Circle-Grill" in highly marbleized turquoise with translucent yellow catalin trim. Manufactured in 1940 by Motorola Radio also known to collectors as the "Circle Grill" is a magnificent, exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio. This Motorola design is considered one of the most appealing sets of its time beautifully designed in the Art Deco Style. The details are unique with its round catalin speaker bezel, scalloped handle, and hexagonal knobs. The cabinet features streamlined ridges that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together. The golden dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and sunburst designs that emanate from a red plastic dial pointer with the letter "M" cast in to it. The catalin has a deep shine that makes its rich color glow and shows off exceptionally striking, clear, white with shades of blue swirls. This color of Motorola is prone to fading with age + losing the beautiful color this example has not faded and has to be absolutely the best example turquoise 50XC I have seen. Radio has been polished back to its original turquoise blue color from it's oxidized green. This radio's beautiful catalin cabinet is in perfect original condition with no cracks, chips, tube burns, or repairs. The radio retains its original translucent yellow catalin trim in perfect condition also with no cracks, chip, burns or repairs. The grill cloth and back panel are original to the radio and in great condition. This radio measures approximately: 9.5" wide by 5.75" high by 5.5" 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.
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Motorola Catalin Radio 51x15 'S-Grill' Red + Black Art Deco Beauty
Great All-Original Motorola 'S-Grill' Catalin Radio
Catalin Motorola radio 51X15 red + black 'S-Grill'. Manufactured starting in 1939 by Motorola Radio also known to collectors as the 'S-Grill'. This is a beautifully designed and exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio. But it is the color combination of red + black that set this radio apart from all others as no other radio was produced in this color scheme. This radio is in great original condition.This Art Deco Motorola design is considered one of the most appealing sets of its time. The details are unique with its from very thin and sleek etched front panel with the wonderful S curve speaker cutout to its cylindrical handle + knobs and its very Deco dial face in foil. Unique S-curve speaker cutout. The jet-black glossy catalin cabinet features streamlined speed-lines that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together. The golden foil dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and a red plastic dial pointer with the letter "M" cast in to it.The black cabinet + knobs are in beautiful original condition with no cracks chips, tube burns, or repairs. The original red catalin front and handle all in perfect condition with no cracks, chips, burns or repairs. The gold grill cloth is original to the radio and has only a small amount of wear. Has a serial number lightly etched unto the base of black cabinet that can barely be seen. The cardboard back panel is original to the radio as are the felt washers behind the knobs.This radio measures approximately: 9.75" wide by 6" high by 5.75" 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.
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Rare Motorola 50XC Radio 'Circle-Grill' - Marbleized Green + Yellow Catalin
Stunning Highly Marbled Green Catalin Motorola Radio
Rare highly marbleized Green Catalin Motorola Model 50-XC2 'Circle-Grille' with translucent yellow catalin trim is a magnificent, exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio. Manufactured in 1940 by Motorola Radio also known to collectors as the "Circle Grille". This Motorola design is considered one of the most appealing sets of its time beautifully designed in the Art Deco Style. The details are unique with its round catalin speaker bezel, scalloped handle, and hexagonal knobs. The cabinet features streamlined ridges that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together. The golden dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and sunburst designs that emanate from a red plastic dial pointer with the letter "M" cast in to it. The catalin has a deep shine that makes its rich color glow and shows off exceptionally striking, yellow, clear and shades of green swirls. This radio's beautiful catalin cabinet is in perfect original condition with no cracks chips, tube burns, or repairs. The radio retains its original yellow catalin trim in perfect condition also with no cracks, chip, burns or repairs. The grill cloth is original to the radio + has no tears or stains with only a small amount of wear consistent with age. Clear dial plastic is original as is the cardboard back. This Art Deco radio would make a great addition to any collection. This radio measures approximately: 9.5" wide by 5.75" high by 5.5" 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.
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Rare Motorola 50XC Radio "Circle-Grill" - Marbleized Red + Yellow Catalin
Spectacular Bright Tomato Red Catalin Motorola Radio
Rare Catalin Motorola Model 50XC-1 "Circle-Grill" radio in an incredible highly marbleized tomato red with translucent yellow catalin trim. This is a magnificent, exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio manufactured in 1940 by Motorola Radio also known to collectors as the "Circle Grill". This Motorola design is considered one of the most appealing sets of its time beautifully designed in the Art Deco Style. The details are unique with its round catalin speaker bezel, scalloped handle, and hexagonal knobs. The cabinet features streamlined ridges that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together. The golden dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and sunburst designs that emanate from a red plastic dial pointer with the letter "M" cast in to it. The atalin has great shine that makes its rich color glow and shows off exceptionally striking, deep and colorful, yellow and clear marbleizing. This radio's beautiful catalin cabinet is in perfect original condition with no cracks, chips, tube burns, or repairs. The radio retains its original yellow Catalin trim in perfect condition also with no cracks, chip, burns or repairs. The grill cloth is original to the radio + has no tears or stains with only a small amount of wear consistent with age. Clear dial plastic is an exact duplicate as original one had shrunken + yellowed. This Art Deco radio would make a great addition to any collection. This radio measures approximately: 9.5" wide by 5.75" high by 5.5" 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.
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Catalin Motorola Radio 50XC-1 "Circle-Grille" - Marbleized Red + Yellow
Bright Red Streamline Catalin Motorola Radio Model 50XC
This Catalin Motorola Model 50XC-1 "Circle-Grill" radio in an incredible highly marbleized bright watermelon red with translucent yellow catalin trim is a magnificent, exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio. Manufactured in 1940 by Motorola Radio also known to collectors as the "Circle Grill". This Motorola design is considered one of the most appealing sets of its time beautifully designed in the Art Deco Style. The details are unique with its round Catalin speaker bezel, scalloped handle, and hexagonal knobs. The cabinet features streamlined ridges that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together. The golden dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and sunburst designs that emanate from a red plastic dial pointer with the letter "M" cast in to it. The Catalin has a deep shine that makes its rich color glow and shows off exceptionally striking, deep and colorful, yellow and clear marbleizing. This radio's beautiful catalin cabinet is in perfect original condition with no cracks chips, tube burns, or repairs. The radio retains its original yellow catalin trim in perfect condition also with no cracks, chip, burns or repairs. The grill cloth is original to the radio + has no tears or stains with only a small amount of wear consistent with age. Clear dial plastic is an exact duplicate as original one had shrunken + yellowed. This Art Deco radio would make a great addition to any collection. This radio measures approximately: 9.5" wide by 5.75" high by 5.5" 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.
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Motorola Catalin "S-Grill" Radio 51x15 Rare Red + Black Art Deco Beauty
Rare Stunning Motorola "S-Grill" Catalin Radio
Stunning Red + Black Catalin Motorola Model 51X15 ’S-Grille’ radio. Manufactured starting in 1939 by Motorola Radio also known to collectors as the "S-Grill". This is a beautifully designed and exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio. But it is the color combination of red and black that set this radio apart from all others as no other radio was produced in this color scheme. This radio is in great original condition. This Art Deco Motorola design is considered one of the most appealing sets of its time. The details are unique with its from very thin and sleek etched front panel with the wonderful S curve speaker cutout to its cylindrical handle + knobs and its very Deco dial face in foil. Unique S-curve speaker cutout. The jet-black glossy Catalin cabinet features streamlined speed-lines that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together. The golden foil dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and a red plastic dial pointer with the letter "M" cast in to it. The black cabinet + knobs are in beautiful original condition with no cracks chips, tube burns, or repairs. The radio retains its original red Catalin front and handle all in perfect condition. The gold grill cloth is original to the radio and has no tears or stains and has only a small amount of wear. The cardboard back panel is original to the radio. This radio measures approximately: 9.75" wide by 6" high by 5.75" 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.
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Art Deco Motorola 50XC Tortoise "Circle-Grill" Catalin Radio
American Streamline Catalin Motorola Radio Model
This stunning marbleized tortoise shell Catalin case with translucent dark amber trim Catalin Motorola Model 50XC-4 is a magnificent, exquisitely crafted Art Deco radio. Manufactured in 1940 by Motorola Radio also known to collectors as the "Circle Grill". This Motorola design is considered one of the most appealing sets of its time beautifully designed in the Art Deco Style. The details are unique with its round Catalin speaker bezel, scalloped handle, and hexagonal knobs. The cabinet features streamlined ridges that stretch around the case bringing all the elements together. The golden dial face is also decorated with deco numerals and sunburst designs that emanate from a red plastic dial pointer with the letter "M" cast in to it. The Catalin has a deep shine that makes its rich color glow and show off exceptionally striking, deep and colorful, yellow + orange marbleizing. This radio's beautiful Catalin cabinet is in original condition with no cracks chips, tube burns, or repairs. The radio retains its original Translucent Amber Catalin trim. The knobs + handle are in perfect condition. The grill cloth is original to the radio and has no tears or stains and has only a small amount of wear. Dial face is in great condition and the dial plastic cover is reproduction. This radio measures approximately: 9.5" wide by 5.75" high by 5.5" 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.
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