Radios
Catalin Motorola 52 Radio - Marbleized Sand + Tortoise 'Vertical Grill'
Stunning Art Deco Motorola "Vertical Grill" Catalin Radio
Ref: RA402
Motorola 52 catalin radio in marbleized sand with tortoise 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 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 or repairs to the cabinet, however; the cabinet does have a small tight hairline coming off the bottom rear screw-hole. Radio has a tube burn as visible in the photos. Tortoise knobs and grill are original to radio and in perfect condition. Radio retains the original paper manufactures label affixed to the bottom of the cabinet and the "Aero-Vane" back panel antennae. Dial plastic is original with only a small amount of yellowing. 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.
Price: $2,000.00