Automatic Radio Mfg.
Boston - Massachusetts [1920-1957]
Automatic Radio Manufacturing Co., famous for the Tom Thumb catalin series of radios started in the 1920's and manufactured radios into the 1950's.
Automatic made all sorts of radios from wood, to Bakelite and two models made of Catalin. The Tom Thumb name fits perfectly, as both of the Catalin radios made by the company are some of the smallest radios ever made during the 1930's.
Each model has it's own unique features, the model referred to by collectors as the "Deco" model has a very unique Art Deco cut out grill, smooth curve on the left side and a sharp corner on the right, 2 speed-lines that carry across all sides of the radio and vertical knob + dial layout. The second model 955 while also rare is different from the "Deco" version with its simple rectangular cabinet, attached Catalin feet and oval dial scale with a simpler grill cut-out. The Catalin models were available in colors such as Orchid, Azure Blue, Nile Green, Alabaster(yellow) + Black Marbleized - finding them in any color is difficult.
** We are always looking to buy TOM THUMB 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 or texts are always welcome: 305.778.2182 **
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Tom Thumb 'Deco' Catalin Radio in Nile Green
Rarely Seen Art Deco Design Nile Green Catalin Radio
Nile Green Deco Tom Thumb Catalin radio made in the late 1930s by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co. This original marbleized Nile Green color on this radio is breathtaking and is rare to find. The 900 series of Tom Thumbs is known to collectors as the 'Deco' model and is considered to be one of the top catalin radios to be found. The Tom Thumb name is a perfect fit for this radio - as it is one of the smallest radios made of catalin. This model has a design that is unique with the deco grill cutouts, asymmetrical design, and vertical dial scale with center knob. This beautifully marbleized Nile Green example is all original + in great condition with a beautiful glossy finish. Catalin cabinet has no cracks, chips, or repairs. The original matching Nile Green catalin knobs have great marbleizing and are free of damage. Radio retains the ivory painted stripes that wrap around the cabinet and original gold grill cloth in beautiful condition only showing some minor wear. Water-slide decal and dial plastic are correct replacements. This is a great example of an all original early + rare 'Deco' Tom Thumb catalin radio. This small radio measures approximately: 7.65" wide by 5" high by 3.75" 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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Unusual Tom Thumb 'Deco' Radio in Brownish-Grey Painted Metal
Seldom Seen Small Art Deco Design Metal Radio
Interesting + Rare Deco Tom Thumb radio in painted metal made in the late 1930s by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co in the original brownish-gray hammered finish. This radio is unusual since it is made of stamped, bent and spot welded metal and is almost exactly like its catalin counterpart in terms of design and size. The 900 series of Tom Thumbs is known to collectors as the 'Deco Model' and is considered to be one of the top deco radios to be found. The Tom Thumb name is a perfect fit for this radio - as it is a small radio. This model has a design that is unique with the deco grill cutouts, asymmetrical design, and vertical dial scale with a center knob. It is not often that one of these metal cabinet examples come to market and it definitely makes for an interesting addition to a collection. Metal finish is in great condition with only some mild wear to the original finish and some minor touch-ups. Gold grill cloth is original to the radio and in great condition showing only small signs of age. Butterscotch knobs were machined from original butterscotch catalin stock at some point. Water-slide decal and dial plastic are correct replacements. This is a great example of an all original early + unusual metal 'Deco' Tom Thumb radio. This small radio measures approximately: 7.5" wide by 4.75" high by 3.7" 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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Tom Thumb 'Oval-Dial' Catalin Radio 955 in Red - Rare Color
Rare Art Deco Catalin Tom Thumb Radio
Tom Thumb Bright Red Catalin radio made in the late 1930s by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co. The model 955 is known to collectors as the 'Oval-Dial' or 'Non-Deco'. The Tom Thumb name is a perfect fit for this radio - as it is one of the smallest radios made of catalin. This model has a design that is unique with attached catalin feet, an oval-shaped dial face, deco grill cutouts, and vertically positioned knobs. bright red cabinet is highlighted by beautiful yellow marbleizing. Catalin cabinet has tube burns or repairs; however it does have a few tight hairlines and one chip onthe back right top corner as seen in the images. The original catalin knobs have nice marbleizing and no damage. The two perfect catalin feet have the original red painted stripes. Water-slide decal, dial plastic + gold grill cloth are correct replacements. This is a beautiful example of an all original early + rare Tom Thumb catalin radio. This small radio measures approximately: 7.5" wide by 5.9" high by 4.25" 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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Tom Thumb 955 'Oval-Dial' Catalin Radio in Butterscotch - Great Deco Design
Seldom Seen Deco Catalin Tom Thumb Radio
Beautiful small Tom Thumb Catalin radio made in the late 1930s by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co. The model 955 is known to collectors as the 'Oval-Dial' The Tom Thumb name is a perfect fit for this radio - as it is one of the smallest radios made of catalin. This model has a design that is unique with attached Catalin feet, an oval-shaped dial face, Deco grill cutouts, and vertically positioned knobs. This faintly marbleized butterscotch example is all original + in great condition with a beautiful glossy finish. The warm yellow marbleized catalin cabinet has no chips or repairs; however it does have a small hairline on the bottom of cabinet (left corner) and a small hairline on the backside of applied foot. These two small defects can not be seen when radio is displayed. Cabinet has a small tube burn (common for this model). The two original yellow catalin feet and back foot are original + have the original blue painted stripes. The yellow catalin knobs have nice marbleizing, these were machined from original catalin years ago and are exact replacements. Grill cloth is in beautiful condition. Water-slide decal, dial plastic and back panel are correct replacements. This is a great example of an all original early + rare Tom Thumb catalin radio. This small radio measures approximately: 7.5" wide by 5.9" high by 4.25" 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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Tom Thumb 'Deco' Catalin Radio in Golden Yellow - Rare Color
Rarely Seen Model in Golden Yellow/Virgin Gold
Rare Deco Tom Thumb Catalin radio made in the late 1930s by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co in bright Golden Yellow/Virgin Gold. The 900 series of Tom Thumbs is known to collectors as the 'Deco Model' and is considered to be one of the top catalin radios to be found. The Tom Thumb name is a perfect fit for this radio - as it is one of the smallest radios made of catalin. This model has a design that is unique with the deco grill cutouts, asymmetrical design, and vertical dial scale with center knob. This color if polished back would stay golden yellow and not turn alabaster. Catalin cabinet has no cracks; however it did have a small chip on the left side bottom edge that was filled and can not be seen. Radio cabinet has a tube burn on the top curve of cabinet (common area for burns). The matching bright golden yellow/virgin gold catalin knobs are original to the radio and in perfect condition. Radio retains the two original black painted stripes that wrap around the cabinet. Gold grill cloth is original to the radio and in great condition showing only small signs of age. Water-slide decal and dial plastic are correct replacements. This is a great example of an all original early + rare 'Deco' Tom Thumb catalin radio. This small radio measures approximately: 7.65" wide by 5" high by 3.75" 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 Tom Thumb Catalin Radio Model 955 'Oval-Dial' in Orchid
Rare Art Deco Catalin Tom Thumb Radio
Great and Rare Tom Thumb Orchid Catalin radio made in the late 1930s by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co. The model 955 is known to collectors as the 'Oval-Dial' or 'Non-Deco'. The Tom Thumb name is a perfect fit for this radio - as it is one of the smallest radios made of catalin. This model has a design that is unique with attached catalin feet, an oval-shaped dial face, deco grill cutouts, and vertically positioned knobs. This marbleized rare orchid example is all original + in great condition with a beautiful glossy finish. Orchid cabinet is highlighted by incredible white, clear, lighter and darker orchid marbleizing. The beautifully marbleized cabinet has been cut/polished back to the original orchid from the oxidized orange-butterscotch; see last photo to see radio in as found condition. Catalin cabinet has no cracks, chips, repairs and only a small tube burn(common for this model) on the top. The butterscotch catalin knobs and the two catalin feet are original to the radio and in perfect condition. The gold grill cloth is an original Tom Thumb cloth and is in beautiful condition. Water-slide decal and dial plastic are correct replacements. This is a great example of an all original early + rare Tom Thumb catalin radio. This small radio measures approximately: 7.5" wide by 5.9" high by 4.25" 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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Tom Thumb 955 'Oval-Dial' Catalin Radio in Light Yellow
Rare Art Deco Catalin Tom Thumb Radio
Tom Thumb light yellow/alabaster Catalin radio made in the late 1930s by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co. The model 955 is known to collectors as the 'Oval-Dial' or 'Non-Deco'. The Tom Thumb name is a perfect fit for this radio - as it is one of the smallest radios made of catalin. This model has a design that is unique with attached catalin feet, an oval-shaped dial face, deco grill cutouts, and vertically positioned knobs. This marbleized light yellow example is original + in great condition with a beautiful glossy finish. The beautifully marbleized catalin cabinet has no cracks, chips or repairs. Cabinet only has a small tube burn (common for this model) and bow on the top. The two original yellow catalin feet and back foot are perfect + have the original blue painted stripes. The yellow catalin knobs have nice marbleizing, these were machined from original catalin years ago and are exact replacements. Grill cloth is original to the radio and in beautiful condition. Water-slide decal, dial plastic and back panel are correct replacements. This is a great example of an all original early + rare Tom Thumb catalin radio. This small radio measures approximately: 7.5" wide by 5.9" high by 4.25" 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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Tom Thumb 'Deco' Catalin Radio in Marbleized Yellow - Rare Model
Seldom Seen Small Art Deco Design Radio
Great Deco Tom Thumb Catalin radio made in the late 1930s by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co in a marbleized warm yellow. The 900 series of Tom Thumbs is known to collectors as the 'Deco Model' and is considered to be one of the top catalin radios to be found. The Tom Thumb name is a perfect fit for this radio - as it is one of the smallest radios made of catalin. This model has a design that is unique with the deco grill cutouts, asymmetrical design, and vertical dial scale with center knob. This beautifully translucent marbleized yellow example is all original + in great condition with a beautiful glossy finish. This is a great example of an all original early + rare 'Deco' Tom Thumb catalin radio that would make a great addition to any radio or Art Deco collection. Catalin cabinet has no chips, repairs and only the mildest of tube burns (common for this model); however it does have one very small hairline on the bottom that is not visible when displayed. The original matching catalin knobs are original to the radio and have great marbleizing. Radio retains the original blue painted stripes that wrap around the cabinet. Gold grill cloth is original to the radio with only small signs of age. Water-slide decal and dial plastic are correct replacements. Radio has been well taken care of and only shows some fine scratches consistent with age + careful use. This small radio measures approximately: 7.65" wide by 5" high by 3.75" 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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Tom Thumb 'Deco' Orchid Pink Catalin Radio - Rare Color + Design
Seldom Seen Art Deco Design Small Radio
Deco Tom Thumb Catalin radio made in the late 1930s by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co in Orchid Pink. This original marbleized Orchid Pink color on this radio is breathtaking and is exceedingly rare. The 900 series of Tom Thumbs is known to collectors as the 'Deco Model' and is considered to be one of the top catalin radios to be found. The Tom Thumb name is a perfect fit for this radio - as it is one of the smallest radios made of catalin. This model has a design that is unique with the deco grill cutouts, asymmetrical design, and vertical dial scale with center knob. This beautifully marbleized orchid pink example is all original + in great condition with a beautiful glossy finish. Catalin cabinet has no chips or repairs; however it does have a hairline crack as seen on the photos. Radio has the common tube burn found on Tom Thumbs due to small size of the radio. The butterscotch catalin knobs have nice marbleizing with no damage, these were machined from catalin years ago and are exact replacements. Radio retains the white painted stripes that wrap around the cabinet. Radio has the original gold grill cloth in beautiful condition. Water-slide decal and dial plastic are correct replacements. This is a great example of an all original early + rare 'Deco' Tom Thumb catalin radio. This small radio measures approximately: 7.65" wide by 5" high by 3.75" 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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Orchid Tom Thumb Catalin Radio Model 955 'Oval-Dial' - Rare Color + Design
Rare Art Deco Catalin Tom Thumb Radio
Tom Thumb Orchid Catalin radio made in the late 1930s by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co. The model 955 is known to collectors as the 'Oval-Dial' or 'Non-Deco'. The Tom Thumb name is a perfect fit for this radio - as it is one of the smallest radios made of catalin. This model has a design that is unique with attached catalin feet, an oval-shaped dial face, deco grill cutouts, and vertically positioned knobs. This marbleized rare orchid example is all original + in great condition with a beautiful glossy finish.This rare marbleized orchid example is original + in great condition with a beautiful glossy finish. Catalin cabinet has no cracks, chips, repairs and only a small tube burn(common for this model) on the top. The top and left side top corner are slightly lighter in color then the front, which, is common for the pastel color Tom Thumb radios, this in no way detracts from the beauty and rarity of this incredible radio. The butterscotch catalin knobs have nice marbleizing with no damage, these were machined from catalin years ago and are exact replacements. The two perfect original catalin feet have the original pink painted stripes. Radio retains the original grill cloth in beautiful condition and the manufacturers sticker affixed to part of the original back. Water-slide decal and dial plastic are correct replacements. This is a great example of an all original early + rare Tom Thumb catalin radio. This small radio measures approximately: 7.5" wide by 5.9" high by 4.25" 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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Tom Thumb 'Oval-Dial' Catalin Radio 955 in Nile Green - Rare Color
Rare Art Deco Catalin Tom Thumb Radio
Tom Thumb Nile Green Catalin radio made in the late 1930s by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co. The model 955 is known to collectors as the 'Oval-Dial' or 'Non-Deco'. The Tom Thumb name is a perfect fit for this radio - as it is one of the smallest radios made of catalin. This model has a design that is unique with attached catalin feet, an oval-shaped dial face, deco grill cutouts, and vertically positioned knobs. This marbleized Nile Green example is all original + in great condition with a beautiful glossy finish. Catalin cabinet has no cracks, chips, repairs and only a small tube burns (common for this model). The original catalin knobs have nice marbleizing and no damage. The two perfect catalin feet have the original green painted stripes. Dial plastic is original to the radio as it the gold grill cloth. Water-slide decal is a correct replacement. This is a great example of an all original early + rare Tom Thumb catalin radio. This small radio measures approximately: 7.5" wide by 5.9" high by 4.25" 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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Tom Thumb 'Deco' Catalin Radio in Azure Blue - Exceedingly Rare
Rarely Seen Art Deco Design Azure Blue Catalin Radio
Azure Blue Deco Tom Thumb Catalin radio made in the late 1930s by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co. This original marbleized Azure Blue color on this radio is breathtaking and is exceedingly rare. The 900 series of Tom Thumbs is known to collectors as the 'Deco Model' and is considered to be one of the top catalin radios to be found. The Tom Thumb name is a perfect fit for this radio - as it is one of the smallest radios made of catalin. This model has a design that is unique with the deco grill cutouts, asymmetrical design, and vertical dial scale with center knob. This beautifully marbleized azure blue example is all original + in great condition with a beautiful glossy finish. Catalin cabinet has no cracks, chips, or repairs. Radio has the common tube burn found on Tom Thumbs due to small size of the radio. The original catalin knobs have great marbleizing. Radio retains the baby blue painted stripes that wrap around the cabinet. Radio has the original gold grill cloth in beautiful condition. Water-slide decal and dial plastic are correct replacements. This is a great example of an all original early + rare 'Deco' Tom Thumb catalin radio. This small radio measures approximately: 7.65" wide by 5" high by 3.75" 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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Gone
Tom Thumb 'Deco' Catalin Radio in Marbleized Butterscotch - Rare Model
Seldom Seen Art Deco Design Small Radio
Deco Tom Thumb Catalin radio made in the late 1930s by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co in a marbleized warm butterscotch. The 900 series of Tom Thumbs is known to collectors as the 'Deco Model' and is considered to be one of the top catalin radios to be found. The Tom Thumb name is a perfect fit for this radio - as it is one of the smallest radios made of catalin. This model has a design that is unique with the deco grill cutouts, asymmetrical design, and vertical dial scale with center knob. This beautifully marbleized yellow example is all original + in great condition with a beautiful glossy finish. Catalin cabinet has no cracks, chips, repairs and only the mildest of tube burns (common for this model). The original matching catalin knobs are original to the radio and have great marbleizing. Radio retains the original blue painted stripes that wrap around the cabinet. Dial plastic is original to the radio as is the gold grill cloth. Water-slide decal is a correct replacement. This is a great example of an all original early + rare 'Deco' Tom Thumb catalin radio. This small radio measures approximately: 7.65" wide by 5" high by 3.75" 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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Gone
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Tom Thumb "Oval-Dial" Catalin Radio Model 955 in Yellow - Rare Deco Design
Rare Art Deco Catalin Tom Thumb Radio
Tom Thumb Catalin radio made in the late 1930s by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co. The model 955 is known to collectors as the "Oval-Dial" or "Non-Deco". The Tom Thumb name is a perfect fit for this radio - as it is one of the smallest radios made of catalin. This model has a design that is unique with attached Catalin feet, an oval-shaped dial face, Deco grill cutouts, and vertically positioned knobs. This faintly marbleized yellow example is all original + in great condition with a beautiful glossy finish. Catalin Cabinet, knobs and feet have no cracks, chips, tube burns or repairs. The two perfect catalin feet have the original blue painted stripes. Radio retains the original gold manufacturers label affixed to the original back panel. Dial plastic is original to the radio as it the gold grill cloth. Water-slide decal is a correct replacement. This is a great example of an all original early + rare Tom Thumb catalin radio. This small radio measures approximately: 7.5" wide by 5.9" high by 4.25" 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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Tom Thumb Jr. Art Deco Black Bakelite + Chrome Radio
Rare + Striking All Original Art Deco Automatic Radio with a Skyscraper Design
Striking black Bakelite Tom Thumb Jr. Art Deco Skyscraper radio made by Automatic Radio Manufacturing during the mid 1930's. This is an extremely rare all original example of this elusive Skyscraper geometric design. The linear repetition of right angles begins with the three stepped base, resting on 4 chrome ball feet, which continues on the sides and top with the case's molded right angles. Starburst patterns emanate from the center of the knobs on either side of the grill creating theatrical excitement for the center of attraction in the middle. Chrome rays beam from the base of the radio towards the embossed "Tom Thumb Jr." logo above the original gold tone grill cloth. The Jet Black Bakelite cabinet is perfect with no cracks, chips, burns or hairlines + has a beautiful factory luster. The radio retains its original black Bakelite back panel free of chips - it has one small hairline on the upper left corner that is barley visible on this color. Gold tone grill cloth is original and free of tears or holes and has a small amount of wear/fading. The black Bakelite hexagon shaped knobs are original to the radio. Radio measures: 12" wide by 7" high by 6" 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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