Detrola Radio
Detroit - Michigan [1931-1948]
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Detrola Radio of Detroit was the largest Michigan radio manufacturer, and was in business from 1931 until 1948. During this time they made lots of very ordinary radios, and also some highly desirable radios in the eyes of today's collectors.
Some of their notable designs were the colorful Plaskon + Bakelite radios such as the Detrola Split-Grille, made in both Catalin as model 281 and in Plaskon as model 274 . Their tiny Detrola Pee-Wee and Super Pee-Wee models designed by George W. Walker took the marketplace by storm when they were introduced.
They also manufactured wood radios with some very unusual designs, such as the 1936 circular radio sometimes referred to as the "Wooden Bluebird" as is it an obvious copy of the famous mirrored Sparton; and the highly Art Deco 1936 Presentation Desk Set with Herman Miller Clocks designed by Gilbert Rohde.
** We are always looking to buy DETROLA Catalin + Plaskon 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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Detrola 274 'Split-Grille' Radio in Black Bakelite w/ Swirled Trim
Uncommon Early Plaskon Detrola Radio
Seldom seen Jet Black Bakelite Detrola 'Split-Grille' 274 Tube Radio; one of the most elusive designs that Detrola ever produced. This example is made of solid jet black bakelite with swirled grayish-beige and black Tenite knobs and 'Split-Grilles'. This cabinet's design is a beautiful example of Machine Age styling with it's great rounded edges + molded plastic ridges that travel around the base of radio and separate 'split' louvered grills. The cabinets of these sets are extremely fragile, and as a result few appear to have survived. The cases and trim often crack or became distorted due to the heat from the tubes and relatively small size. This example is as close to perfect as can be found. The beautiful black cabinet is in great original condition with no cracks, chips, tube burns or repairs. The original grilles only show a mild amount of the common warp they get and a small chip on one of the thin edges also common to this model. Radio retains the original trim, cardboard back with manufacturers label still affixed and all in good condition. The dial plastic is a correct replacement. The radio measures 9.25" wide by 5.25" high by 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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Detrola 219 'Super Pee-Wee' Black Bakelite + Beetle Plastic
George W. Walker Designed Streamline Tube Radio
This beautiful jet black Bakelite Detrola 'Super Pee-Wee' model 219 midget tube radio is one in a series of popular designs that Detrola produced. Even though the line of midget radios produced by Detrola was popular in its time and was offered in many color combinations, it has become hard to find in any combination due to its fragile cases. This example is made of jet black Bakelite with marbleized beetle plastic grill and black tenite knobs. George W. Walker designed this cabinet for Detrola in 1938. Walker also designed automobiles for the Ford Motor Co., and numerous other products for companies including Admiral Radios, and Willys Trucks. This cabinet’s design is a beautiful example of Machine Age styling. It has great rounded edges and applied Bakelite "wrap around" grill that travels around the radio. The jet black cabinet + swirled beetle trim are free of any cracks, chips, tube burns or repairs. Dial and volume knobs have the usual slight warp. Radio still retains the black SW/BC band control knob on the rear of chassis and the original black cardboard back panel . This is a superb example of a black and beetle Super Pee-Wee model. This small radio measures approximately: 8" wide by 5" high by 5" 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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Detrola 219 'Super Pee-Wee' Blue Plaskon + Beetle Plastic
George W. Walker Designed Streamline Tube Radio
This rarely seen beautiful blue Machine Age Bakelite Detrola 'Super Pee-Wee' model 219 midget tube radio is one in a series of popular designs that Detrola produced. Even though the line of midget radios produced by Detrola was popular in its time and was offered in many color combinations, it has become hard to find in any combination due to its fragile cases. This example is made of bright blue Plaskon with marbleized beetle plastic grill and blue tenite knobs. George W. Walker designed this cabinet for Detrola in 1938. Walker also designed automobiles for the Ford Motor Co., and numerous other products for companies including Admiral Radios, and Willys Trucks. This cabinet’s design is a beautiful example of Machine Age styling. It has great rounded edges and applied Bakelite "wrap around" grill that travels around the radio. The blue plaskon cabinet + beetle trim are free of any cracks, chips, tube burns or repairs; has one small hairline on the bottom by the rear screw-hole that is common to this model. Dial and volume knobs have the usual warp and discoloration. Radio still has the blue SW/BC band control knob. Black cardboard is a correct replacement . This is a superb example of a blue and beetle Super Pee-Wee model. This small radio measures approximately: 8" wide by 5" high by 5" 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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Detrola 274 'Split-Grille' Radio in Blue Plaskon
Seldom Seen Early Plaskon Detrola Radio
Seldom seen Bright Blue Plaskon Detrola 'Split-Grille' 274 Tube Radio is one of the most elusive designs that Detrola ever produced. This example is made of solid blue Plaskon with white Tenite knobs and 'Split-Grilles'. This cabinet's design is a beautiful example of Machine Age styling with it's great rounded edges + molded plastic ridges that travel around the base of radio and separate 'split' louvered grills. The cabinets of these sets are extremely fragile, and as a result few appear to have survived. The cases and trim often crack or became distorted due to the heat from the tubes and relatively small size. The beautiful + brightly colored Plaskon cabinet is in good original condition. It has a the common small tight hairline and mold marks on the botton that do not detract from the beauty and rarity of this set. The original grilles only show a mild amount of warp consistent with age. Radio retains the original white knobs, cardboard back, all manufacturers labels all in good condition. The dial plastic is a correct replacement. The radio measures 9.25" wide by 5.25" high by 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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Detrola 274 'Split-Grille' Radio - Blue Plaskon w/ White Trim
Uncommon Early Plaskon Detrola Radio
This rarely seen Bright Blue Plaskon Detrola "Split-Grille" 274 Tube Radio is one of the most elusive designs that Detrola ever produced. This example is made of solid blue Plaskon with white Tenite knobs and 'Split-Grilles'. This cabinet's design is a beautiful example of Machine Age styling with it's great rounded edges + molded plastic ridges that travel around the base of radio and separate 'split' louvered grills. The cabinets of these sets are extremely fragile, and as a result few appear to have survived. The cases and trim often crack or became distorted due to the heat from the tubes and relatively small size. The beautiful + brightly colored Plaskon cabinet is in good original condition. It has a couple small tight hairline cracks on the left side by grill openings that do not detract from the beauty and rarity of this set. The original grilles only show a mild amount of warp consistent with age. Radio retains the original white knobs, cardboard back, all manufacturers labels all in good condition. The dial plastic is a correct replacement. The radio measures 9.25" wide by 5.25" high by 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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Detrola 219 Radio "Super Pee-Wee" in Pewter Gray Plaskon
Rare Streamline 1930's George W. Walker Designed Radio
This rarely seen Pewter Gray Plaskon Detrola "Super Pee-Wee" model 219 midget tube radio is one in a series of popular designs that Detrola produced. Even though the line of midget radios produced by Detrola was popular in its time and was offered in many color combinations, it has become hard to find in any combination due to its fragile plaskon cases. This example is made of Pewter Gray colored Plaskon with matching grill, top trim piece with red/maroon tenite knobs. I have not seen many others, if any, in this color combo; it is from my personal collection. George W. Walker designed this cabinet for Detrola in 1938. Walker also designed automobiles for the Ford Motor Co., and numerous other products for companies including Admiral Radios, and Willys Trucks. This cabinet’s design is a beautiful example of Machine Age styling. It has great rounded edges and applied Bakelite "wrap around" grill that travels around the radio. The pewter gray plaskon cabinet + trim are free of any cracks, chips, tube burns or repairs. Dial knob has the usual slight warp. Radio retains the original black pressed cardboard back in good condition along with the original reddish-maroon SW/BC band control knob. This is a superb example of an all gray Super Pee-Wee. This small radio measures approximately: 8" wide by 5" high by 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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Deco Detrola 104 'Presentation' Desk Set Radio with Gilbert Rohde Clock
Stately Radio with Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller clock + Barometer
Beautiful + Unusual Detrola 104 Art Deco 'Presentation' Desk Set Radio in great original condition with beautiful inlaid wood details. This is a stately radio with Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller clock + barometer. This radio features the same "Air-Guide" clock and thermometer/humidity as the Gilbert Rohde designed clock model Number 6381. The 'Air-Guide' faces have streamline numerals, red + black hands, and a red second hand that heighten the appeal of this rare radio / clock combination. Radio cabinet has been restored and has a beautiful luster. The Bakelite knobs, beautiful dial, grill cloth, Gilbert Rohde ashtrays + center mounted lighter , and back panel are original to the desk set. Radio measures approximately: 24" wide by 10" high by 10" deep. This set is sold "as-is + untested", the chassis seems complete. Clock is on a separate power cord and is currently working. Set is being sold as a "non-working" vintage electronic device that should be gone over by a qualified technician.
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Detrola 'Pee-Wee' Radio Model 218 in Mint Green Plaskon
Rare Streamline 1930's George W. Walker Designed Radio
This rare mint green Plaskon Detrola 'Pee-Wee' midget tube radio is one in a series of popular designs that Detrola produced. This midget tube radio is one of the most popular designs that Detrola ever produced. Even though this midget radio was popular in its time and was offered in many color combinations, it has become hard to find in any combination due to its fragile tiny case. This rare example is made of mint green Plaskon/Bakelite with black Tenite knobs and streamlined feet. George W. Walker designed this cabinet for Detrola in 1938. Walker also designed automobiles for the Ford Motor Co., and numerous other products for companies including Admiral Radios, and Willys Trucks. Some of his most recognizable designs that he is credited for are 1955 Thunderbird, and some of the 1949 Ford and the 1950 Lincoln designs. This cabinet's design is a beautiful example of Machine Age styling. It has great rounded edges and molded plastic ridges that travel around the radio. Note that the cases of these sets are extremely fragile, and as a result few appear to have survived especially in the colored plaskon. The beautiful green plaskon cabinet is in great original condition and retains a beautiful luster. The cabinet has two stress lines; one is located on the bottom by the screw hole and the other on the top right corner which is barely visible and a common occurrence on these fragile plaskon radios. Radio retains the original black pressed cardboard back in great condition along with the SW/BC band matching black control knob. This small radio measures approximately: 6.5" Wide by 4.5" High by 4.25" deep. This set is sold "as-is + untested", the chassis appears 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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Detrola 281 Catalin Radio 'Split Grille' in Pistachio with Blue Trim - Ultra Rare
Incredible Pistachio with Blue Detrola Split-Grille
Rare Detrola 281 Catalin 'Split Grille' radio with a marbleized pistachio case and blue (patina'd to green) marbleized trim. Manufactured in 1939 by the Detrola Radio the Split-Grille remains one of the top catalin radios to be found. This cabinet's design is a beautiful example of Machine Age styling with it's great rounded edges + ridges that travel around the base of radio and separate louvered grilles. The radio’s beautiful translucent + marbleized pistachio cabinet is highlighted by the blueish-green yellow swirled trim. The contrast in color between the pistachio cabinet and the bluish-green patina of the trim makes this an exceptional example of a rare Detrola radio. The pistachio catalin cabinet has a deep shine, rich color, glow and also has beautiful, brown, clear + yellow marbleizing that adds dimension to the radio. The cabinet is free of any cracks, tube burns or repairs; however it does have a small chip on the right side caused by the metal back panel used on this model (see last photo). This small defect cannot be seen when radio is displayed. The original marbleized split-grilles and fluted knobs have taken on a wonderful bluish-green patina over time and are free of cracks, chips or repairs. Radio has some factory scratches on the left side that do not detract from this rare beauty. Radio retains the original correct chassis, gold textured dial, and the "Detrolascope" antenna/back panel with manufactures sticker. Dial plastic is a correct replacement. The radio measures approximately: 9.25" wide by 5.25" high by 4" deep. This set is sold "as-is + untested", the chassis appears 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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Detrola 281 Catalin Radio 'Split Grille' in Pistachio with Blue Trim - Rare
Incredible Pistachio with Blue Detrola Split-Grille
Rare Detrola 281 catalin 'Split Grille' radio with a marbleized pistachio case and blue(patina'd to green) marbleized trim. Manufactured in 1939 by the Detrola Radio the Split-Grille remains one of the top catalin radios to be found. This cabinet's design is a beautiful example of Machine Age styling with it's great rounded edges + ridges that travel around the base of radio and separate louvered grilles. The radios incredibly translucent + marbleized pistachio cabinet is highlighted by the blueish-green yellow swirled trim. The contrast in color between the bright pistachio cabinet and the bluish-green patina of the trim makes this an exceptional example of a rare Detrola radio. The bright pistachio catalin cabinet has a deep shine, rich color, glow and also has exceptionally, brown, clear + yellow marbleizing that adds dimension to the radio. The original split-grilles and fluted knobs have taken on a wonderful bluish-green patina over time. Radio retains the original correct chassis, correct gold textured dial, "Detrolascope" antenna/back panel with manufactures sticker and the original shortwave ivory knob on back of chassis. Catalin cabinet + grilles have a Dan Blake cosmetic repair. Repairs can only been seen when looking closely for them or by looking on inside of cabinet closely. Dial plastic is a correct replacement. The radio measures approximately: 9.25" wide by 5.25" high by 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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Detrola 219 Radio "Super Pee-Wee" in Beetle Plastic + Red
Rare Streamline 1930's George W. Walker Designed Radio
This rare all beetle plastic with red Detrola "Super Pee-Wee" model 219 midget tube radio is one in a series of popular designs that Detrola produced. Even though the line of midget radios produced by Detrola was popular in its time and was offered in many color combinations, it has become hard to find in any combination due to its fragile cases. This example is made of beautiful marbleized Beetle Plastic cabinet and grill highlighted with red tenite knobs. This cabinet’s design is a beautiful example of Machine Age styling. It has great rounded edges and applied Bakelite "wrap around" grill that travels around the radio. George W. Walker designed this cabinet for Detrola in 1938. Walker also designed automobiles for the Ford Motor Co., and numerous other products for companies including Admiral Radios, and Willys Trucks. Radio is in great original condition + has a beautiful luster to the cabinet and all original trim. This set is highlighted by its heavy green + orange marbleizing. Cabinet + trim are free of any cracks, chips or repairs. Dial knob has the usual slight warp. Cabinet has one hardly discernible 1/8" line on the bottom rear screw hole that is common to plaskon radios of the time. Radio retains the original black pressed cardboard back in good condition along with the original red SW/BC band control knob. This is a superb example of an all beetle with red trim Super Pee-Wee.This small radio measures approximately: 8" wide by 5" high by 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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Gone
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Detrola 274 "Split-Grille" Radio - Beetle Plastic with Ivory Trim
Uncommon Early Plaskon Detrola Radio
This Machine Age Marbleized Beetle Plastic Detrola "Split-Grille" 274 Tube Radio is one of the most elusive designs that Detrola ever produced. This example is made of "Beetle" Plaskon with ivory Tenite knobs and "Split-Grilles". This set is highlighted by beautiful green + orange marbleizing. This cabinet's design is a beautiful example of Machine Age styling with it's great rounded edges + molded plastic ridges that travel around the base of radio and separate louvered grills. The cabinets of these sets are extremely fragile, and as a result few appear to have survived. The cases and trim often crack or became distorted due to the heat of the tubes. The beautiful + brightly colored Marbleized Beetle Plastic cabinet is in good original condition. It has a few small hairline cracks that do not detract from the beauty and rarity of this set. The grilles only show a mild amount of warp consistent with age. Radio retains the original cardboard back, all manufacturers labels and original dial plastic all in good condition. The radio measures 9.25" wide by 5.25" high by 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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Gone
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Detrola 219 "Super Pee-Wee" Red Plaskon + Beetle Bakelite Art Deco Radio
George W. Walker Designed Streamline Tube Radio
This rare bright red Machine Age Bakelite Detrola "Super Pee-Wee" model 219 midget tube radio is one in a series of popular designs that Detrola produced. Even though the line of midget radios produced by Detrola was popular in its time and was offered in many color combinations, it has become hard to find in any combination due to its fragile cases. This example is made of bright red Plaskon Bakelite with beetle plastic grill and red tenite knobs. George W. Walker designed this cabinet for Detrola in 1938. Walker also designed automobiles for the Ford Motor Co., and numerous other products for companies including Admiral Radios, and Willys Trucks. This cabinet’s design is a beautiful example of Machine Age styling. It has great rounded edges and applied Bakelite "wrap around" grill that travels around the radio. Radio is in great original condition and has a beautiful luster to the cabinet and trim. Cabinet has one very small hairline on the bottom rear screw hole that is common to Plaskon radios of the time. Beetle plastic wrap-around grill has two small hairlines that can only be seen when looking closely at the bottom edge of the grill. This small radio measures approximately: 8" wide by 5" high by 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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Red Plaskon Detrola Jr. Art Deco Plaskon Bakelite Radio
This Detrola Radios Design is a Beautiful Example of Machine Age Styling
This Detrola Jr. in bright red Plaskon made in the 1930's by Detrola Radio out of Detroit, Michigan. This cabinet's design is a beautiful example of Machine Age styling. This little radio packs a stylish Art Deco punch for its size. It is a beautiful and minimalist design with it's louvered grill + contrasting black knobs. The cases of these sets are however extremely fragile, especially the brightly colored Plaskon ones, and as a result few appear to have survived. The beautiful and brightly colored bright red Plaskon cabinet is in good original condition and retains a beautiful luster. The cabinet has no chips, burns, or repairs, it does have a few tight hairline cracks that have been glued on the bottom of the radio that do not detract from the beauty and rarity of this set. Radio has a few small scratches consistent with careful light use. The radio retains the original black plastic knobs in great original condition. This tiny radio measures approximately: 6.25" Wide by 4.75" 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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Rare Detrola 104 "Presentation" Desk Set Art Deco Radio with Gilbert Rohde Clock
Stately Radio with Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller clock + Barometer
Unusual and rare Detrola 104 Art Deco Presentation Desk Set Radio in great original condition with beautiful inlaid wood details. This is a stately radio with Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller clock + barometer. This radio features the same "Air-Guide" clock and thermometer/humidity as the Gilbert Rohde designed clock model Number 6381. The "Air-Guide" faces have streamline numerals, red + black hands, and a red second hand that heighten the appeal of this rare radio / clock combination. Radio is all original including the Bakelite knobs, beautiful dial, grill cloth, Gilbert Rohde ashtrays + center mounted lighter. Radio measures approximately: 24" wide by 10" high by 10" 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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American Art Deco Red Plaskon Detrola "Pee-Wee" Model 218
Designed by George W. Walker
This George W. Walker designed Machine Age Bakelite Detrola "Pee-Wee" 218 midget tube radio is one of the most popular designs that Detrola ever produced. Even though this midget radio was popular in its time and was offered in many color combinations, it has become hard to find in any combination due to its fragile tiny case. This example is made of red Plaskon/Bakelite with black Tenite knobs and streamlined feet. Walker also designed automobiles for the Ford Motor Co., and numerous other products for companies including Admiral Radios, and Willys Trucks. Some of his most recognizable designs that he is credited for are 1955 Thunderbird, and some of the 1949 Ford and the 1950 Lincoln designs. This cabinet's design is a beautiful example of Machine Age styling. It has great rounded edges and molded plastic ridges that travel around the radio. Note that the cases of these sets are extremely fragile, and as a result few appear to have survived. These cases often cracked or became distorted due to the heat of the tubes in such a small plastic cabinet, this one has a perfect red Plaskon cabinet and black trim. The beautiful red colored Bakelite cabinet is in great original condition and retains a beautiful luster. The cabinet has no cracks, chips, burns, or repairs. Radio retains the original black pressed cardboard back in great condition along with the SW/BC band control knob. This small radio measures approximately: 6.5" Wide by 4.5" 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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Detrola "Super Pee-Wee" Radio Black Plaskon + Beetle Plastic Grill
Rare Streamline 1930's American Radio model# 219
This is a rare Plaskon with marbled Beetle Plastic Art Deco Detrola "Super Pee-Wee" radio model # 219 designed in 1938 by George W. Walker for the Detrola Company of Detroit Michigan. The case is made of jet black Plaskon with a "Wrap Around" grill of marbled Beetle Plastic and is in great condition. Cabinet and trim are free of any cracks, chips, hairlines or repairs. Dial knob has the usual slight warp. This is the best example of a Super Pee-Wee I have owned. The radio measures approximately: 5" high by 8" wide by 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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