We Buy Catalin Radios

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tomato Red Emerson 'Patriot' 400 Catalin Radio - Bel Geddes Design

Great Bright Red Catalin Emerson 'Patriot' by Industrial Designer Bel Geddes

Bright Tomato Red Catalin Art Deco Emerson 'Patriot' model FC-400 designed in 1940 by industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes. With war looming over Europe and becoming an increasing threat to the USA, this radio's theme struck a chord with American radio buyers, who turned it into a best seller for Emerson. Bel Geddes sought to promote American technology, industry, and identity, through the use of the stars-and-stripes design of the radio. This 'Patriot' design in turn helped bolster national pride during the difficult years of the Great Depression. This example would make for a wonderful addition to a radio or deco collection The bright tomato red Catalin cabinet retains its original factory gloss and is in perfect condition with no cracks, chips, tube burns or repairs. This model's fragile tenite/plastic grill, which is prone to deterioration, is original and in beautiful condition showing only a mild warp and scuffs. White 'Star' knobs and handle, Emerson decal and dial plastic are correct replacements. Radio measures approximately: 10.75" wide by 7.25" high by 5.50" 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 prior to use.

Tomato Red Emerson AU-190 'Tombstone' Catalin Radio - Great

Beautiful Red Marbleized Catalin 1937 Emerson AU-190 Radio

Incredible + rare Emerson AU-190 'Tombstone' Radio in marbleized tomato red catalin. Radio is absolutely striking + seldom found in this color. This radio's stunning marbleized cabinet has vibrant tones of yellow and red. The radio is in original, untouched condition, and is just a great example of this Emerson 'Tombstone' model. This great bright red catalin radio cabinet has been hand polished to an incredible gloss. Radio cabinet + knobs are in perfect condition with no cracks, chips, tube burns or repairs. Gold fabric grill cloth is original to the radio and in great condition with no holes and only small signs of age. Gold Gemloid dial is bright and perfect. Dial plastic and water-slide decal are correct replacements. Radio has small scratches consistent with age + use of set. This bright red Emerson radio is absolutely striking and would make a fantastic addition to a radio collection. Radio measures approximately: 7" wide by 10" 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 prior to use.

Tortoise Motorola 50XC 'Circle-Grill' Catalin Radio

Art Deco Streamline Catalin Motorola Circle-Grille Radio

Beautiful Motorola Catalin Radio 50XC-4 "Circle-Grill" in 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 silver 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 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 tortoise/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 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.

Translucent Tortoise with Maroon General Electric L-573 Catalin Radio

Great Translucent General Electric Catalin Radio

Beautiful General Electric L-573 Catalin radio in translucent marbleized reddish-tortoise with maroon trim.  The L-570 series made in 1941 is one of only two Catalin radios ever manufactured by General Electric. The design of this radio while boxy has numerous Art Deco elements such as the insert louvered grill and semi-circle handle.  The catalin has a deep shine + gloss, rich color, glow, exceptionally striking translucency and luminosity.  This great radio would make a great addition to any radio or Art Deco collection. This beautiful set is in great condition with no cracks, chips, tube burns or repairs to the cabinet or trim. The plum/maroon catalin trim is original to the radio and is also perfect with no chips, cracks or repairs. Radio retains the original bottom paper label and back panel. Dial plastic and decal are correct replacements. This great radio would make a great addition to any radio or Art Deco collection. Radio measures: 9.5" wide x 6.25" high x 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.

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.

Vintage Art Deco Emerson 17 Black Bakelite + Chrome Radio

Early Tube Radio with a Streamlined Design

Emerson Model 17 "Miracle Six" was introduced in late 1934 by Emerson Radio & Television. The styling and use of different materials to produce this radio is pure Art Deco, featuring a glossy jet black Bakelite cabinet with chrome stylized accents. The radio's curved and ribbed front details of varying thickness with strong vertical lines are reminiscent of the Art Deco architecture of the period. This radio is exceedingly hard to find and is highly sought after by both radio and Art Deco collectors. This model was advertised by Emerson as the Miracle Six on the basis of its four tubes giving six tube performance. The radio's black Bakelite cabinet is in great condition with no cracks, chips, burns or repairs and retains a beautiful natural luster to the jet black case. This Emerson has the original matching full molded Bakelite back with the typical cracks at the screws and one chip at the bottom left edge of the back along with a few tight cracks that have been glued to perfection. They can hardly be seen, see photos. The original Art Deco chrome trim has been cleaned and is in great condition with some very light scratches. Original Emerson grill cloth is also present with no tears or holes. Measures approximately: 7" high x 9.25" wide x 4.5" 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.

Warren McArthur American Art Deco Aluminium Bar Stool

Original Orange Vinyl and Aluminium

Great Art Deco Warren McArthur stool with original orange vinyl.  The aluminium is in great original condition with few scuff consistent with age and uses.  This is a seldom seen Warren McArthur piece.

Watermelon Red Catalin Waterbury Clock

Beautiful Watermelon red catalin Waterbury Model Catalin model No. 2.  This beautiful arched shaped clock was made in the 1930's by the Waterbury Clock Co. out of Waterbury, Connecticut. Catalin case is faintly swirled with a lighter watermelon and orange-yellow. The clock is made from a heavy and chunky piece of catalin. Glossy clock case has no cracks, chips or repairs. Silver clock face and surround is original and in good condition with some wear consistent with age and use. Measures approximately: 4" high by 4.75" wide at base, by 1.75" deep. Clock is sold "as-is + untested", appears complete. If you wish to use it daily, it is recommended you have a qualified professional service it as it may need lubrication and calibration.

Wilcox-Gay Radio A51 'L'il Champ' Canary Yellow Plaskon

Great Bright Yellow Small Art Deco Wilcox-Gay Radio

Incredible Canary Yellow Wilcox-Gay Radio model A51 'L'il Champ' Plaskon. This incredible Art Deco 'midget' size radio is among the rarest of the plaskon radios produced and is the only model made in canary yellow. This 1938/1939 model is an incredibly well designed streamlined deco tube radio that is further enhanced by the contrasting plum trim. Even though midget sized radios were popular in their time + offered in different color combinations, they have become hard to find in any combination due to their fragile plaskon case. This scarce radio would make an incredible addition to any radio or Art Deco collection. This all-original rare little plaskon radio is in great condition with no chips, cracks, burns, or repairs. Plum colored knobs, celluloid dial, and gold textured grill cloth are original to the radio + in great condition. This L'il Champ is in great condition having only a few small tight stress-lines mold marks common to plaskon radios of the time that can barely be seen in the photos. Radio measures approximately: 7" wide by 4.5" high by 4.75" 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.

Wonderful Fluted Catalin Art Deco Powder Box

Large Butterscotch/Orchid Catalin Box

Large butterscotch or orchid colored Catalin powder box made by Minerva - Ray Sales, Co from New York.  The vertical fluting on this box is unique and adds a certain flair to the design.  Powder box is original and retains a beautiful factory gloss and has no cracks, chips or repairs. Measures approximately: 3.75" high by 4.25" round.

Yellow Catalin Martini Bar Cocktail Pick Holder in Marbled Bakelite + Chrome

Rarely Seen Catalin/Bakelite Martini Cocktail Pick Set w/ Mini Bottles + Shaker

Beautiful + rare yellow Catalin/Bakelite mini "Martini Bar" cocktail pick holder. This Art Deco mini martini bar is made of a faintly marbleized yellow Catalin with the original cocktail picks. The realistic cocktail picks resemble mini bottles with labels, jigger, + cocktail shaker.  This superb item is ready to use at your next cocktail party! The condition of this piece is perfect with no cracks, chips or repairs to the yellow Catalin bar.  Chromed metal has some mild corrosion consistent with age. Picks are original to this piece. Measures approximately: 5" high x 5" wide x 1" deep

Yellow General Television Catalin Radio Model 591

Highly Marbleized Catalin General Television Radio

Beautiful catalin General Television radio model 591 in yellow with contrasting ivory handle, grill, knobs, and dial face frame. Made by General Television Radio Corp of Chicago, Illinois, model 591 is the only catalin model made by the company. The cabinet on the catalin GTV has great clear and yellow swirls that add depth to the radio. The gold face features a stunning textured deco pattern, with a red Saturn shaped station indicator, beneath which "General Television" appears. The radio is in original, untouched condition, with a beautiful and natural gloss and is just a superb example of this General Television radio. Cabinet is in perfect condition with no cracks, chips, tube burns or repairs. The ivory plaskon trim is complete + original to the radio and has no cracks, chips or repairs. The dial plastic is a correct replacement. Radio retains the original manufacturer's label affixed to the chassis designating chassis as a model 591, correct for the catalin version of the radio. Radio measures approximately: 8.75" Wide, 5.5" Deep, and 7" Tall to the top of the handle. This set is sold "as-is + untested", the chassis seems complete, original cord is cracked and should be replaced. Set is being sold as a "non-working" vintage electronic device that should be gone over by a qualified technician.

Yellow with Tortoise Grille FADA 5F50 / 53 Catalin Radio

Superb Example of an Early FADA 53/5F50 Catalin Radio

Prewar 1938 FADA model 53 / 5F50 Catalin radio in nicely marbleized yellow with a translucent tortoise grill insert. Wonderful Art Deco model made in 1938 by FADA Radio + Electric Company has a beautiful design and size. This yellow and tortoise example is all-original and in great condition with a beautiful glossy finish, the translucent and swirled tortoise grille adds contrast and style to this stunning example. This is an uncommon color combination. The marbleized cabinet is in excellent condition with no cracks, chips, tube burns or repairs. The bright tortoise catalin insert grill is beautifully marblelized and is also free of cracks, chips or repairs.  Clear dial plastic cover is correct replacement, water slide is original. This beautiful FADA has been well taken care of and has very few small scratches consistent with light use. The radio measures 7.75" wide by 5.75" high by 4.75" 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.

Zenith Model 812 Art Deco 1935 Radio - The 811 Export Version

Rare Zenith 812 Export Version Radio with Bold + Radical Deco Styling

The curved + asymmetrical design of the Zenith 812 (The 811 Export Version) tombstone radio makes for an ultra rare + unusual model that is a stunning example of Art deco design. This asymmetrical design was radical in a time when rectangular tombstone radios and furniture-like consoles were stylish and loved by all, thus making this model an elusive find today. Also adding to the rarity is the low production number of 1,154 units and a relatively fragile construction of the cabinet. There are a few differences between the 811 (chassis 5609) + the 812 export model (chassis 5608): The model 812 dial scale is shown entirely in meters while the model 811 displays frequency in kilocycles, see close-up of dial. Other features of this set include: the introduction of Triple Filtering and reception of domestic + foreign broadcasts. This radio retains the original finish in very nice condition with some signs of use consistent with age. The book-matched veneer on the front of the radio makes a 'V' design that further intensifies the Art Deco elements in the radios design. The Cabinet is structurally sound. All components are original including the correct speaker (SPEC.3448//49 87//3000 OHMS), wood back panel(with serial #), grille cloth + wooden knobs. Chassis retains the original metal and paper tags with model, serial number and safety info attached to the back of chassis. Cabinet has the manufactures paper label inside the cabinet. More photos of the radio are available by request. This incredible radio would make a great addition to a any high-end radio or Art Deco collection. Radio measures approximately: 17.25" High by 12" Wide by 8.5" Deep. This set is sold "as-is + untested", the chassis seems complete, the plug is European. Set is being sold as a "non-working" vintage electronic device that should be gone over by a qualified technician prior to use.

Zephyr 'Color Glow' Radio with Green Catalin Front

Rare + Stunning Light-up Black Lacquer with Catalin Front Radio

Rare Zephyr 'Color Glow' Illuminated Catalin 1930's Deco radio.  This seldom seen radio consists of an oval ivory lacquer wood cabinet with a translucent green catalin front panel that lights-up from the inside giving the radio a warm glow, setting it apart from other radios manufactured in the 1930s. This interesting feature along with the use of different materials makes for a highly unusual and rare Art Deco radio. The radio is further highlighted by the large circular dial with great graphics. Designed by Morris Weincord of Chicago, IL in 1936 for the Cord Radio Co. Radio is in great condition with some wear to chrome trim as would be expected from age and use; + lacquered wood cabinet has been beautifully restored.  The original green catalin front panel is in perfect condition with no cracks, chips, repairs or burns.  Radio retains the original ZEPHYR decal on front, ivory plaskon knobs, grille cloth and matching wood back panel, manufacturers sticker has be recreated.  Radio lights-up as it should and looks breathtaking at night as well as during the day. The radio is lit by two clear 4W led night light bulbs wired separately from the radio. This radio measures approximately: 15.5" wide by 8.75" high by 6.75" 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 prior to use.