In the roughly 90 years between the first simple build-it-yourself crystal radio sets of the 1920’s and today’s state of the art receivers and wireless internet radio, there were millions of actual radios manufactured in a incredible array of sizes, colors, and designs, all forming a rich mother lode for collecting.
FADA Bullet Bakelite Radio Streamliner - Sold for $1901 (13 bids)
The collecting of vintage radios really took off in the late 1970’s and continues today. Who can resist them? With their dazzling array of colors and shapes, it’s easy to get hooked on collecting old radios. And bonus: the working models can still bring in AM stations.
Some things to keep in mind if you are considering picking up an old radio to resell on eBay (or if you are considering Vintage Radios as new area of collecting):
Vintage radios are usually divided up by their decade of manufacture (1920’s, 1930’s, 1940’s, 1950’s and recently, even 1960’s and 1970’s) but the decade inflection points are not hard and fast. There are collectors for all sub categories of old radios (and many avid collectors collect examples from each).
Sparton Sled #558 Peach Mirror Tube Radio - Sold for $4,995.00
Old radios are also collected on the basis of their material of manufacture; (wood, plastic, glass, metal); brand name (Zenith, Crosely, Atwater Kent, Magnavox, Philco, Fada, etc) and design type (wood-case “cathedral” table and floor models, plastic, wood or glass Art Deco, Machine Age, Space Age, Futurist, etc table models).
RCA "Little Nipper" 30's bakelite table radio - Sold for $31 (12 bids)
One notable subset of vintage radios are those made with an early type of phenolic plastic resin called Catalin. Catalin radios like those made by Crosely and Fada, with their jewel-like colors and simplest curved “art modern” lines are among the most highly sought of all old radios and can command very high prices. (Watch for the legit contemporary reproduction Catalin radios. They look nearly identical to their vintage cousins expect the innards are brand new.)
Philco Model 49-501 Transitone - Sold for $560 (40 bids)
Condition is a critical value concern for all but the rarest of examples, which can command stratospheric prices even when in need of restoration. There are two areas for condition concern; the case and the innards. A few scratches or tiny cracks are usually acceptable. Both Bakelite and Catalin cases with dull finishes can be restored to close to their original luster, though it is probably a job best left to someone with experience. Missing major parts or severely cracked or discolored cases? Except for the rarest of the rare, pass it by. A worn out cord or one or two broken tubes might be acceptable (tubes can often be replaced but can also be expensive).
A few examples from the author's burgeoning collection...
Severely damaged or missing works? Pay a “parts” price. if you become a restorer or have a need for the parts for existing examples in your collection, or walk away. Depending on the severity of the damage or the specific missing parts and the ultimate value of the radio in perfect condition, it may not be worth the time and money needed for restoration. Bottom line: Exercise caution whenever considering a purchase of an old radio that is not working or has a case that is in less than fair condition.
Philco Roll Top Radio - Sold for $36 (6 bids)
When collecting old radios, after condition, color is king, design is queen. All other things being equal, look for old radios with good bright colors and high quality design. As a rule, a dark brown plastic radio of plain or uninteresting design is usually not as desirable as a bright duo or tri-colored radio with pleasing art deco or jet age lines and proportions.
Like all fields of collecting, research is always recommended. eBay and Terapeak offer rich sources for researching demand and value. There are also lots of hobby sites on line that offer examples and advice for collecting.
ART DECO BELMONT TUBE RADIO - Sold for $60 (10 bids)
As mentioned, prices for choice examples of old radios can reach as high as several thousand dollars but there are still hundreds of types that are colorful, sport pleasing design and are quite affordable, especially those made in the 50’s through 70’s. Keep an open mind, and with some diligence and patience, it is still possible today to put together an appealing collection of old radios of all types, colors and designs for under $50 a piece.
There are two separate categories on eBay where vintage radios can be found: Collectibles and Electronics. Make sure to check them both!
Happy Hunting!
