Phil Bartells' Attic

Airline 62-901 (1938)
This Wards Airline from 1938 is in excellent restored condition and is a fantastic performer on both bands. The chassis is in excellent condition and with nine tubes, push-pull output and tuning eye, it receives the Broadcast band (550 to 1700 KC) and Short Wave from 5.8 to 18 MC. It has had a complete electronics tuneup with all new capacitors; tubes and resistors checked and replaced as needed. It is a smaller size for console. Aux input cable has been added: play your favorite tunes or old time radio shows using CD player, iPod, etc. A Bluetooth receiver can be added and you can stream tunes from your phone, laptop, etc. 60 day warranty. Local pickup in Central Virginia near Lynchburg, shipping can be discussed. 35"H x 27-1/2"W x 13"D. $595.00. (1030287)

Bulova 2YC-23 (1959)
The very first radio I bought was one nearly identical (different SW band) to this seven-transistor Bulova; that was in 1959. Cost $60, which was a lot for a high school student back then (I lost it along the way). I bought this as a memento, and it works on AM using internal antenna, uses a whip (included) or wire antenna for SW. SW band works but has very few stations, was called Police Band back then. Tuning and volume controls are perfect (no scratching when used). Receives my local stations and distant ones at night. I think it is a rather rare radio, being one of the very early transistor sets. It is in excellent overall condition and quite heavy. Nice chrome front. Uses four "AA" batteries (included). 6"W x 3-1/4"H x 1-5/8"D. $75.00. (1030285)

Dixie Five Battery Set (1926)
This Dixie Five three-dialer is from the 1926 model year. The cabinet was restored beautifully and is an attractive display piece. It was sold by American Wholesale Corp in Baltimore Maryland. Research reveals that it was made by Liberty Transformer Corp in Chicago, and was named the Liberty Five. I have a write up about the history of this Baltimore brand and will include it. The included cardboard label was loose when I bought it. It belongs in the center of the inside top, but I will leave it to the next owner to reattach. The award ribbon was inside the set so I assume it was awarded for this set; it is also included. A typical five-tube radio, there are two stages of RF amplification, a detector, and two stages of AF amplification. Has separate filament voltage control for each stage! All the rheostats test good. One interstage transformer had been replaced when I bought it (it tests good). The other original interstage transformer has an open primary so will need to be replaced, or use RC coupling instead. No tubes are included but I have them available. 28-1/2"W x 10-1/2"H x 12-1/2"D; weighs 30 lbs. $250.00. (1030236)

Freshman Masterpiece 5F5 (1925)
This Freshman Masterpiece is from the 1925 model year. The cabinet was restored beautifully and is an attractive display piece. A typical five-tube radio, there are two stages of RF amplification, a detector, and two stages of AF. It has the original Utah horn speaker, and it tests good (reads 1100 ohms and clicks when a 9v battery is touched to the terminals). Both rheostats test good. The dial scales in the windows are still readable. Both original interstage transformers have open primaries so will need to be replaced, or you can use RC coupling. The tubes shown are for display only. I have good tubes available. 30"W x 9-1/2"H x 10-1/2"D; weighs 26 lbs. $250.00. (1030234)

Silvertone 4566 (1938)
Offered is another great looking and playing tabletop radio ready for you to proudly display and listen to. It was sold under the Sears & Roebuck "Silvertone" brand as part of the "Sears Golden Jubilee," which offered a series of radios with different sized gold dials and styles. A seven tube receiver, it covers the broadcast band (550-1800 KC) and has short-wave band coverage (in two bands) up to 19 MC. The cabinet was restored using the finest toning and clear lacquers in semi-gloss finish. The electronics were totally restored. Dial is perfect and lights up brightly, original escutcheon in perfect condition, original glass dial cover, bright and working magic tuning "eye." Knobs are correct; grille cloth is reproduction. 90 day warranty applies. Weighs 20 lbs, 17"W x 11"H x9"D. $599.00. (1030201)

Silvertone 4575 (1938)
This great looking and excellent playing tabletop radio is ready for you to proudly display and listen to. It was sold under the Sears & Roebuck "Silvertone" brand as part of the "Sears Golden Jubilee" which offered a series of radios with different sized gold dials and styles. A six-tube receiver, it covers the broadcast band (550-1800 KC) and has short-wave band coverage (in two bands) up to 19 MC. The cabinet was restored using the finest toning and clear lacquers in semi-gloss finish. It is darker than shown in the lighter flash pics. The electronics were totally restored (see above about my restoration process). Dial is perfect, original escutcheon in perfect condition, original glass dial cover, bright and working tuning "eye." Original 6-inch speaker was reconed and sounds great! Knobs are correct; grille cloth is reproduction. Short wire antenna is supplied. Aux input cable has been added (see box at top of listing for details). A Bluetooth receiver is included and you can stream your tunes from your phone, etc. 90 day warranty applies. Weighs 20 lbs, 17"W x 11"H x 9"D. $499.00. (1030281)

Silvertone 4763 (1938)
This fantastic looking and superb playing large tabletop radio is ready to be proudly displayed and enjoyed. It was sold under the Sears & Roebuck brand name of "Silvertone" as part of the "Sears Golden Jubilee," which offered a series of radios with different sized gold dials and styles in the late 1930s. A six tube receiver, it covers the broadcast band (550-1800 KC) and has short-wave band coverage (in two bands) up to 18 MC. The cabinet was restored using the finest toning and clear lacquers, then hand rubbed to a beautiful finish. The electronics are restored and original except for some tubes and the replaced capacitors and resistors under the chassis. You will be hard pressed to find a nicer example; cabinet has no patches, dial is perfect, original escutcheon and dial glass in good condition, bright tuning "eye." Original knobs, reproduction grille cloth, speaker re-coned. Chassis pics are available, 90 day warranty. Weighs 20 pounds, 15"W x 12"H x 9"D. $899.00. (1030202)

Stewart-Warner R-407 (Canada, 1938)
This attractively designed table radio was made by Stewart-Warner-Alemite Corp. Of Canada, LTD., Belleville, Ontario, Canada. It is a five-tube superhet with three bands: Broadcast 550-1750 KC, Short-Wave 1: 1.7-5.5 MC, Short-Wave 2: 5.5-18 MC. It has been totally restored and all bands work great! Electronic restoration included: all capacitors were replaced, all tubes and resistors checked and replaced as needed, power cord replaced with new, and a complete alignment performed. Cosmetic restoration included: cabinet refinished using proper stains and lacquers, and new reproduction grille cloth. Schematic included. 90 day warranty applies. This would be a great addition to any antique radio collection! An impressive set at 19"W x 11"H x 10"D; weighs a hefty 21 pounds. $349.00. (1030069)

Stromberg-Carlson 225-H (1937)
This marvelous Art Deco styled set was made by Stromberg Carlson in Rochester, NY. It features a beautiful Brazilian Rosewood cabinet with maple inlays, sided by oak and walnut. A tulip motif of the ebony grille and the trademarked perfect octagonal dial make this iconic radio stand out! The dial lights clearly but is very difficult to capture when lighted. It has the original finish, which was cleaned and given a fresh coat of clear lacquer. This model is highly desired and relatively expensive, as they are rare and very Art Deco. A five-tube set with ballast, it receives the AM Broadcast band and two shortwave bands. It plays loudly and clearly on all bands, and has the original wooden knobs. My electronics restoration (replace filters and paper caps, check resistors and tubes, align, etc.) has been done and it is warranted for 90 days. Weighs 19 pounds, 16"W x 9-1/2"H x 8-1/2"D. $899.00. (1030268)

Zenith 5-R-317 "World's Fair Special" (1939)
The Zenith 5-R-317 "Glass Rod" Art Deco radio was marketed as "The World's Fair Special," and introduced at the 1939 New York World's Fair. This is the five-tube version, which has a power transformer, instead of its six-tube sister 6-D-317, which is an AC/DC set with a ballast tube. This may be the original finish, but if not it was restored very well. I freshened it with semi-gloss clear lacquer. It has been electronically restored to like new working condition. Glass rods and gold painted wooden rods are original, and together with the new gold grille cloth make for a very attractive and unusual radio. The dial bezel is original, pushbuttons and knobs are new. The back is an excellent new reproduction. Rather rare, it doesn't get much nicer than this. It would be a super addition to any collection, and should be featured in any Zenith collection! Short wire antenna is needed (supplied). 90 day warranty applies. 14"W x 8-1/2"H x 8"D, shipping weight 13 pounds. $995.00. (1030270)

Zenith 5-S-327 "Racetrack" (1939)
This vintage Zenith model 5-S-327 with attractive "Racetrack" dial is an excellent radio. Rather rare, it would be a super addition to any collection, especially a Zenith collection! Like its sister, the model 5-S-319 (uses same model chassis) it is a very popular radio because of the compact design and the dial. A five-tube Superheterodyne, it features two bands (550-1700 KC, 5.5-18.5 MC), and has pushbuttons for selecting favorite stations, and they work! It has been refinished using the finest clear and toned lacquers, same as when it was new. It has had a complete electronics tuneup with all new capacitors; tubes and resistors checked and replaced as needed, and plays great on both bands. Uses a short wire antenna (included). 90 day warranty. About 15-7/8"H x 11-1/2"W x 7-1/2"D. $699.00. (1030277)

Zenith 9-S-262 "Robot Dial" console (1938)
This classic console was part of the 1938 Zenith lineup that featured many other radios that used the unique "Robot" dial, commonly called a shutterdial. The 9-S-262 was/is a very popular model, large and very impressive. It has motorized tuning, Local/Distance & tone selectors, adjustable bass speaker baffle, tuning eye, and the band selection shutterdial. The (beautifully refinished with semi-gloss lacquer) cabinet is stunning with walnut veneers and quilted maple inlays. Shutters are excellent with no corrosion or paint loss. The chassis is in excellent condition and with nine tubes, it receives the Broadcast band (550 to 1700 KC) and Short Wave in two bands from 1.7 to 18 MC. It has had a complete electronics tuneup with all new capacitors; tubes and resistors checked and replaced as needed. Aux input cable has been added: play your favorite tunes or old time radio shows using CD player, iPod, etc. A Bluetooth receiver can be added and you can stream tunes from your phone, laptop, etc. 90 day warranty. Local pickup in Central Virginia near Lynchburg, shipping can be discussed. 42"H x 27"W x 17"D. $1,495.00. (1030286)

Zenith 9-S-263 "Robot Dial" Console (1938)
This rare classic console was part of the 1938 Zenith lineup that featured many other radios that used the unique "Robot" dial, commonly called a shutterdial. The 9-S-263 is a very rare "collector quality" model because very few were made compared to the other models; the oval shape sets it apart. It has motorized tuning, Local/Distance & tone selectors, adjustable bass speaker baffle, tuning eye, and the band selection shutterdial. The cabinet is stunning with walnut veneers and maple inlays. Interior was redone in correct Zenith blue. Shutters are excellent with no corrosion or paint loss. Chassis is in mint condition and receives the Broadcast band and Short Wave in two bands from 1.7 to 18 MC. Complete electronics tuneup with all new capacitors; tubes and resistors checked and replaced as needed. Grille cloth is a correct repro; knobs are original wood. 12 month warranty. Pickup in Central Virginia near Lynchburg, or contact me for other options. 43"H x 27"W x 17"D. $2,295.00. (1030278)

Zenith 15-U-271 Console (1938)
This absolutely stunning and very rare 15-tube Broadcast/ShortWave shutter dial radio will be a highlight of any vintage radio collection. It is special because of the extremely rare mahogany cabinet, very few were made! It retains the original perfect dual speakers (12-inch woofer and 6-inch tweeter), wooden knobs, bezel, dial glass and dial scales, all in beautiful condition. New AC line cord was installed. The cabinet finish is in smooth semi-gloss condition. Grille cloth is a correct reproduction. A thorough restoration of the electronics was performed: replacing all electrolytic (filter) caps, all wax/paper caps, replacement of all out of tolerance resistors and tubes, complete alignment (stations appear on dial in correct place). The chassis is very clean and rust free (pics are available). Short wire antenna supplied. Aux input cable (iPod, CD player, etc.) has been added, and can be used with a Bluetooth receiver to stream tunes from your smart-phone or other Bluetooth equipped device. Bluetooth receiver included for free. Impressive at 43"H x 30"W x 17"D. Prefer pickup in Central VA but will consider professional shipping service. $3,995.00. (1030283)

Zenith Chassis 5905 Operating Instructions (1938)
This is for one copy of the 1938 Operating Instructions for the nine-tube 9-S-232 (Walton) table radio, 9-S-262, 9-S-263, 9-S-264 consoles, 9-S-242, 9-S-244 chairsides, and 9-S-204 phono & radio console. The booklet (looks original) from which the copy was made is in very good condition so copies are very clear and legible. Pictures may appear to be washed out in places, but the actual copy is not. Pictures also distort booklet but it is rectangular and small, 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", with nine pages printed both sides (all pages are shown). The cover is printed on card stock. Last page shows dial readings for short wave stations in North America in 1938. The 9-S-262 console and 9-S-232 are very popular radios, so if you have one (or the less common others) it is a nice display item to have. Add $3 for First Class Mail shipping. $14.95. (1030217)

Zenith Poster for 6-S-254, 5-S-250 (1938)
This is for one color copy (on 11" x 17" card stock) of a 1938 newspaper advertisement featuring Zenith radio models 6-S-254 and 5-S-250. The image size is 13-1/2" x 10". Matted and framed it makes an excellent wall hanger, as shown in one of the pictures (the framed piece is NOT included). Even if you don't have one of these models, it will be a great display piece. Will be sent in a mailing tube so it will be rolled up. First Class Mail in US is $5. I do not have the original advertisement, and I realize not many collectors own these receivers, but if you do, it is a nice item to have. $19.95. (1030219)

Zenith Poster for 9-S-262, 12-S-265, 12-S-266, 6-S-238, 6-S-229 (1938)
This is for one color copy of a 1938 newspaper advertisement featuring Zenith radio models 9-S-262, 12-S-265, 12-S-266, 12-S-245, 6-S-229, 6-S-238 on 11" x 17" card stock. The image size is 15-1/2" x 11". Matted and framed it makes an excellent wall hanger, as shown in one of the pictures (the framed piece is NOT included, this is for one print only). Even if you don't have these models, it will be a great display piece. Will be sent in a mailing tube so it will be rolled up. First Class Mail in US is $5. I do not have the original advertisement, and I realize not many collectors own these receivers, but if you do, it is a nice item to have. $19.95. (1030221)

Zenith Poster for 15-U-269, 15-U-270, 5-S-228, 5-R-216 (1938)
This is for one color copy of a 1938 newspaper advertisement featuring Zenith radio models 15-U-269, 15-U-270, 5-S-228 and 5-R-216 on 11"x17" card stock. The image size is 13-1/2" x 10". Matted and framed it makes an excellent wall hanger, as shown in one of the pictures (the framed piece is NOT included, this auction is for one print only). Even if you don't have these models, it will be a great display piece. Will be sent in a mailing tube so it will be rolled up. First Class Mail in US is $5. I do not have the original advertisement, and I realize not many collectors own these receivers, but if you do, it is a nice item to have. $19.95. (1030220)

Zenith Radio 12-Tube Operating Instructions/Station Log (1937)
This is for one copy of the 1937 Operating Instructions and Station Log for the 12-tube console radios 12-U-158, 12-U-158Y and 12-U-159 which used the 1203 chassis. The original from which the copy was made had water damage stains, which can be seen on the bottom half of the images. However, current copies do not show the stains at all. It is small, 8-1/4" x 5-1/2", with six pages printed both sides. The cover is printed on card stock. The camera flash used for the pictures washed out the images; the pages are darker and the printing is very legible on the copy. I realize not many collectors own these receivers, but if you do it is a nice item to have. Add $3 for First Class Mail shipping. $14.95. (1030218)