Phil Bartells' Attic

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)

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. This radio includes an aux input cable so you can play your favorite tunes or Old Time Radio shows using CD player, computer, iPod, Smartphone, Bluetooth, etc. It was installed with no damage to the chassis or cabinet. 90 day warranty applies. Weighs 20 lbs, 17"W x 11"H x9"D. $599.00. (1030201)

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. This radio includes an aux input cable so you can play your favorite tunes or Old Time Radio shows using CD player, computer, iPod, Smartphone, Bluetooth, etc. It was installed with no damage to the chassis or cabinet. 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. This radio includes an aux input cable so you can play your favorite tunes or Old Time Radio shows using CD player, computer, iPod, Smartphone, Bluetooth, etc. It was installed with no damage to the chassis or cabinet. Weighs 19 pounds, 16"W x 9-1/2"H x 8-1/2"D. $899.00. (1030268)

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). This radio includes an aux input cable so you can play your favorite tunes or Old Time Radio shows using CD player, computer, iPod, Smartphone, Bluetooth, etc. It was installed with no damage to the chassis or cabinet. 90 day warranty. About 15-7/8"H x 11-1/2"W x 7-1/2"D. $699.00. (1030277)

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. This radio includes an aux input cable so you can play your favorite tunes or Old Time Radio shows using CD player, computer, iPod, Smartphone, Bluetooth, etc. It was installed with no damage to the chassis or cabinet. 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)