Since the mid-1900s, families everywhere have enjoyed listening to music and broadcasting. Since then, music has become a staple in everyone’s lives, especially in today’s world. Whether it’s Bluetooth music in the car, or listening to NPR while cleaning the house, radios and speakers are something that several can’t live without. And these vintage collectible radios are the perfect addition to any home.
While most home radios are just Bluetooth speakers that are oblong shaped sitting on countertops, or small boxes mounted on walls, some are looking for the aesthetic of vintage radios as decorative pieces. While some might not be operational, having these retro vintage radios will only spruce up your home.
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The Value of Vintage Radios
Why are vintage radios so popular? Now that we have Bluetooth speakers that can hook up to your phone, and music to stream from thanks to Amazon, Apple, and Spotify, radios are a thing of the past. But even so, vintage radios are still cherished by many. Some enjoy the look just to reminisce about the past and how far we’ve come, while others have them simply for aesthetic purposes. Either way, there is some value to vintage radios.
For instance, the age of when one was released can determine just how much they can be sold for. The more recent, the less expensive. Vintage radios from before the 1920s can be worth upwards of a few thousand dollars, maybe more. But the radios from the 1940s and 1950s are just a few hundred. This has to do with their rarity, as the older an item gets, the harder it is to find if they’re even still around.
The brand is another huge factor. The more well-known a brand is, the more people want to buy it. Some brands are still around today, however, they don’t have the same design and style that so many look for. For instance, one of the more popular brands when it comes to vintage radios is Crosley, but there are also lesser-known brands that are still a hot commodity, such as Stewart-Warner and Stromberg-Carlson.
Besides the condition of the radio — with great condition always being more valuable than damaged ones — style and design are the last pieces of how valuable a vintage radio can be. Some designs, like Cathedrals, which have a Gothic window shape, are usually more sought-after simply for their looks, than others like Tombstones, which are wooden ones resembling a graver marker.
Best Brand of Vintage Radios
Want to start your collection? Or just want the best vintage radio to complement your home? Purchasing the right brand is a crucial step. There are so many unique designs and sizes when it comes to vintage radios. Some are compact, and perfect for a tabletop, while others are big enough to take up a corner of your office, and these are the top brands to check out.
Zenith is a popular name and has some of the most iconic vintage radios. They’re highly sought-after by collectors, with one of their most significant creations being the portable radio. This allowed listeners to tune into their favorite station while on the go. If you want to impress guests, find a Zenith radio in good condition.
RCA is another creative company. The Radio Corporation of America was a major player in radios back then and was one of the leading brands. They’re known for their high quality and innovative features, especially their sound quality, which is a great option if you want something that can stand the test of time.
Crosley is another popular brand. Their streamlined designs and unique shape made them stand out amongst the rest, as well as their affordable prices. One of their most famous radios was the Harko, which was known for receiving both AM and shortwave signals, making it a versatile product.
Vintage Collectible Radios
12. Mitchell “Lumitone” Bakelite Radio Table Lamp
A rare vintage radio that would be an amazing talking piece for any home that wants a vintage aesthetic is the Lumitone radio table lamp.
Created in the 1940s, this piece features a fully tunable five-tube AM/BC radio built into a 60W single socket light. There are two separate switches, one for the radio and the other for a lamp for the perfect multi-use device.
11. Stereophonic Radio by Castiglioni
Created in the 1960s, this white Briovega stereo radio doubles as a record player. Many have been reconstructed to also feature Bluetooth, however, the most impressive, and most valuable of them all, are the ones that remain their original piece from when they were released.
It only stands a little over 2 feet high, but has a width of 4 feet. The creation was made by Achille Castiglioni, a legendary Italian mid-century modernist.
10. Crosley Art “Dual Four” Tombstone
Crosley is a popular name when it comes to vintage radios, and rightly so. One of the best vintage radios that you can get now to add to your collection is this Art Deco Tombstone made in the 1930s. It’s highly decorated with a skyscraper shape with silver-painted sides.
Similar to the Briovega, some have been reconstructed to accommodate modern technology with Bluetooth, but where is the charm in that? For collectors, this seven-tube radio is a perfect item to find.
9. Paul-Louis Gastaud Telephone Radio
As far as unique vintage radios go, this hits a lot of marks. The bright red radio is the perfect addition to an eccentric room. It stands almost 4 feet tall and is shaped like a telephone. The vintage radio was actually made by Paul-Louis Gastuad, an artist in the 20th century.
One of his most famed pieces was a commission piece for the King of Morocco from the 1970s that features a sideboard structure with an open-handed bronze base.
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8. Panasonic RF-569
This is most likely what most people imagine when thinking of vintage radios, or at least it’s one of the more common images.
Founded in 1918 by Kōnosuke Matsushita, Panasonic began launching products in the 1920s. it wasn’t until after the war in Japan that Matsushita began the production of radios and appliances. Soon, he began to produce television sets, causing Panasonic to become a big name in both Japan and the United States, and is still a big name today.
Invested in the 1970s, this vintage radio is a simple yet great addition to any collection, and it’s the most affordable one that you can find today. There are several around eBay up for sale and a popular find in auction houses.
7. Stewart Warner Bakelite “Campus” Radio
Founded in 1905 by John K. Stewart, Stewart & Clark began creating vehicle instruments, like the speedometers used in Ford Model T’s. When Stewart purchased the Warner Instrument Company, the name changed to what we see here.
As their manufacturing expanded, they began making radios and refrigerators, among several other products. They produced their first radio in 1925 and their last in 1954 due to financial difficulties with overproduction. Today, Stewart Warner is owned by CentroMotion.
As one of the most unique-looking pieces so far, this radio was created in 1939 and is the “Campus” model, as it was marketed for teens who were going off to college. There are several available for purchase now and varies in price depending on condition.
6. Panasonic Portable Wrist Toot-a-Loot Radio
Nothing says statement like a vibrant-colored twisting radio that fits right on your wrist. This is an ideal vintage collectible radio for those who don’t care much for operational use, as it’s the perfect collectible for those who want a decorative and conversation piece. EBay recently sold one for only $70, and Etsy sold one for $90, making it one of the more affordable vintage radios that collectors can search for.
Also known as the Panasonic R-72, this vintage radio was made in the early 1970s and was designed to wrap around the wrist, making it an amazing portable radio. There was a jack for a mono earplug and came in amazing colors such as white, red, blue, lime green, orange, and yellow.
5. Vintage Firestone Air Chief 4-A-20 Radio
Yes, the Firestone tire stores made radios, and they were marketed in Firestone stores from the mid-1930s to the late-1950s, with a delay between 1942 and 1946 due to World War II.
They contracted Belmont, Emerson, Steward Warner, and other supplies to manufacture radios with the Firestone brand name. They began “The Voice of Firestone” on the radio in 1928 and by 1949 it was transferred to television.
The Air Chief 4-A-20 Radio is one of the many radios by Firestone and is a gorgeous piece for any home. While many are still operational, however, it’s a great piece for radio collectors.
4. Grundig Majestic 2035
Grundig is a German consumer electronic company that was founded in 1945 by Max Grundig and became one of the leading radio, TV, recorder, and electronic goods. After the Second World War, Grundig saw the need for radios in Germany and produced a kit in 1947.
This radio is a beautiful retro decorative piece that will definitely enhance any room or make a great addition to collections. There are some available now on eBay for those who want to get their hands on this vintage radio.
3. Zenith Tube Radio Model 7S-529
Founded in 1918 by Karl Hassel and Ralph H. G. Mathews, Zenith began out of a garage. They were the first to invent the first portable radio in 1924, and only two years later brought the first radio that operated entirely on household electricity.
In 1927, Zenith brought consumers push-button tuning, and the first FM radio in 1940. They were quickly known as innovators, and rightly so, as they produced several products that changed the radio industry.
This vintage collectible radio is a perfect option for those who want a decorative piece that fits the retro aesthetic. It’s a beautiful radio from the 1940s and makes an amazing decorative piece. While the radios were originally priced at a mere $39.95, these radios can be found around auctions and eBay for around $200, making it an affordable and great way to incorporate the retro aesthetic in your home.
2. Crosley 10-135
Originally existing from 1921 to 1956, Crosley began in Kentucky and was an audio-electronic manufacturing company. There is a modern incarnation of the original company called Crosley after the company was discontinued by parent company, Avco in 1956 due to declining sales. While the modern company marketed the turntables in 1992, they currently also market radios and jukeboxes.
However, the original company has created several beautiful vintage styles that are perfect for those who want to decorate their homes with a retro aesthetic. This radio was in the 1950s and is a beautiful tabletop piece for those looking for a new touch to their space.
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1. Grundig Majestic 2320 Tube Radio
One of the more expensive items on the list is from the German manufacturer, Grundig. It’s also one of the rarer items that can be found. Made in the 1960s, this is a beautiful addition to any home or collection.
The average price for this item can be found between $150 to $250, depending on the condition. If you come across this vintage collectible radio, be sure to snag it before it goes.
