Description
This is a fully restored 1935 Airline model 62-173 tombstone radio, very likely in a family's living room when FDR's 1941 Pearl Harbor announcement was broadcast live to then nation. This model is a 7-tube Superheterodyne 2-band radio in a striking Art Deco cabinet designed by Wells Gardner for Montgomery Ward which sold all their electric audio items under the Airline trade name. Company advertisements in 1935 focused on this model's ability to have the "world at your fingertips" with improved instant dialing. Take a look at the close-up picture of the dial to see 121 of the nation's most popular 1930s radio stations listed by name & grouped by east, west & central zones, a separate area for "police calls" (a range of shortwave no longer in use), & the primary station locations for foreign country shortwave broadcasts. It receives AM & shortwave bands & plays superbly with excellent clear tonal quality & full range of volume, strong station reception across the dial, & dial lights, band selector, station tuner & tone control working as intended. Shortwave reception will vary greatly on any radio by time of day, location & antenna length. in the electronic restoration, all components were tested, & all failed or weak components were replaced with new, including 2 tubes & all capacitors. All moving parts, switches & controls were cleaned & lubricated & all tuning circuits were aligned. The radio broadcasts through its original speaker which produces excellent sound quality & clarity. An MP3 minijack was added that lets you connect your iPhone, smartphone, iPod or other compatible music storage device with a 5' connecting cord (included) & play your own music through the radio's amp & speaker. An optional Bluetooth receiver is also available as an add-on at checkout, which connects to this jack & then receives & plays music through the radio from any Bluetooth device in the vicinity. The radio measures 17 1/4"H x 14 1/2"W x 10 1/2"D. The finish on the wood cabinet is superb, as the pictures show, & all veneer is tight, original & straight. The radio has its original factory paper label & stampings that show model #, chassis serial number, specs & tube layout data. The original dial has no marks or scratches, & is protected by heavy crystal glass. This radio will be packed with great care & sent fully insured with tracking. Shipping rate shown doesn't apply to PO Box, APO, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, & Puerto Rico addresses. If you'd like to pick this up in Seattle, message shop prior to checkout requesting deletion of shipping charge. PNW buyers will be refunded any excess shipping. 1935 Airline Am/Sw/Mp3 Tombstone Radio, Bluetooth Option, Full Electronic Restoration 62-173
