Item Report
Art Deco Stewart-Warner Magic Keyboard Console Radio
By: Stewart-Warner
Style: Art Deco
Origin: United States
Materials: Walnut veneer, hardwood, glass, metal, and fabric
Age: circa 1938-1942
Condition: Good (cabinet wear, scratches, speaker cloth torn, not tested for electronic function)
Value: $125–$300 (at auction, depending on working condition and completeness)
Maker's Marks / Writing: 'STEWART-WARNER' and 'MAGIC KEYBOARD' are clearly visible on the panel, confirming model lineage.
Date: 2025-06-22 09:23:42.929909
Description:
This is a Stewart-Warner Magic Keyboard console radio, produced during the late 1930s to early 1940s. It features a distinctive Art Deco design, evident in the streamlined curves, stepped accents, and richly finished wooden case, likely made of walnut veneer over hardwood. The radio face includes the uniquely named 'Magic Keyboard' push-button tuning system, a sales highlight of Stewart-Warner radios from this period. The speaker grill design is typical of the era, but the fabric shows tears consistent with age and use. This radio would have been a centerpiece in American homes, embodying both functionality and the bold visual style of the era.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A highly collectible Art Deco-era American console radio, valued more for its design appeal than functional use today. The condition issues, especially speaker cloth tears and cabinet wear, detract from retail value, though the original push buttons and dials add interest for collectors. If electronically restored, these radios can have increased value, but originality (including finish and electronic parts) is particularly prized. A word about fakes: While reproductions of iconic radios are far less common than other categories (such as clocks or furniture), always inspect for replaced cabinets or non-original electronic chassis.
Individual Images:
- The main image highlights the full cabinet
- showing some top and side scratches and significant tearing of the original speaker fabric. The details around the push-buttons and dial appear original
- with some patina on the metal accents
- which is desirable. No close-ups of the internal chassis
- makers tags
- or serial number are included
- so these cannot be verified.
Provenance:
No documentation or provenance visible.
Condition:
Good (cabinet wear, scratches, speaker cloth torn, not tested for electronic function)
Identification Score: 95%
The identification is highly confident due to the clear 'Stewart-Warner Magic Keyboard' marking, characteristic cabinet shape, and design elements specific to late 1930s Stewart-Warner models.
Authenticity Score: 90%
The radio appears original based on cabinet wear, patina, and period-appropriate hardware; however, authenticity of internal electronic components cannot be verified without seeing inside or testing. Minor restoration (replaced fabric, knobs, or electronic parts) is not uncommon but typically does not constitute a 'fake' if disclosed.
Image Memory Note
Stewart-Warner Magic Keyboard Art Deco console radio; notable for its original 'Magic Keyboard' push-buttons, cabinet design, and speaker cloth damage. Visual evidence supports originality of exterior; interior not examined.
Keywords
Stewart-Warner, Magic Keyboard, Art Deco, console radio, 1930s, vintage electronics, American, walnut radio, collectible radio
Comparables (Similar Items)
No archived comparables matched this report yet.
Share: