Item Report
Art Deco TrueTone Wooden Floor Radio Cabinet
By: TrueTone (Western Auto Supply Company)
Style: Art Deco
Origin: United States
Materials: Wood veneer, fabric, glass, and metal
Age: circa 1938-1945
Condition: Good (significant veneer wear, scuffed feet, but appears complete overall; electronics not tested)
Value: $70–$200 (at auction, depending on working condition and originality)
Maker's Marks / Writing: The radio dial is marked 'TrueTone', which designates the brand by Western Auto.
Date: 2025-06-20 10:19:39.877141
Description:
This is a vintage floor-standing radio cabinet from the late 1930s to early 1940s, manufactured by TrueTone. The case is crafted from stained wood veneer, featuring Art Deco design elements such as geometric patterns, carved details, and curvilinear motifs. The central dial is distinctive and clearly marked 'TrueTone', a radio brand distributed by Western Auto. The lower portion of the cabinet features original fabric speaker grill and wood appliqué. Such radios were prominent in American homes during the golden age of radio.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
An appealing example of a late Art Deco era American radio cabinet, with ornate classical accents. The value is modest unless fully functional and electronically restored, but cabinets like these are sought by collectors and restorers interested in early radio history.
Individual Images:
- The image shows clear wear and patina to the wood
- especially along the legs and lower edge
- which is consistent with age. The original TrueTone dial is intact and readable. Speaker fabric is present
- though likely faded and may be fragile. Some areas of the cabinet show scratches and missing finish
- but structural integrity appears sound. No internal or rear views were provided to assess original radio components or wiring.
Provenance:
No specific provenance provided.
Condition:
Good (significant veneer wear, scuffed feet, but appears complete overall; electronics not tested)
Identification Score: 97%
Nearly certain identification based on the TrueTone logo, cabinet design, and Art Deco features. This is a widely recognized model from 1930s-1940s America.
Authenticity Score: 92%
High confidence this is an authentic period piece due to visible wear, proper branding, construction methods, and original dial. Slight deduction as components could have been replaced or restored at some point.
Image Memory Note
This is a late 1930s-40s era wooden TrueTone floor radio in Art Deco style; its value depends heavily on condition and presence of original or restored electronic components.
Keywords
Art Deco, TrueTone, radio, floor radio, wooden cabinet, vintage electronics, 1930s, United States
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