Item Report
Art Deco Stewart-Warner Magic Keyboard Floor Radio
By: Stewart-Warner
Style: Art Deco
Origin: United States
Materials: stained hardwood, veneer, glass, fabric, Bakelite/plastic knobs, metal
Age: Circa 1938-1942
Condition: Fair (some wood surface wear, grill cloth torn, unrestored electronics assumed)
Value: $125–$300 (at auction, depending on working condition and overall cosmetics)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Engraved 'Stewart-Warner' with 'Magic Keyboard' and numeric/lettering on buttons and dial.
Date: 2025-06-22 09:24:20.210718
Description:
This is an Art Deco-era floor radio produced by Stewart-Warner, featuring the brand's 'Magic Keyboard' control panel. The case is crafted from stained hardwood with veneered surfaces and classic Deco stylings such as horizontal ribbing and rounded corners. The dials, push-buttons, and graphical tuning display echo radio design elements of the late 1930s to early 1940s. The radio’s grill cloth appears original but is torn, and the radio face and wood show typical age-related wear.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This radio is a classic example of late Art Deco industrial design from a reputable American maker, Stewart-Warner. While these radios were mass-produced, their design and age make them collectible. Condition—especially grill cloth damage and cosmetic wear—impacts value. Working units fetch a premium; unrestored examples like this are sought by both vintage audio collectors and decorators.
Individual Images:
- The main image focuses on the dial and button panel
- showing authentic period detailing and wear. The torn grill cloth is particularly notable and would be costly to restore with period-accurate material
- but it indicates genuine age. The cabinetry’s finish is worn with minor scuffs and scratches but retains original contours and features. The presence of original knobs and branded dial cover bolster authenticity.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation visible in this image.
Condition:
Fair (some wood surface wear, grill cloth torn, unrestored electronics assumed)
Identification Score: 95%
The clear 'Stewart-Warner' branding, 'Magic Keyboard' label, and Art Deco features leave little doubt as to the identification; the model could be narrowed further with full cabinet and rear views.
Authenticity Score: 90%
The visible wear, original cloth, period-appropriate knobs, and accurate brand markings point strongly to original manufacture (not reproduction). Only internal radio chassis checks or serials would raise this score further.
Image Memory Note
This is a Stewart-Warner Art Deco floor radio ('Magic Keyboard'), with visible grill cloth damage and typical wear, likely dating to ca. 1938-1942.
Keywords
Art Deco, Stewart-Warner, Floor Radio, Magic Keyboard, Vintage Radio, 1930s, United States
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