Item Report
Mid-Century Philco Portable Tube Radio
By: Philco (Philadelphia Storage Battery Company)
Style: Mid-Century Modern Electronics
Origin: United States
Materials: Leatherette, metal, glass, Bakelite/plastic, electronic components
Age: circa 1950-1955
Condition: Fair (visible scuffs, dirt, and general surface wear; electrical functionality unknown, not officially graded)
Value: $30–$90 (auction liquidation estimate, depending on condition and functionality)
Maker's Marks / Writing: PHILCO logo visible on the grille.
Date: 2025-06-22 09:38:49.592466
Description:
This is a Philco portable tube radio, most likely from the early to mid-1950s, featuring an iconic mid-century design with a rectangular form and single front dial. The radio is housed in a leatherette case with a gold-colored grille. Philco was a leading American maker of radios in the early to mid-20th century. These models are collectible for their design and historic value as examples of early portable consumer electronics.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A representative example of a postwar American portable radio, this Philco unit is in fair cosmetic condition, with expected wear and some surface dirt. These radios are desirable collectibles, particularly when functional, but values remain moderate for typical examples. A word about fakes...: Fakery is uncommon in this category, though some sellers may reinstall modern internals into old shells or repaint cases; originality of the electronics impacts value.
Individual Images:
whole item
Provenance:
No provenance documentation visible.
Condition:
Fair (visible scuffs, dirt, and general surface wear; electrical functionality unknown, not officially graded)
Identification Score: 97%
The PHILCO brand and characteristic design elements make identification highly certain; minor uncertainty is due to not seeing the full model number.
Authenticity Score: 90%
There are no obvious signs of reproduction; surface wear and age indications are consistent with genuine vintage. Without a view of the interior, a small possibility remains for later modification, but the exterior appears original.
Image Memory Note
This is a leatherette-cased Philco portable tube radio from the early 1950s; brown and gold color scheme, distinctive front dial, PHILCO branding.
Keywords
Philco, radio, tube radio, portable radio, mid-century, electronics, United States, collectible radio
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