Catalin Radios

Description of catalin plastic

Click on any image to see more views of the radio

 
Bendix Model: 526C Bendix
Model: 526-C
Year: 1946
Dimensions: 11.25x6x6.75
Tubes:
This radio was an incredible success for Bendix.  It is one of the more common catalin radios found not only because of the number made but because of it's superior innovative and unusual construction.
 
Dewald Model: A501 "Yellow" Dewald
Model: A501
Year: 1947
Dimensions: 9.75x5.5x6.5
Tubes:
Also known as the "harp" radio.  Frequently this radio will have either a cracked dial glass or hairlines surrounding it.  The harilines occurred because, over time, catalin tends to shrink and the glass dial didn't.
 
Dewald Model: A501 "Harp" (Brown) Dewald
Model: A501
Year: 1947
Dimensions: 9.75x5.5x6.5
Tubes:
This is the rarer brown version of the above radio.  A variation of this radio has a clock "stuck" into the middle of the grill bars.
 
Emerson Model: 400 "Green" Emerson
Model: 400
Year: 1942
Dimensions: 11x6.25x7
Original Price $15.00
Tubes: 
This was a very popular model from Emerson, called the "Aristocrat" it came in a variety of colors and combinations.  A red, white and blue version was known as the "Patriot" was created for the W.W.II efforts.  This is a rare green one.
 
Emerson Model: 400 "Brown" Emerson
Model: 400
Year: 1942
Dimensions: 11x6.25x7
Original Price $15.00
Tubes:
This is a heavily marbled brown version of the Aristocrat.
 
Fada Model: 5F60 Fada
Model: 5F60
Year: 1937
Dimensions: 8.25x4.25x5.25
Tubes:
This set is thought of by many to be Fadas first catalin radio.  It may very well be the first cabinet made of catalin by any manufacturer.  I like it because of its simplistic styling.  The Cabinet is basically a rectangular box with a few cutouts.
 
Fada Model: L56 Fada
Model:  L56
Year: 1938
Dimensions: 9x5.5x6.5
Tubes:
My wife's favorite catalin radio.  It is a classic design and highly sought after by collectors.  It has a curious handle that is impractical and was probably included more for decoration than use.
 
Fada Model: 652 "Temple" Fada
Model: 652
Year: 1946
Dimensions: 11x6x7
Tubes:
Also known as the "temple", first sold in 1942, was so successful that Fada brought it back after W.W.II for a couple of years.  It came in a myriad of color and trim combinations.  The cabinet too was modified for different looks - some came with the grill bars missing for an open look and other models had an insert grill.
 
Fada Model: 700 "Yellow" Fada
Model: 700
Year: 1946
Dimensions: 10.5x5.5x6.5
Tubes:
This set also known as the "cloud" came in at least five colors - yellow, maroon, blue, green, and onyx. The Fada model 845 is a polystyrene version of this cabinet design.
 
Fada Model: 711 "Maroon" Fada
Model: 711
Year: 1947
Dimensions: 9.75x5x6
Tubes:
This, the last of Fada's radios being made of catalin, to me, is not a particular pretty radio.  The only reason I have for owning three of them is that I like Fadas and they were relatively inexpensive. This is the maroon version.
 
Fada Model: 711 "Yellow" Fada
Model: 711
Year: 1947
Dimensions:  
Tubes:

This is obviously the yellow version of the 711.  This set also came in an olive green and royal blue.

 

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