1940 Motorola 51B "auto-grille" bakelite - Videokarma.org TV - Video

decojoe67 · #1 10-02-2021, 04:32 PM

Here's a rare one. Not only is the 2-knob "A" version difficult to find, but this 3-knob (added center tone control) model is even tougher to find. I looked for years. I can only guess that due to it's small size and light weight, many of these were dropped or knocked off tables. They also came painted ivory and even a battery model. This one is AC and does have a dial lamp. Just a beautiful piece of art-deco eye-candy. I added a photo with my hand on the set to show how small these are.

Rayburn69 · #2 10-02-2021, 09:08 PM

Very Cool looking set! Love the Deco style!

decojoe67 · #3 10-03-2021, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rayburn69

Very Cool looking set! Love the Deco style!

Thanks, yes, it's a very pleasing compact design.

radioal · #4 10-21-2021, 11:46 AM

If Alfa Romeo made a radio. I want one.

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decojoe67 · #5 10-21-2021, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radioal

If Alfa Romeo made a radio. I want one.

Sent from my LM-K500 using Tapatalk

It looks like that too. may say a period International Harvester tractor. These are very difficult to find for some reason. Many even settle for cracked cases.

Jeffhs · #6 10-21-2021, 08:33 PM

How on earth did Motorola manage to squeeze a full-size 5-tube radio chassis into a cabinet that small, and still leave enough room for ventilation of the tubes?

decojoe67 · #7 10-21-2021, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffhs

How on earth did Motorola manage to squeeze a full-size 5-tube radio chassis into a cabinet that small, and still leave enough room for ventilation of the tubes?

They're actually a bit larger than the RCA "Little Nipper" radio's from 1939. I have big hands so the photo might be a little deceiving! LOL