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Prohibition was repealed in 1933. I believe that is the year Radiobar opened their doors. There are prohibition era 'martini bars' which look like chairside radios or coffee tables that had drawers and compartments for contraband. I do believe that the sentiment of prohibition is still alive with the Radiobar design, given that you can discretely hide your stash should your temperance league buddies stop by.
I'm no expert on constitutional law, but when prohibition was repealed it was only for watered down beer (something like 2.5% ABV). So harder liquor may still have been outlawed in many areas when this bar was made. I tried to find a reference for this anecdote, but I can't: supposedly when Roosevelt announced the legalization of this near beer over the radio, he closed in saying 'and now I believe I am going to have a beer'.
gadget-not sure of what the chassis wiring is like, but it may well be that rubber crap. It does have those horrible bakelite blocks. I don't think it has the crummy coils that rot and open up over time. Can you tell that I don't like Philcos? Oh, and the radio dial face is made from paper. Yes-paper! Forget all of the gorgeous glass and enamel faces other manufacturers were making at the time....sheesh. Sorry about the Philco rant-if anyone wishes to step up to their defense-please do.
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