Sunfire Yellow 1951-1952 Motorola Model 52CW1 AM Vacuum Tube Clock Radio Rare Color Sounds Great!
DESCRIPTION: Very rare pinup vacuum tube clock radio manufactured by Motorola in 1951-1952 time frame. These pinup clock radios were marketed as wall hanging radio alarm clocks. But, can also be used as a tabletop or bookshelf radio.
SOUND QUALITY: Picks up AM stations clearly around the dial without need of external antenna attachment.
CABINET CONDITION: Wall mount or tabletop vacuum tube AM radio manufactured by Motorola in excellent physical and working condition. Has no cracks and no major scratches! All original factory painted yellow Bakelite. Not repainted. No over spray. Not touched up. Cabinet is original factory true yellow not ivory or yellowed ivory paint. Clock clear cover is in excellent condition with no hairline cracks, crazing, of broken attach tabs, not yellowing not warped. Back color matching cover panel is in excellent condition. White clock face is in excellent condition with no rust, water stains, or faded numbers. Bottom has surface scratches. Bottom yellow paint is faded a little more than the rest of the cabinet.
KNOBS: Original matching black clock function knobs are in excellent condition and securely attached. No broken attach posts. Volume and tuning knobs are original and in excellent condition and securely attached.
LOGO: No missing logo.
DIAL LIGHT: None. Not designed with one but can be added for an extra charge.
SPEAKER: Original speaker.
CLOCK: Clock works and keeps accurate time. Clock motor has no buzzing, no ticking noises. Alarm and clock set function works and goes off at the correct set times. The clock and tuning numbers are not rubbed off. Clear clock cover is securely attached. Clock and radio function lettering is clear and readable.
INTERNAL ELECTRONICS: All paper and wax capacitors have been replaced with modern equivalents. The tubes are working fine. All out-of-spec resistors have been replaced with modern correct value and voltage equivalents. There is no loud or pervasive hum. There is no loud or pervasive static between stations. The set has been aligned according to factory specifications. All wiring has been thoroughly checked for possible bridging and weak solder connection. The radio has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected.
POWER CORD: The new replacement cord and safety polarized plug are in excellent condition. No exposed wiring.
FACTORY LABELS AND STICKERS: Factory inside labels present, mostly intact, readable, yellowed.
PROVENANCE: Previous owner identity is not known. Was gently used then stored in a dry cool environment for a long period of time. No evidence of prolonged exposure to cigarette smoking, moisture, or pets.
BACKING BOARD: None. Color matching back.
YOUTUBE VIDEO here
DIMENSIONS: Approximately 7" x 3.5" x 10" (l x w x h)
WEIGHT: 4 lbs 12 ozs
ADD BLUETOOTH: See info here
ADD SMART SPEAKER: See info here
ADD DIAL LIGHT See info here
Product: antique radio, vintage radio, retro radio, vacuum tube radio, AM radio, art deco, mid-century product.
Category: radio
Cabinet construction: Bakelite
Period: 1950s
Country of manufacture: USA
Electronics: Mounted circuit board or chassis. Vacuum tube circuit.
Vacuum tubes: tested and working. Amplifier, converter, detector, pre-amplifier, rectifier