The Iconic Tri-Star 1955 Arvin Model 855T Vacuum Tube AM Radio A Collector's Dream!
DESCRIPTION: This is one of Arvin's more desirable designs. Iconic with instantly recognizable with memorable Mercedes Benz-like star! There is no affiliation between Arvin and Mercedes Benz. The similarity is coincidental. History tends to reward risk taking and this radio design is an example of that. One if the few radios that actually looks best in dark color. Like a S550 sedan. Tabletop tube AM radio manufactured by Arvin in 1955 time frame in excellent working and physical condition. Picks up AM stations clearly and loudly up and down the dial without need of external antenna attachment. No cracks, chips, or major scratches. This radio is original factory molded brown Bakelite. It is not repainted no touch up no overspray. Little diamond shape front protrusion is a actually a working tuning light! Beat that people. The front metal grill mesh inserts are not dented or dinged no tarnish rust pitting clean and shiny. Oddly, the speaker metal mesh is silver and tuning cavity is gold. It's these unexpected design decisions that endear. The entire front surface is this non skid texture like shower mat. This radio is over 55 years old! The knobs are in excellent condition with no cracks. Needless to say, these knobs are unique to this particular model and color scheme, so don't lose them. The tuning knob works fine and smooth no slipping. The tuning pointer is made of a hefty piece of solid steel painted gold. Again, another illogical choice. Adds to the curiosity. The tuning station numbers are in near perfect condition with no rub off fading or greening. All paper and wax capacitors have been replaced with modern equivalents so this radio has another 50+ years or more of playing time! 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 unless you operate near modern megahertz devices. The set has been aligned according to factory specifications. The original power cord and plug is good original working condition. No exposed wiring or fatigue by the interconnect that is common. Backing board is original with crisp square edges near perfect condition. Original factory label on the bottom is mostly intact still legible. The radio has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. All wiring has been thoroughly checked for possible bridging and weak solder connection. Comes from non-smoking, mature, clean professional environment.
DIMENSIONS: Approximately 12" x 5.5" x 6" (l x w x h)
COLOR: dark brown
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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