Top Ten Blues!

True blue factory original radios from the mid century period are some of the rarest color collectible radios. Either factory painted or molded in blue, it seems blue was in the blind spot until the early 60s. When I say true blue, I am not referring to turquoise, grey blues, or powder or pastel blues, which were common.

True blue would be a navy, royal or medium blue, metallic or non-metallic. Not sure why, but the colorists and marketing design people at radio companies at the time seemed to think primary blues were not what the public wanted.

Motorola, RCA, Emerson, Bulova and Crosley were the only manufacturers we've come across over the years which offer blue models.

Here's our list of favorite blues

10. 1963 Emerson Unknown Model - Nice little tabletop blues player. The only Emerson we've seen offered in blue. The design is boxy with square inner panels. The designer had one tool to draw this concept: a straight edge.

9. 1960 Motorola Model C11B - Motorola seemed to be more inclined to offer blue choices compared to other manufacturers. This is one of several beauties on this list.

8. 1964 RCA Model RFA15A AM - Again early sixties. It seems the tide was coming in for blue radios in the early sixties. Even at RCA. This is a rare one with a simple unadorned design offered in this terrific shade of blue.

7. Blue and Wood Panel Merc-Radio Unknown Model - Here is a unique import model from a Taiwanese manufacturer. This was probably an economical model. Look at the striking contrast between the Richard Petty blue and fake wood grain! Once I see it I can't unsee it!

6. Crosley 1951 Model 11-125GN. Crosley is the only radio manufacturer that still around today making radios. Amazing! This is a beautiful metallic blue painted Bakelite Crosley. Metallic paints were expensive and rare when this radio was introduced.

5. 1962 Motorola Model C9B13 - Another blue selection from Moto. This model design has a unique slanted front grill that almost creates an optical illusion.

4. 1960 Motorola Model A9B - Here's a rare blue color from Motorola. Very balanced looking design which would look good in any color but even better in blue.

3. 1959 Bulova Model 400 - It's hard to find a bad looking Bulova and this one is no exception. This model looks great in two tone blue. Leave it to a jewelry and luxury goods manufacturer to come up with a elegant and rich-looking design.

2. 1963 Motorola Model C19B60 - Another beautiful two tone color scheme. This design combines a lot of creative design ideas. The concept shows risk taking which always earns points in my book.

1. 1961 Motorola A18B3UL - It's no wonder this blue goody is at the top of my list. Once again, Motorola wins for attractive design, beauty in blue colors, uniqueness and risk-taking, without being radical. It looks novel today as well as when it was first introduced.

So that's my list of favorite blue radios. There wasn't a huge list to choose from. Not like with turquoise radios. Here are our favorite turquoise radios.