Hammered Green Metallic 1951 Northern Electric Baby Champ Model 5500 Vacuum Tube AM Radio Sounds Great! Excellent Condition!
DESCRIPTION: Tabletop tube AM radio manufactured by Northern Electric in 1951-time frame in excellent physical and working condition. Has rare and expensive factory original hammered metal looking green metallic paint.
SOUND QUALITY: Picks up AM stations clearly and loudly around the dial without need of external antenna attachment.
CABINET CONDITION: Cabinet is original factory molded Bakelite with original factory green hammered metal metallic paint. No cracks or chips on the Bakelite cabinet. There is a some scratches on the top middle. Not repainted no touch up no over spray. None needed. The front is ivory color molded plastic bezel is in excellent condition without cracks or chips or major scratches and securely attached.
KNOBS: Original matching ivory color volume and tuning knobs are matching and securely attached. Not missing metal inserts, but they are pitted with rust and patina consistent with the age of this radio. Front center tuning pointer is original excellent condition, slightly tarnished.
LOGO: No missing logos. Painted fill in Baby Champ logo is in very good condition. The raised factory painted gold letters and numbers are slightly faded and greening..
DIAL LIGHT: dial light works and lights up center tuning pointer.
CLOCK: None.
INTERNAL ELECTRONICS: 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. 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: Original power cord and plug are in excellent working condition. No breaks, no splits, no repair with electrical tape, or other. No exposed wiring.
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. Was probably used in or near the kitchen for much of its life.
BACKING BOARD: No backing board.
FACTORY LABELS AND STICKERS: All factory labels missing.
DIMENSIONS: Approximately 13" x 5." x 7" (l x w x h)
WEIGHT: Approx 5 lbs 2 ozs
COLOR: ivory front grill with green gray metallic hammered metal painted Bakelite
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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.