Vintage 1959 Tele-tone Model 81/S1 AM Clock Radio Excellent Condition!
DESCRIPTION: This was a budget model from Teletone back in the late 50s. While some were getting fancy colors and latest style from a specialized dealer or ordered from Sears Roebuck or Ward Montgomery catalog, this Teletone was probably something you could have picked up at your corner drug store. It is plain and unassuming and looks almost like it was from the 40s as opposed to the 50s. Looks like it is made out of Bakelite as opposed to plastic. It is a 4 tube radio as opposed to a 5 tube design, which was a way of economizing on manufucturing costs but with impact to performance. This radio was intended to be basic and inexpensive, not a keeper. But, expensive things are more likely to be preserved and cared for than inexpensive things. So, it is refreshing to see this one in excellent condition and one that still works and picks up stations with loudness. This antique radio picks up AM stations clearly and loudly up and down the dial with an external antenna attachment (included). Cabinet on this vintage radio is original molded ivory plastic with gold fabric grill. The fabric is beginning to fray by the right clock switch. This radio is about 60 years old! No missing ink, smudges, or rub-off on dial lettering. No cracks, chips, or major scratches. The tuning dial works fine. Matching ivory white tuning dial and volume knob. Sweet! Original power cable is securely attached no breaks, splits, or exposed wiring. All paper and wax capacitors have been replaced with modern equivalents so this radio has another 50+ years or more of playing time! The backing board is in good shape with crisp corners. Couple heat slats on backing board have been repaired and reinforced. 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. 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 10" x 4" x 6.5" (l x w x h)
COLOR: Ivory.
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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: plastic
Period: 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s
Country of manufacture: USA
Electronics: Mounted circuit board or chassis. Vacuum tube circuit.
Vacuum tubes: tested and working. Amplifier, converter, detector, pre-amplifier, rectifier