Carbon Black Bakelite Post War 1952 Esquire BF Goodrich Model 550U AM Tube Clock Radio Works Great Rare Manufacturer!
DESCRIPTION: This New York manufacturer is a blip on the radio manufacturer radar. In a rare johnny-come-lately move after seeing what Firestone was doing, BF Goodrich said to themselves "hey what about us?" Followed shortly thereafter by "Um, why are we making radios?" Thus, Esquire popped up in the 40s then poof. It's nice to see vacillation at corporate highest levels has not changed after all these years. This model is well made all original design. Having deep pockets is demonstrated here. In other words, it doesn't look like Esquire relabeled another manufacturer's product as their own. The tubes are even branded 'Esquire.' Must be nice! Picks up AM stations clearly and loudly up and down the dial without need of external antenna attachment. Cabinet is in immaculate condition. No cracks, chips or major scratches. This radio is over 60 years old! All original everything. No issues! All original factory molded black Bakelite. No repaints no touch up no over spray. None needed.. Some light tarnish on the clock gold metal trim. The knobs are in very good condition no cracks. No missing little gold metal clock or alarm set knobs. The clear glass dial face has no cracks or scratches and is clear as an autumn day on 5th Ave! The green clock face is clean with no tarnishing or rust. No missing ink, smudges, or rub-off on clock dial lettering. The tuning dial works fine and smooth no slipping. All paper and wax capacitors have been replaced with modern equivalents so this radio has another 50+ years or more of playing time! No dial light. Not designed with one. The clock works and keep accurate time for a mechanical analog design. The alarm works. The buzzer works. The clock and alarm set function work. There is a appliance timer function in back. 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. Backing board is in very good condition top left corner is missing. Bottom manufacturer label is completely intact with normal age yellowing. The replacement power cord and polarized plug are excellent working condition with no cracks, or splits. No exposed wiring. The radio has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. All wiring has been thoroughly checked for possible bridging and weak solder connection.
COLOR: Black
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DIMENSIONS: Approximately 10" x 5.5" x 5.5" (l x w x h)
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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