Tube table top radios

eBay has a category devoted to tube radios, as a sub-category within Collectibles/Radio-Phonograph-TV-Phone/Radios. As you'll see, several thousand sets are typically offered at any given time.

Also, check out the site of Antique Radio Classified. Among other things that will be of interest, the "Links" link at the left of their home page will lead you to the sites of many collectors and small businesses offering these things for sale. Also, the "Subscriptions & Books" link at the left of the home page will lead you to a listing of many books and price guides devoted to antique radios, which you may find of interest.

There are also many sets listed for sale in the classified ads that appear in each month's issue of Antique Radio Classified, although the ads are available to subscribers only, via the web or in their printed publication. There are far fewer listings, though, than in pre-eBay days, when ARC was THE place to buy and sell these things.

I am an antique radio collector myself, focusing primarily on sets from the 1920 to 1946 period. It's a fascinating field, that is of interest from historical, technical, and aesthetic standpoints.

Best regards,
-- Al

01-23-12: Lewm
I used to listen to The Lone Ranger on a black Zenith tube radio, when I was a child in the early 50s. I never realized it dated back to the 30s.

Lew, you might find this page to be of interest. Note that each set can be clicked on to expand the photos and for more information.

If it was a tabletop set where the height was significantly greater than the width (referred to as the "tombstone" style), it was almost certainly from the 30's. If it was wider than it was tall, it may have been from the 40's or from the late 30's.

The 1930's black dial Zeniths are very popular with collectors.

Best regards,
-- Al

Hi Lew,

There are a number of good price guides that are available for these things. The most widely used one, which is also probably the most comprehensive, is the Slusser/Radio Daze Guide, which in its early editions was known as the Bunis Guide. It is available here, as well as from many other sources at various prices (mostly higher). It includes a great many nice pictures and useful information, as well as valuations.

I've found its price guidelines to generally be pretty accurate, with the exception of a few rare and valuable kinds of esoterica, such as what are known as "catalin" plastic sets.

Best regards,
-- Al