Latest News
29-Dec-2009
Added database entries on four models that are not represented in catalog literature, including 4-A-37, 4-A-39, S-7396-2, S-7397-5.
21-May-2009
1954 radios added from the Spring-Summer 1954 Catalog.
19-May-2009
Added 1959 radios from a 1959 tri-fold brochure.
3-Apr-2009
Added radios from the Spring-Summer 1950 catalog.
6-Feb-2009
Added a Misc section for radio-related ads.
30-Jan-2009
1953 radios from the Spring-Summer catalog added.
26-Jan-2009
1940-41 Radio Catalog Slideshow added.
22-Jan-2009
1955 radios added.
21-Jan-2009
The new site is up and running, but I am still bug-checking and adding data..
1939 Radios
S-7424-3
This is a 6-tube 6 volt battery radio, which I do not know much about. It can't have been a big seller, as not many are around. The styling is un-remarkable.
S-7425-6
This is the famous World's Fair model, which was also shown in the Fall/Winter 1939-40 catalog. This is a beautiful radio which came in brown bakelite, white painted bakelite, and plaskon
Perhaps one of the most sought-after Firestone models out there, it can easily bring $300 at auction.
S-7426-2
This tombstone is a really hard radio to find. It took me six years to find one, and I finally purchased one off e-Bay. It's only the second one I've ever seen.
It's in nice shape, and has quite the interesting cabinet. It's a fairly unremarkable 6-tube AC/DC set with pushbuttons, but the cabinet is pretty darn wild, eh? It has a symphony of fine veneers...
S-7426-3
This is one of my favorite Firestone radios, you truly have to see the cabinet in person to appreciate the skill which must have gone into making it. It has wonderful louvers and curves. My example has a beautiful original finish, I just love this radio!
This radio was the highest price point of the tabletop models in the Spring/Summer of 1939 at $24.95.
S-7426-5
This was the entry level Firestone set for 1939. A simple four tube set, it retailed for just $7.95. For an additional $.89, you could purchase a small carrying case which would allow you to take your Firestone radio anywhere!
This radio tuned the normal broadcast frequency, plus the police band. It was also available in a white plaskon cabinet. The model was carried over into 1940. This is not an easy radio to find.
S-7426-6
Started 1939, this cabinet style was around at least until 1941. This five tube model was a step up from the four tube S-7426-6, and cost an additional $2.00.
Today, these radios are hard to find and often bring a good price when sold online or at swap meets.
S-7427-1
This lowboy 7-tube console retailed for $49.95. It featured electronic tuning as well as an eye tube, and has "the beauty and simplicity of styling found only in fine furniture".
S-7427-2
This is an 8-tube console with a host of features including three wave bands, 8 button electric tuning, a 12" speaker, eye tube, packaged in a decorative multi-patterned walnut cabinet.
This set retailed for $69.95.
S-7427-3
The grand daddy of the 1939 lineup, this 10 tube console featured electronic motorized tuning, a hand rubbed cabinet, and most interestingly, a remote control! The remote control was attached to the radio via a long cable, unlike the wireless remotes used in some Philco radios.
S-7428-1
This 6 volt battery radio is a little more interesting than the one above. The ad mentions a gleaming black cabinet...is it bakelite or black-lacquered wood? I do not know, having never come across one of these. If you have more information, e-mail me!