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..
1955 Radios
1955 showed a decline in radio models, with only four tabletop models, plus four clock radios being offered. Many of these models were clearly shared with other manufacturers (Arvin, Airline). There were nearly as many portable record players and televisions offered this year as radios!
4-A-121 "Sunrise"
A cute, small clock radio. Appears to be polystyrene, and similar to many Philcos of the era. Carried over from the 1954 lineup.
4-A-124 "Newscaster"
A small metal radio, clearly this one was made by Arvin for resale by Firestone. An entry level model for this year.
4-A-125 "Narrator"
A small plastic table radio sold in various colors - ivory, cherry, or green. May have been made by Airline, as I have seen similar radios badged that way.
4-A-126 "Pathfinder"
A plastic radio sold in ivory or green cabinet. Edge lit dial, and excellent tonal quality!
4-A-127 "Slumbertone"
Another small clock radio, this one came in blue, coral, or yellow plastic. I've not seen a blue or yellow one.
4-A-128 "Melody"
The highest end clock radio for year. The Melody has an electric outlet to turn on another appliance or light. Came in blonde or mahogany cabinet.
4-A-133 "Bolero"
A rather 1950s looking (ha!) tabletop record player. Advertised as offering "a full range of high fidelity tones!"
4-A-135 "New Sunrise"
A clock radio with Telechron self-starting clock. This radio came in rosewood, ivory, or green plastic cabinets. 4-A-134 is Rosewood, 4-A-135 is green or ivory.
4-A-136 "Trebletone"
A rather odd looking plastic radio, featuring a large dial with edge-lit numerals. Offered in Rosewood (4-A-136) or Green (4-A-137).