Antique Radio Find

[countryford]

Well I went to an estate sale yesterday and found this 1927 Oriole 200 radio. They were asking a bit more than I was willing to pay. So I waited till today when everything is half off, and to my surprise it was still there. I brought it home and here she is.

 

[countryford]

Here it is with the top up and the front folded down. Has two turners on it.

 

[countryford]

Here is looking in through the top.

 

[ovrphil]

Wow

That's a beauty - it was meant to be...had an old Zenith floor model - but it was nothing like this unusual one ...looks like it was cleaned, tuned, and ready to "go". Congrats. [this post was last edited: 5/4/2013-23:50]

 

[countryford]

Close up of the serial tag. It was made in Kenosha Wi.

 

[countryford]

Oriole Junior Trinum Circuit

 

[countryford]

This is under the speaker. Apparently it was originally a battery unit, and someone hooked up this power pack to use.

 

[countryford]

The whole unit, with the speaker cover off.

 

[cfz2882]

power

will batteries be needed or has an AC powered battery eliminator been installed?Very nice condition!

 

[cfz2882]

Ah,reply 6 answered that question!

 

[Ultramatic]

Oh my God!

<span style="font-size: medium;">It's beautiful! Is that the original finish? If it is, it's in stunning condition! Congrats! </span>

 

[frontaloadotmy]

Very nice ! !

It appears to have been well taken care of.

 

[fido]

I would love to get a '20s set some time. All the parts from that era look so well engineered.

 

[kb0nes]

Wow that is vintage and in beautiful shape! Fate served you well waiting it out, can I inquire what the purchase price was? We had a radio consignment shop here in St Paul. I used to have a rule if I saw something I kinda wanted I would leave it there and return the following week. If it was still there on the return visit then I was meant to have it, kinda a karma thing.

I don't have a lot of experience with any radios that are that old, but I have played with a number of them here at the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting. http://www.pavekmuseum.org/

It sure is amazing how many small independent radio producers there were way back before RCA destroyed them all...

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

WOW... it IS in really BEAUTIFUL condition!!!  

 

CONGRATS Justin!

 

Kevin

 

[countryford]

The original asking price was $95. So when I returned on 1/2 price day, I got it for $47.50.

 

[chuffle]

A steal!

Wonderful find, beautiful radio.

Joe

 

[tolivac]

Very nice old radio-and in excellent shape!Looks well taken care of.The horn speaker is unusual.But of course common in those early days-like the horns in early record players that did not have amplification electronically.

 

[retromania]

Good Deal!

Love the craftsmanship!

 

[circlew]

I must say,

that is quite nice.

I see the power pack is made my Majestic. Problably the same company that made Majestic records.

 

[athanasius80]

Majestic Records was a postwar company, and I think a descendent of Grigsby-Grunow-Hines which became Majestic Radio and Television Corp which became Grunow before folding in 1937.

But in the mid-1920s they made a very popular B battery eliminator which you see in the pictures. 1920s battery sets are notorious for having open audio transformers, check the continuity on those and continuity on the speaker driver. After that, not too much breaks on them, and they're fun to use.

 

[westingman123]

Wowza

That is just beautiful. Someone loved it, for certain. Enjoy!

 

[washernoob]

Truly a unique, timeless piece. I would love for a radio like that! They are some of the nicest pieces of furniture!

 

[tolivac]

Furniture-that radio was built when the cabinet WAS a REAL peice of furniture-made with REAL wood-not particle board and plastic.