A valuable American radio from the 1930s jazz age has been uncovered in a Staffordshire attic during a house clearance.
The Emerson AU190 Tombstone model radio, described as extremely rare by Hanson Auctioneers, could fetch between £1,500-£2,000 under the hammer.
Charles Hanson, owner of the auction firm which has a saleroom at Bishton Hall in Staffordshire, said: “This is an incredibly scarce example of a radio manufactured in around 1935 in the United States. It’s a wonderful example of an early radio made by an important American company.
“Measuring 7ins wide x 10ins high, it’s known as the Emerson’s Tombstone model. It was hand polished to create an incredible glass-like finish. It’s green with an onyx cover. This striking design emerged during the jazz age. Its marbleized cabinet is still in its original, untouched condition. That’s remarkable when you consider it’s nearly 100 years old.
“The radio cabinet and knobs are also in perfect condition with no cracks, chips or repairs. It has what’s known as a gemloid dial which is also bright, though there is minor wear commensurate with its age. It even has its original cloth cord.
“It’s been well taken care of, thanks in part to its safe attic environment. When it went out of fashion in the 1950s, it’s sat like an old classic car. Apart from a dash of dust, which is soon brushed aside, it’s in great condition. Normally Bakelite under different temperatures can crack and split but this has barely any visible wear and tear.
“Retro radios like this are popular because they enhance a luxury interior as statement pieces from a bygone age. We specialise in sourcing rare and fine historical objects like this.”
Emerson Radio Corporation is one of the United States’ largest volume consumer electronics distributors with a trademark in continuous use since 1912.
Emerson Radio Corp. was incorporated in 1915 as Emerson Phonograph Co., based in New York City, by early recording engineer and executive Victor Hugo Emerson. The first factories were opened in Chicago and Boston in 1920. In December of that year, the company fell victim to a sales slump which affected the entire phonograph industry after the First World War. The company quickly went from the self-claimed third largest US record manufacturer into receivership. However, it re-emerged and reinvented itself in subsequent decades.
The radio will be offered in Hansons’ summer sales.
To find out more, or to enquire about Hansons’ valuations, home visits and house clearance services, call 01283 733988 or email [email protected].
