Step back in time with the 1937 Pre-War General Electric Model E-50 Tube Radio, a true testament to the craftsmanship and innovation of a bygone era. At Old Radio Garage, we have meticulously restored this classic to its original glory, ensuring it functions flawlessly while preserving its vintage charm. Perfect for both collectors and enthusiasts, this radio offers an authentic experience of 1930s audio technology. With our commitment to quality and craftsmanship, you can trust that every detail has been attended to with the utmost care. Add this iconic piece to your collection and experience the golden age of radio.
The finish on this radio is NOT a modern faux finish. Someone hand painted this radio in the past. Judging from the amount of grime I had to remove, I would guess that it was painted sometime in the 1940's. The radio is a compact model measuring only 12" x 8.5" x 6.25".
The speaker grill cloth has been replaced. The wood cabinet has been toughly cleaned, lightly sanded, and protected. My "restoration philosophy" is to preserve as much of the original finish as possible. Therefore you will still see ALL of the patina and wear and tear that has developed on this radio over the course of it's 80 plus year old history.
The controls have been cleaned and lubricated. The electronics have been thoroughly gone over. All paper and electrolytic capacitors have been replaced with modern equivalents and every resistor has been checked and replaced if found to be defective. Any brittle wiring has been replaced. The pots have been cleaned with CDC contact cleaner. Each tube has been tested and replaced if weak or defective. A new panel light bulb was installed.
1937 Pre-War General Electric Model E-50 Tube Radio
Nothing has been done to this radio that is not described here. THIS IS NOT A FULLY RESTORED RADIO but rather an original antique radio that has been inspected and repaired as necessary to make it function as it was originally intended. As with all of my radios, I have played this radio for hours several days a week before I put it up for sale. I do my best to describe every item in detail. Please look over the photos and contact me with any questions.
Vintage radios were manufactured decades ago in a time of relaxed electrical safety and with primitive technology as compared with today's standards. Many early radios were made with the metal chassis electrically connected to one side of the power cord. This can give you a strong shock if you happen to touch the radio chassis and anything else that is grounded at the same time. In addition, tubes can get very hot and cause serious burns if touched accidentally after the radio has been running for a while. These dangers are minimal if the complete cabinet, back, and knobs are all in place and no metal parts are exposed. Vintage Radio Electronics, whether restored or un-restored, are by nature hazardous due to their voltage, design, heat output and age. They should not be operated unattended, without adult supervision or for great lengths at a time. Any operation, adjustments or repairs are done at your own risk. None of the radios sold at this shop have been modified or upgraded to modern standards.