This is a beautiful Mid Century Modern (MCM), fully functional Nordmende Sterling Elektra Model 56 table top tube radio manufactured in Germany in 1955-56. This is an export model so the FM coverage range is from 88-108 MHz. The sound is very good from this 6 tube single speaker compact radio!
The Elektra measures 15.7 x 10.2 x 7.9 inches.
The original wood case was hand polished until it shined. Minor cracks and dings are still visible but they now look smooth and the radio has a fabulous 69 year old patina on top of the original sunburst finish! All other parts have been thoroughly cleaned and polished. Everything about this radio is original except for a few electronic components.
I removed the chassis from the cabinet and cleaned and dusted everything. I tested the tubes, capacitors and resistors. Anything that was not in acceptable ranges were replaced. Any brittle wiring was replaced. The pushbutton assembly was cleaned and treated with DeoxIT D5 and works smoothly. The plastic trim was cleaned and hand polished. I did replace the magic eye tuning tube with a fully working equivalent so it shines bright and responds well to station changes. The speaker grill cloth is original and has been removed, cleaned and reinstalled.
1955-56 Nordmende Elektra 56
From the Normrnde website:
In 1950, the Normende Elektra was the first AM / FM tube radio produced.
Nordmende is an icon of German innovation and advanced engineering. The brand popularized the radio in the 1920s, developed the early B&W TV in the 1950s, created the first color TV set in the 1960s and the first “Super-Planar” TV set in the 1980s.
The brand owns a rich history full of innovative technologies and products that have marked their era.
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.