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Identification

Vintage Mid-Century Tabletop AM Tube Radio

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

Identified as a mid-century tabletop AM tube radio based on the molded casing, horizontal louvers, dual knobs, and red dial numerals (55-170 kHz).

Story

Based on the distinctive louver design, dual knobs, and dial layout, this radio strongly matches the 1947 Emerson 540 or 540A 'Emersonette,' a classic postwar American tube radio. Emerson Radio Corporation was a major player in mid-century consumer electronics, known for bringing stylish, compact, and affordable radios into American homes. The secondary market for mid-century tabletop tube radios is driven by a mix of nostalgia, industrial design appeal, and an active amateur radio restoration community.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Visually, the molded casing, louvers, and knobs appear intact, which is crucial as replacement cosmetic parts are scarce. Crucially, do not plug the radio directly into a wall outlet to test it; powering up decades-old, unserviced capacitors can instantly short and destroy the irreplaceable power transformer or tubes.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for mid-century tabletop tube radios is driven by a mix of nostalgia, industrial design appeal, and an active amateur radio restoration community. Streamline Moderne and Atomic Age designs, particularly compact 'All American Five' models, are highly collectible. While standard colors like brown and ivory have a steady, modest market, rare colored Plaskon or Catalin cases command significant premiums from dedicated collectors.

Value Drivers

▲ Iconic Streamline Moderne design with intact louvers and original knobs appeals strongly to mid-century collectors.

▲ Strong visual match to the highly collectible 1947 Emerson 540 'Emersonette' model.

Concerns

▼ Unknown functional status — an untested, unrestored chassis limits the value to the 'project' tier for collectors.

▼ Unverified case material — if the case is painted Bakelite rather than original Plaskon, collector value drops.

Best Venue

Sell it explicitly as 'untested/unrestored' unless you plan to have it professionally serviced, as collectors often prefer to perform their own electronic restorations.

Upside Potential

If the radio is professionally restored to flawless working condition, or if close inspection reveals it is a rare factory colorway (such as pistachio green or red) rather than standard ivory, the value could shift into the $350 to $800+ tier.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 2 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Hansons Auctioneers
    Emerson 'Emersonette' radio, green bakelite case, model CF-255, 1939. With original box. Case size approx 16cm x 12cm x 10cm. Untested.
    Different model (CF-255) and earlier era (1939).
    $420
  • Bauer Auction Service
    Emerson 540 'Emersonette' Midget Tube Radio
    Link could not be verified.
    $52