estateRUTH.

Preliminary identification

WXPN 88.5 FM 'Radio Tower' T-Shirt, c.2015

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A heather grey graphic t-shirt featuring a classic radio tower emitting lightning bolts, a design that pays homage to the golden age of broadcasting. This specific piece was created as a limited-edition 'thank-you gift' for supporters of Philadelphia’s iconic public radio station.

Story

In 2015, WXPN partnered with the design studio Three Potato Four to create this 'vintage-inspired' shirt for their fall pledge drive. It became the most popular promotional item in the station's history, selling out before the drive even officially began.

Maker / Origin

Three Potato Four is a husband-and-wife design team based in Media, PA, known for their 'nostalgic vintage' aesthetic. They specialize in reviving mid-century Americana through modern goods, making them the perfect choice to capture WXPN's deep historical roots.

Condition & Value

The fabric shows light pilling and a soft fade consistent with gentle use. The graphic remains crisp with no major cracking, which maintains its value to collectors. Excellent condition for a decade-old 'premium' item. Value is driven by the station's dedicated cult following and the fact that these were never sold at retail.

Full Research

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

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
  • ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD