Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A classic post-war American tabletop AM tube radio featuring a distinctive cream-colored Bakelite or early plastic cabinet. It showcases a bold, asymmetrical design with a heavily ribbed vertical speaker grille on the left and a compact tuning dial on the right.
Story
In 1950, Chicago's Trav-Ler Radio Corp. designed this compact radio to bring music into the heart of the American home. Its bold, ribbed grille captured the era's obsession with streamlined, futuristic industrial design.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1921, the Trav-Ler Radio Corporation carved out a highly successful niche by producing affordable, stylish, and portable radios for the everyday consumer. Based in Chicago, Illinois, they were pioneers in compact radio design and later successfully transitioned into early television manufacturing during the post-war boom.
Condition & Value
The radio shows minor surface grime, light scuffs, and some paint speckling consistent with age and storage. The original knobs and dial face are intact, but the internal electronics are untested. Untested status and cosmetic wear reduce the value by approximately 40-50% compared to a fully restored unit.
Full Research
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.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.