How to identify old radios
To identify an old radio, document the maker, model, chassis, cabinet, dial, knobs, labels, and condition before testing it.
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To identify an old radio, document the maker, model, chassis, cabinet, dial, knobs, labels, and condition before testing it.
Auction records are market evidence, not a final appraisal. Condition, authenticity, provenance, size, medium, completeness, working status, and demand can materially change value.
Identification checklist
- Photograph the front, back, dial, knobs, speaker cloth, maker plate, model label, chassis, cord, and plug.
- Record cabinet material, veneer, cracks, missing knobs, corrosion, replaced parts, and repair labels.
- Do not plug in an unknown old radio before safety review.
What similar items actually sold for
To help ground this guide in real market activity, here are recent example auction comps from Appraisily’s internal database. These matched sales are market context only, not an object estimate or identification, and they do not guarantee a price for your specific tube radio.
Shown USD range: USD 10-USD 110. Median of these 8 USD examples: USD 27.50.
| Comparable | What sold | Auction house | Date | Lot | Source-reported amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Blaupunkt "Granada 60" Tube Radio | Keystone Auctions LLC | 2025-12-27 | 38 | USD 110 |
 |
PHILCO ANTIQUE TUBE RADIO | Converse Auctions | 2023-03-17 | 574 | USD 40 |
 |
Vintage Bakelite Tube Radio | EJ'S Auction & Appraisal | 2022-08-13 | 1207 | USD 25 |
 |
EXCEPTIONALLY FINE HOMEMADE EARLY 3-TUBE RADIO | Westport Auction | 2023-04-25 | 56 | USD 30 |
 |
Antique RCA Victor Model 5T Tombstone Tube Radio | Matthew Bullock Auctioneers | 2025-09-27 | 107 | USD 30 |
 |
1923 Freed-Eisemann NR-5 Tube Table Radio | Embassy Auctions International | 2024-12-05 | 3 | USD 10 |
 |
1940s Zenith Bakelite Tone Register Tube FM Radio | Apple Tree Auction Center | 2024-06-11 | 1336 | USD 15 |
|
Vintage Bakelite RCA Victor Model 75X11 tabletop tube radio, 1947-48 | Ripley Auctions | 2025-12-30 | 10306 | USD 25 |
How these auction records were verified
Each row retains its exact source URL, lot identity, retrieval time, access result, and immutable record hash. Live source access was blocked; the exact record matched Appraisily's immutable pipeline provenance. Inspect the public comparable provenance record.
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