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 RadioSource blocked; provenance matched | Keystone Auctions LLC | 2025-12-27 | 38 | USD 110 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
PHILCO ANTIQUE TUBE RADIOSource blocked; provenance matched | Converse Auctions | 2023-03-17 | 574 | USD 40 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
Vintage Bakelite Tube RadioSource blocked; provenance matched | EJ'S Auction & Appraisal | 2022-08-13 | 1207 | USD 25 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
EXCEPTIONALLY FINE HOMEMADE EARLY 3-TUBE RADIOSource blocked; provenance matched | Westport Auction | 2023-04-25 | 56 | USD 30 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
Antique RCA Victor Model 5T Tombstone Tube RadioSource blocked; provenance matched | Matthew Bullock Auctioneers | 2025-09-27 | 107 | USD 30 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
1923 Freed-Eisemann NR-5 Tube Table RadioSource blocked; provenance matched | Embassy Auctions International | 2024-12-05 | 3 | USD 10 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
1940s Zenith Bakelite Tone Register Tube FM RadioSource blocked; provenance matched | Apple Tree Auction Center | 2024-06-11 | 1336 | USD 15 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
 |
Vintage Bakelite RCA Victor Model 75X11 tabletop tube radio, 1947-48Source blocked; provenance matched | Ripley Auctions | 2025-12-30 | 10306 | USD 25 (buyer’s-premium treatment unknown) |
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.
Disclosure: prices are shown as reported by auction houses and are provided for appraisal context. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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