Opening Day Auction 2014
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/26/2014
Presented is an appealing baseball-shaped AM radio issued in 1941. The construction of the radio's body is made of heavy cardboard, with a paper application fashioned to emulate an 8 inch diameter baseball. This hard-board sphere sits on a ballholder-style trophy base, and measures approximately 10 inches high. Three screened, 2"-diameter speaker and cooling apertures are neatly integrated into the circular form at the top, front and back aspects, and power is supplied by a 54 inch electrical cord coming from the base, plus attached “pigtail” wire. The top cooling screen is attached with a plated medallion reading "Trophy". This name plus the trophy style base indicates these radios might have been given as a prize or award during their time. This is a very interesting baseball display piece as he ball displays bright original “stampings”, with realistic "stitches" and "Official League" brand. A discreetly-placed tuning knob projects from the ball's right side, and the volume control is at the left. Condition is Excellent with slight tarnishing on the brass base collar, and general evidence of moderate handling on the ball's surface including a few light tears plus a two inch indentation. A brief test of the radio's operation was inconclusive as the tubes illuminate and static varies with movement of the volume control, but no station was accessed. However, a few tinkerings with the vintage electronics could cure this issue. Spherical radios are very rare as the original construction was difficult, and these types tended to overheat. However, this particular nice example would display tremendously. One of the finest-condition examples of this appealing device ever offered at auction!