Antique Radio
As with every other collectible on the market today, antique radios are a fun hobby to pursue. There are many manufacturers of antique radios, just like there are many radio manufacturers today. Prominent antique manufacturers include: Addison, Air King, Arvin, Automatic Radio Mfg. Co., Bendix, Crosley, Detrola, Dewald, Emerson, Espy, Fada, Garod, General Electric, Halston, Kadette, Lafayette, Motorola, N. M Company, RCA, Sentinel, Sonora, Sparton, Stewart Warner, and Symphony. Prices for radios that are in mint condition can range anywhere from $25,000 for a Symphony Model 1939 "Split Grille" in marbled yellow with bright green grill, handles, and knobs to $600 for a yellow 1946/47 FADA Model 700 with white trim. Because they were commonly discarded, Catalin radios are rarely found today but if you come across one, they can go for a lot of money.
As with any collectible, some are intrinsically more valuable than others. Condition, however, plays a major part in determining an antique radios worth. For instance, a radio valued at $150 in a price guide might sell anywhere in the $15 to $500 price range. A radio in poor condition or a poorly restored radio has a much lower value than an average radio that is in good and presentable condition. On the other hand, a nearly perfect radio that has been correctly restored/repaired may sell well above the "book value". Book values are a best guess by one or several people that are based on their collection of data and their opinion. Good price guides clearly state the criteria they base the prices on.
Getting into collecting antique radios means that you will have to do your research. When a radio was presented to the market is a very good indicator of its value. You should also learn how to make a best guess scenario about how much a radio is worth. This is very much philately. The more knowledge you have, the more likely you are to come across that rare gem. A good place to start with your collection is to check with your grandparents. Many of them keep their old radios and would be pleased to help you and tell you a good story that is behind the making or purchase of the radio.