Atwater Kent Model 70 Highboy Radio Console Appraisal

Atwater Kent Model 70 Highboy Radio Console

This is an antique Atwater Kent Model 70 console radio, dating to approximately 1930. The piece is housed in a 'Highboy' style cabinet featuring a mix of walnut and burl veneers with ornate wood carvings and decorative molding typical of the early Depression era. The central control panel is set within an escutcheon of dark, figured wood and contains three original bakelite knobs and a distinctive brass tuning bezel embossed with the 'Atwater Kent' logo. Below the controls is a prominent arch-shaped speaker grille covered in its original pictorial tapestry fabric, which depicts a landscape scene with cypress trees and stone steps. The cabinet features vertical fluting and gold-toned linear accents along the inner frame. Condition-wise, the wood shows age-related wear, including minor scuffing on the top edge and lower trim, and light scratches on the side panels. The original finish appears intact but has naturally patinated over nearly a century. This model is a significant example of radio craftsmanship from the golden age of broadcasting, showcasing the shift from utilitarian devices to high-end domestic furniture.