AI Appraisal Estimate

This tabletop radio features a dark, potentially black or deep brown, molded cabinet in a distinct Art Deco 'waterfall' or 'streamline' style. The left side is characterized by vertical ribs or louvers, typical of early mid-20th-century industrial design, with a decorative wavy line integrated into the grille area. The square tuning dial on the right side is protected by clear glass or plastic and displays numerals ranging from 55 to 170. It features a center-mounted tuning needle and a cursive logo that appears to read 'Detrola' at the bottom of the dial face. Below the dial are two circular control knobs, likely for power/volume and tuning. The cabinet material is stylistically consistent with early thermosetting plastics like Bakelite or Catalin, popular in the late 1930s to early 1940s. While it appears to be a Detrola Model 218 'Super-C' or a similar variant as marked, the item is unverified without internal inspection. Condition-wise, the cabinet shows a slight surface sheen consistent with age and typical wear, with some dust accumulation in the crevices and slight discoloration on the dial face. The identification as a Detrola product is based on the legible dial logo, though physical verification of the chassis is required for confirmation.

Based on the image provided, I have examined this tabletop radio which bears markings consistent with a Detrola Model 218 'Super-C'. The cabinet exhibits the 'waterfall' streamline styling and vertical ribbing characteristic of early 20th-century industrial design. Based on what I can see, the material appears to be a dark thermosetting plastic, likely Bakelite, though I cannot verify the specific chemical composition or internal chassis components from a photograph alone. My value estimate of $150-$250 assumes the identification as a Detrola product is correct and that the internal electronics are present and relatively intact. The market for mid-century electronics remains stable, with high demand for sets featuring distinct Art Deco aesthetics. However, condition is a primary value driver; while the cabinet shows a pleasing surface sheen, the visible dust and dial discoloration suggest a need for professional cleaning or restoration. To confirm the identification, a physical inspection of the chassis and speaker serial numbers would be required. The value depends heavily on this verification; if the item were determined to be a modern reproduction or a franken-radio with non-period internal parts, the market interest and value would likely decrease by 50% or more. A firm appraisal would require in-person testing of the tubes and capacitors, as well as a search for any hairline cracks in the Bakelite that may be hidden in the louvers. As it stands, the estimate reflects a piece of this type in 'as-found' condition with a presumed manufacturer attribution.