I’ve always loved
Truetone radios, the house brand of the late, lamented Western Auto Stores.
Someone at Western Auto must have had a great sense of style, because it’s hard
to find a Truetone radio that isn’t a real looker; they’re also real
performers. Like a lot of big retailers that had house radio brands, Truetone’s
sets were actually made by other companies – in their case, mostly Detrola. As
a fan, I thought I knew all of their sets; but then, one day some years back, I
walked into an old general store in New Hampshire and saw this sitting up on a
high shelf behind the counter. When I asked about it, I was told that it had
been up there since the owner before the previous owner, and that everyone
assumed that fellow had just bought it new to listen to Red Sox games on slow
afternoons. (Turns out it’s a very sensitive set.) I asked if they would
consider selling it, and they said they didn’t know, and we dickered back and
forth for a while and eventually I walked out with it. The funny thing is, I
had no idea what it was until they got it down – it was so high up I couldn’t
read the dial. When I saw that it was a Truetone, though, I just thought well,
that makes sense.
I mean: Just look at it. It’s about the most striking
table radio I can think of, between its size (22.5”w x 13”h x 9.5”d), and that
deco grille work, and the scalloping, and that rippling grille cloth, and the
waterfall front, and those inlay knobs. And, of course…that dial. Have you ever
seen anything like it? Of course you haven’t. There’s isn’t anything like it. (See
that little dot over the number 5 in the clock face? That’s actually a band
indicator: The dot lights up white for broadcast band, yellow for the first
shortwave bad, and red for the second shortwave band – to match the three dial
scales on the face. Fantastic!)
It wasn’t until I got the radio home and inspected it
that I realized it was more than just looks – it’s a very sophisticated 8-tube
set that, when thoroughly, meticulously restored – as it has been since – picks
up stations near and far with bold, rich clarity, even at high volume. This
set, it turns out, is unusual for Truetone in that it was made for them by
Wells-Gardner, which made the legendary “movie dial” sets for Montgomery Ward’s
house brand, Airline. Their sets are known not only for their cutting edge
style but also their superior technology, and Western Auto liked this chassis
(coupled with a fine, large Utah speaker) that they used the exact same
combination in two 1936 console sets, as well. Those are much more common; for
some reason, the tabletop version, model D-721, is much, much rarer. In fact,
mine is the only one I have ever seen in person, and there are few pictures of
one to be found online, too.
As I said, this magnificent specimen has been expertly
restored, and is a real performer; it has occupied a place of honor in my den
for many years, where it immediate captures the attention of anyone who enters.
I have played it almost every day for all that time; but now, I’m running out
of space, so it’s time to pass it along to another discerning collector who
will enjoy and admire it for years to come, as I have. If you’ve always wanted
one of these but never thought you’d actually find one – much less find one in
such beautiful, all-original, restored and working condition – then this is,
truly, you’re lucky day; you’ll never find another one half as nice, if you
manage to find one at all. Best of all, I offer it here with NO RESERVE – high
bidder takes it!
I will ship this item ONLY within the United States.
If you live elsewhere and are interested in it, please contact me BEFORE
bidding so we can discuss the shipping charges, which can be very expensive
outside the U.S. I will be shipping the phonograph and horn separately, to
insure that the latter arrives intact and undamaged. I ship once a week
(whenever possible). Having received, over the years, some items that did not
survive shipping, I always take care to pack very carefully. If you prefer, I
will be happy to drop it off at a nearby UPS store and have it professionally
packed and shipped at your expense. I reserve the right to raise or lower the
shipping charges should they prove to be significantly different than those
determined by the shipping calculator. I reserve the right to refuse sale to
anyone with excessive negative feedback or an otherwise suspicious history.
Payment is due within three (3) days of the auction's close. Due to its age I
am selling this radio without any warranty. All sales are final. I am not a
dealer, and don’t have a big operation with a staff, so I would appreciate your
patience while I take the time to pack your items with the care they deserve.
Be sure to see all
the pictures! I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have, but please
try to ask as early as possible, as it sometimes takes me a while to get to my
email. Please see my other listings, as I am thinning out my collection
considerably. I have several fine items up on Ebay right now, and will be
listing many more in the weeks and months to come, so please keep checking.
Good luck and happy bidding!