Bakelite Radios

 

Bakelite radios refer to a type of radio that was built on plastic. Bakelite is the first form of plastic that was introduced in 1909 by Leo Baekland. It was patented in the same year which has impressed a lot of manufacturers. Radio manufacturers entertained in using Bakelite because of its usage as an insulator. Protection from different electric shock is enhanced with the help of Bakelite. It also ushered a new type of radio

instead of wooden boxes that would be very heavy even though they are portable, radios made of Bakelite are considerably lighter. The compact Bakelite radios were introduced in the early 30s which eventually outsold wooden type radios.

Most portable radios that were built after the 30s were made of Bakelite. Companies are able to produce radios by thousands because Bakelite is more affordable and offers better portability compared to wood. Collectors are also attracted to Bakelite because it can be easily restored. The durability of Bakelite has also been noted compared to contemporary plastic products that tends to be softer and could easily be broken. Although repainting is a challenge for restoration, a good clean-up should be more than enough to restore the radio to its original color.

 

Vintage Novelty Radio Guide Bakelite & More OOP!!

Vintage Novelty Radio Guide Bakelite & More OOP!!

$16.11 1h 54m
Antique Plastic Radios Source Book Bakelite Catalin ID$

Antique Plastic Radios Source Book Bakelite Catalin ID$

$32.26 2h 2m
Deco Airline White Grey  Bakelite Tube Radio-AWESOME!

Deco Airline White Grey Bakelite Tube Radio-AWESOME!

$395.00 5h 39m
Art Deco Airline Black Red Bakelite Tube Radio-AWESOME!

Art Deco Airline Black Red Bakelite Tube Radio-AWESOME!

$395.00 5h 39m
1946 MARCONI BAKELITE POLICE RADIO MODEL 218

1946 MARCONI BAKELITE POLICE RADIO MODEL 218

1 $19.50 7h 18m
Vintage Zenith Tube Bakelite Radio Model 7H820

Vintage Zenith Tube Bakelite Radio Model 7H820

1 $9.95 8h 3m
RCA Victor vintage tabletop radio brown deco bakelite

RCA Victor vintage tabletop radio brown deco bakelite

- $9.95 8h 51m
VINTAGE TRUETONE D2616 WORKING BAKELITE TABLE RADIO

VINTAGE TRUETONE D2616 WORKING BAKELITE TABLE RADIO

$84.50 9h 54m
Sonora KM Butterscotch Catalin Bakelite Tube Radio

Sonora KM Butterscotch Catalin Bakelite Tube Radio

$2,995.00 11h 5m
Deco Airline Pink Turquoise Bakelite Tube Radio-AWESOME

Deco Airline Pink Turquoise Bakelite Tube Radio-AWESOME

$395.00 11h 32m
1947 Zenith "Holiday" model 5G003 Bakelite Tube Radio

1947 Zenith "Holiday" model 5G003 Bakelite Tube Radio

-
$28.99
$46.90
12h 4m
Corsair Swirled Caramel Bakelite   Styrene Tube Radio

Corsair Swirled Caramel Bakelite Styrene Tube Radio

$125.00 12h 33m
 1950's Phillips Bakelite 4 Band Table Radio B3X95C Plz

1950's Phillips Bakelite 4 Band Table Radio B3X95C Plz

1 $9.99 13h 32m
RCA Antique Bakelite Vacuum Tube Radio

RCA Antique Bakelite Vacuum Tube Radio

3 $28.00 13h 48m
Vintage Radios Gudie Bakelite Crystal Receiver BBC MORE

Vintage Radios Gudie Bakelite Crystal Receiver BBC MORE

$11.65 13h 49m

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