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.

 

CROSLEY MODEL 628B; BAKELITE TUBE RADIO

CROSLEY MODEL 628B; BAKELITE TUBE RADIO

3 $23.27 1h 14m
Antique Radio GE Tube Gold Tone Bakelite Gorgeous GREAT

Antique Radio GE Tube Gold Tone Bakelite Gorgeous GREAT

$39.95 1h 14m
Vintage Radio Bakelite Solid State SONY RARE AM FM LOOK

Vintage Radio Bakelite Solid State SONY RARE AM FM LOOK

3 $22.50 1h 31m
VINTAGE Admiral BAKELITE Record Player  Tube AM Radio

VINTAGE Admiral BAKELITE Record Player Tube AM Radio

11 $70.99 1h 46m
BAKELITE TUBE  RADIO~ PARTS   FIX

BAKELITE TUBE RADIO~ PARTS FIX

1 $24.99 2h 5m
ZENITH TUBE RADIO "RACETRACK DIAL" BAKELITE ORIGINAL!

ZENITH TUBE RADIO "RACETRACK DIAL" BAKELITE ORIGINAL!

9 $46.53 2h 27m
Marconi bakelite tube radio - working great

Marconi bakelite tube radio - working great

$45.00 2h 31m
VINTAGE 1950 CROSLEY CAR DASHBOARD OLD BAKELITE RADIO

VINTAGE 1950 CROSLEY CAR DASHBOARD OLD BAKELITE RADIO

21 $132.80 2h 42m
WESTINGHOUSE AM TUBE RADIO RECORD PLAYER WOOD BAKELITE

WESTINGHOUSE AM TUBE RADIO RECORD PLAYER WOOD BAKELITE

- $9.95 2h 48m
VINTAGE ORIGINAL GENUINE TUBE RADIO KNOBS BAKELITE

VINTAGE ORIGINAL GENUINE TUBE RADIO KNOBS BAKELITE

- $7.99 2h 50m
VINTAGE RCA BAKELITE RADIO MODEL 9X561

VINTAGE RCA BAKELITE RADIO MODEL 9X561

$45.00 2h 56m
VINTAGE 1940s OLD WESTINGHOUSE BAKELITE & BRASS RADIO !

VINTAGE 1940s OLD WESTINGHOUSE BAKELITE & BRASS RADIO !

19 $123.50 2h 57m
ANTIQUE WLS SILVERTONE RADIO SPEAKER W  BAKELITE HORN

ANTIQUE WLS SILVERTONE RADIO SPEAKER W BAKELITE HORN

3 $37.00 4h 13m
Philco Bakelite Deco Tube Radio.. Cola Red Beauty!!!

Philco Bakelite Deco Tube Radio.. Cola Red Beauty!!!

5 $125.00 4h 37m
100+ Vintage Wood Plastic Bakelite Metal Radio Knobs

100+ Vintage Wood Plastic Bakelite Metal Radio Knobs

1 $19.95 4h 55m

Antique Radio Links