1949 RCA’Baby Nipper’ Bakelite Tube Radio. Inspired by the Bel Geddes designed American RCA 9TX1, this compact Canadian 1949 bakelite gem by RCA has a ton of visual appeal. Nicknamed the’Baby Nipper’ due to its compact size, it features a tiered waterfall top and wrap around base detail, easily allowing it to be eye catching at any display angle. The vertical raised’RCA Victor’ name located just to the right of the dial makes this set even more unique. Comes complete with the original gold decals on the front lower left front – one featuring the older RCA log and the other displaying the classic’Nipper’ dog. All accented by a small gold-dot indicator above the dial scale. Only RCA could pack so much detail into such a compact design. You also have the benefit of knowing the exact day this set was made due to the surviving factory ink stamp found still intact on the top of the chassis (April 6 1949). Very small in size, but still packing that classic tube sound. Machine buffed , meticulously hand detailed and hand polished to a brilliant factory fresh luster. It measures only 5″ tall X 8 1/2″ wide. This is a fully restored and working radio that is ready to play, display and enjoy for years to come. As per the factory stamp, this set was manufactured on April 6, 1949. The speaker is original and completely perfect! It employs the use of a long wire antenna (the small brown wire coming out of the back). There is nothing for you to hook up or connect. Simply let it rest behind the set or drop it behind the set and you’re good to go! In the interest of safety, performance and reliability ALL paper, wax and electrolytic capacitors have been replaced with modern day equivalents. Any resistors testing out of their allotted tolerance have been replaced. Every tube was tested and replaced if found to be under performing. Voltages are checked against the manufacturers specs. All moving parts are lubricated for smooth operation. A brand new power cord is added to replace the unsafe and brittle original. The signal strength is then aligned to factory specs to provide peak performance. Lastly, the set is then put through its paces by bench testing it for a minimum of 48 hours to ensure reliability and to allow for a proper’burn in’ period for new components. As a result of this entire restoration process, the set performs clearly, strongly and with that unmistakable tube driven sound. Machine buffed, meticulously hand detailed and hand polished to a brilliant and natural looking factory fresh luster with a mirror-like reflectivity (you can see reflections of my shop in the photos). No chips, cracks, breaks or deep scratches. Rich dark chocolate bakelite with very subtle smokey marbling throughout that has been restored back to it’s original and historically accurate appearance (no crazy paint schemes) all while retaining the natural qualities and textures of the bakelite. My restoration work is a multi-step process. No quick shine tricks are used. No clear coats, top coats or oils. No quick and easy automotive waxes either. With each of my professionally polished radio cabinets I invest significant time and attention to detail in order to bring you a radio that is worth displaying in your prized collection or proudly accenting your home or office decor. No shortcuts are taken. Quality is the end goal. Knobs & Dial Scale. Complete with the original factory knobs. The plastic volume control knob has been hand detailed and hand polished to a fresh factory original luster just like the cabinet with no chips, cracks or breaks. The clear lucite tuning knob does double duty and also acts as the dial scale. Brass button center and brass dial scale with petite black numbering. All numbers are easy to read and without flaking or fading. This set also comes with the original backboard with all graphics still intact. The same backboard that it left the factory with in 1949. Please view all 12 photos. The item “Exceptional Antique Vintage 1949 RCA Baby Nipper Compact Bakelite Tube Radio” is in sale since Saturday, October 21, 2017. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone\Radios\Tube Radios\1930-49″. The seller is “wintergarden-antiques” and is located in Farmington, Michigan. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Brand: RCA
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Canada
- Model Number: Baby Nipper
- Available Bands: AM Only