A rare surviving example of early 1940s Canadian radio craftsmanship, this Northern Electric Model 1550 stands out with its original Catalin handle and beautiful leatherette cabinet. The warm butterscotch tone of the Catalin contrasts elegantly with the Ivory leatherette cabinet. The cabinet features a distinctive woven crosshatch texture, a hallmark of quality 1940s portable radios-designed to emulate leather while offering superior durability and visual depth. Original Catalin handle with rich amber tone. Authentic embossed leatherette (faux leather) cabinet with wooden elements. Classic woven texture pattern unique to the era. Serviced and ready to play. Warm, rich tube sound. Canadian wartime production (circa 1941-42). Original cabinet with beautiful natural patina. Produces a warm, classic tube sound. Chassis removed, cleaned, and inspected. Tubes tested and contact pins cleaned. All electrolytic and wax/paper capacitors replaced. Variable capacitor cleaned & lubricated for smooth tuning. Volume control cleaned for consistent performance. Ready for immediate enjoyment or display. The cabinet retains its original leatherette covering. Embossed crosshatch / woven texture. Subtle sheen typical of vintage leatherette. Carefully cleaned and conditioned to enhance tone and preserve authenticity. A standout feature of this model is its original Catalin handle, prized by collectors for both its material and visual appeal. Displays a rich butterscotch / amber tone with natural aging. Shows early signs of color shift and depth, typical of authentic Catalin. Smooth, sculptural form with elegant curvature. Retains original structure with honest vintage wear. Catalin-an early phenolic resin-is highly collectible due to its aging characteristics, warmth of color, and rarity, making this handle a key value driver for collectors. Cabinet: Original embossed leatherette, wooden sides. 10 x 5 x 7 inches. (25.5 x 13 x 18 cm). Please review the photos for the condition of the radio. Thank you for your interest!