It’s no accident that Motorola is one of the few surviving American electronics companies. Many radio collectors believe that during the 1950′s and beyond they built the most innovative and well designed tube radios for both consumers and professional communications. Later Motorola came to dominate the market for radios used by police and fire departments. This listing is for one of the best-loved Jet Age Motorola radios, a turquoise blue model 56H. This model has been nicknamed the “turbine, ” for obvious reasons. A clear plastic cone covers the dial indicator and gives this radio a unique appearance. The radio’s case is made of very thick plastic (urea, I think), with the color molded into the plastic, not just painted on. This one’s case is perfect : not a crack or a chip anywhere. In real life the color is slightly more blue and less green than my photos might suggest. I think “turquoise” is the most accurate color name for this version. The knobs are original and so is the back. The only cosmetic defect I could find is some small scratches on the clear plastic nosecone (last photo). Sadly, this radio does not play. There is just a low hum and no sign of any stations at all. I took off the back for a quick look, and the chassis is completely original and unmolested. The only change inside is that someone installed quick connectors on the wires to the loop antenna. Handy if you need to get inside to change tubes. This Motorola 56H has been in my collection for many years. I hate to part with it, but I need the space. I have been collecting and restoring antique radios for more than 35 years. Please watch my future auctions for more vintage radio and TV items. I don’t have a lot of silly rules for buyers: Pay for your item and I’ll send it you. I’ll trust you and you can trust me to do right. The item “Vintage 1955 Jet Age Retro Motorola Turquoise Blue 56H Turbine Vacuum Tube Radio” is in sale since Sunday, January 10, 2016. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone\Radios\Tube Radios\1950-59″. The seller is “xj3″ and is located in Bend, Oregon. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
- Country of Manufacture: United States
