The RCA Victor Radiolette R-5 is an uncommon early-1930s tube radio produced during the formative years of home radio broadcasting, when compact “Radiolette” sets were marketed as affordable alternatives to full-size consoles. Manufactured by RCA Victor, one of the most influential names in American radio history, the R-5 represents an early transitional design bridging simple table radios and the more ornate cathedral models that followed shortly after. This example features a solid wood cabinet with distinctive vertical grille detailing, an arched dial window, and original analog tuning scale. The rear shows period-correct construction and wiring, with original tube layout present. Radios from this era were built to house vacuum tubes and operate on household current, though due to age, internal components typically require restoration before safe operation. Surviving examples with intact cabinetry and original RCA branding are increasingly difficult to source, particularly models produced in smaller numbers such as the Radiolette line. The Radiolette R-5 is notably scarcer than later RCA cathedral models like the Model 128, which were produced in higher quantities. Its smaller footprint, early design language, and limited surviving examples make it appealing to collectors focused on pre-1936 radios, early RCA production, or vintage radio restoration projects. Even unrestored examples are sought after for display, parts reference, or professional refurbishment.

The whole unit was completely refurbished with the capacitors and resistors replaced, as well as a new power switch and a period appropriate cloth covered power cord. New wiring was also installed to the speaker as well as to various tubes. The unit will be able to play for years to come. For a demonstration of the unit playing, see the link below. The finish on the radio is all original and has simply been cleaned and polished with a professional wood wax and presents quite well. There are a few minor veneer chips that do not detract from the overall appearance of the radio (See photos). The original grill cloth is in excellent condition. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to add this charming radio to your collection. Do not hesitate to make an offer all will be considered.

RARE Vintage 1931 RCA model R5 Radiolette Tombstone Radio Powers Up Excellent Condition. I plugged this in and it powered up and made scratchy noises when i turned the tuning dial. The tuning dial (the middle knob) is a little bit loose. Please check out my other auctions.

RARE Vintage 1931 RCA model R5 Radiolette Tombstone Radio Powers Up Excellent Condition. I plugged this in and it powered up and made scratchy noises when i turned the tuning dial. The tuning dial (the middle knob) is a little bit loose. Please check out my other auctions.

RARE Vintage 1931 RCA model R5 Radiolette Tombstone Radio Powers Up Excellent Condition. I plugged this in and it powered up and made scratchy noises when i turned the tuning dial. The tuning dial (the middle knob) is a little bit loose. Please check out my other auctions.

CHECK MY OTHER LISTINGS FOR MORE. The item “VINTAGE AWA ASTOR BAKELITE VALVE RADIO RADIOLETTE ORIGINAL AS FOUND” is in sale since Sunday, March 17, 2019. This item is in the category “Collectables\Radio, Gramophone, Phone\Radio\Tube Radios”. The seller is “thejunkcompany” and is located in Melbourne, Vic.. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Modified Item: No

All electrical goods must be inspected/checked by a licenced electrical technician before any voltage is applied. The item “Vintage bakelite AWA Radiolette 1935 tube radio stunning colors Art Deco” is in sale since Monday, November 5, 2018. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone\Radios\Tube Radios\1930-49″. The seller is “mrcollectables_no1″ and is located in Kandos, NSW. This item can be shipped worldwide.

11″ long by 7.5″ D” tall 15″ some scratches and paint loss. Looks to have a new cord, looks clean, dials turns. There are 12 pictures please look for condition. The item “RCA Victor Cathedral Radiolette RS Wood Radio parts Repair Vintage Tube Radio” is in sale since Sunday, May 21, 2017. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone\Radios\Tube Radios\1930-49″. The seller is “radios_galore” and is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, Japan, Sweden, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Russian federation, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi arabia, United arab emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Croatia.

• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States

11″ long by 7.5″ D” tall 15″ some scratches and paint loss. Looks to have a new cord, looks clean, dials turns. There are 12 pictures please look for condition. The item “RCA Victor Cathedral Radiolette RS Wood Radio parts Repair Vintage Tube Radio” is in sale since Tuesday, March 07, 2017. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone\Radios\Tube Radios\1930-49″. The seller is “traveling..salesman” and is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, Japan, Sweden, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Russian federation, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi arabia, United arab emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Croatia.

• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States

This is a 1931 RCA Victor Radiolette R-5 tube radio. It powers up, all 4 tubes light up and the tuner operates normally but there is no sound. The set makes a quiet hum. The cabinet is in good shape and the knobs all appear to be correct for this model. The finish has faded with age. This information is copied from Radiomuseum. United States of America (USA). RCA RCA Victor Co. Broadcast Receiver – or past WW2 Tuner. TRF with reaction (regenerative); 1 AF stage(s). Power type and voltage. Alternating Current supply (AC) / 105-125 Volt. Electro Magnetic Dynamic LS (moving-coil with field excitation coil) / Ø 19 cm = 7.5 inch. 2.5 W (unknown quality). Model: Radiola R-5 Radiolette AC [fixed reaction] – RCA RCA Victor Co. Table-Cathedral-Type (upright, round top or gothic arch, not rounded edges only). 290 x 380 x 195 mm / 11.4 x 15 x 7.7 inch. Reaction is fixed (not variable) right knob is the mains switch. Also a DC model with fixed reaction and an AC model 5X with reaction control. External source of data. Collector’s Guide to AR6. 1931, Data Sheet 51. Rider’s Perpetual, Volume 2 = 1932 and before. RCA Victor Service Notes “Red Book” Series. There is no reserve for this beautiful old radio. International buyers, please note. These charges are the buyers responsibility. US and international government regulations prohibit us from marking items under actual value or as gifts. Thank you for your attention. The item “Vtg (1931) RCA Victor Radiolette R-5 Tube Radio Art Deco Wood Cabinet Tombstone” is in sale since Wednesday, October 28, 2015. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone\Radios\Tube Radios\1930-49″. The seller is “slickjim511″ and is located in Swedesboro, New Jersey. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States