Admiral Model 5E22 Bakelite Radio (1951)

Whoever designed this stunner had a real flair for the dramatic. The radio provides you with two tube layout diagrams, one printed on a paper label glued to the bottom, and the other printed in white ink on the brown masonite backplate.

The backplate instructions also include a diagram of the radio's front controls, thorough operating instructions, the entire product warranty, and the company's corporate address. I guess somebody thought it would be a shame to waste all that blank space on the back of the set!

This radio was featured on the front page of my website during the first ten years of operation. It's a real favorite of mine and still occupies a prominent spot in the display shelves in my office.