Motorola Model 5R1 Bakelite Radio (1951)
Measuring only about 8 x 4 x 4 inches, this midget
Bakelite radio makes up in dramatic appeal what it
lacks in size. The checkerboard grille pattern is
deeply recessed and the numbers of the tuning dial
are molded in relief, as is the gold-painted Motorola
name. A thick red dial bears the "serpentine" Motorola
logo, also painted in gold. The cabinet is black Bakelite,
painted white. This radio was found in
western Washington during
a trip we made in Summer, 1997.
The set employs only four tubes (12BE6, 12BA6, 12AT6,
and 50C5), mounted on a copper-plated chassis. Noticeably absent
from the classic "All American Five" tube lineup is a
rectifier tube. I assume this radio uses a selenium
rectifier instead, although I haven't yet peeked inside
to confirm that. The radio plays well as-is, but
I will definitely replace the failure-prone selenium
rectifier with a safer silicon diode before using it
regularly. When those old rectifiers croak, they emit a
horrible stench, and might even start a fire!
In the meantime, this charming little set occupies a
coveted position in the "honor guard," a small group
of favorite radios located in our bedroom, where they
will be seen every day. I always think of small white
Bakelite sets as kitchen radios, but this one looks
fine in the bedroom, where it provides a cheery accent
among its bigger cousins.
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