1934 Northern Electric Portable Multi-Wave Radio Model 56
Very Rare 1934/35 Northern Electric "Portable" Radio Model 56 with handles - All Original in Mint Condition Restored and Serviced
In a Nutshell
After 3 model 55 swivel radios I restored, this model 56 is another modernist contemporary with a little twist
Introduction:
Northern Electric in 1934, sighting the end of the Great Depression, came out with a large number of epochal radios (ref.1), advertised with slogans like "sloping panel", "Angle Tuning", "Dial of pleasure", "Cushioned Reception", "Dual Ratio principle". The radio's cabinets are masterpieces of post-art-deco modernist styling: horizontal, vertical and Chevron angled mahogany veneers are used on all sides, trapezoid or winged brass escutcheons and art-deco 3-ring shaped knobs, some from brass too, complement these beautiful designs - geometrical eye candies. Table model 55 (ref.2) with its swivel cradle owns the collector's podium, and the child console model 63 (also for sale, ref.3) has much in common with it. Here we have a very rare relative, model 56, a 20 lbs "Portable" multi-wave receiver, which again has its own twist: the two wooden handles. And its own mystery: what is the wooden speaker grille cutout supposed to represent? The radio's equally elusive twin model 52 (ref.4), which shares the same chassis, clearly depicts a sun and a palm tree (ref.4).
Additional information:
ref. 1: Northern Electric Combined Radio Service Manual 1931-1941
ref. 2: https://www.radio-antiks.com/IndexRadio-Antiks_NorthernElectric_55_3.htm
ref. 3: https://www.radio-antiks.com/IndexRadio-Antiks_NorthernElectric_63A.htm
ref. 4: https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/northernel_52.html
ref. 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1sE_Qo3ZPs
About my Radio:
The radio is in mint condition. It has the original finish. It also has all 4 original knobs, including the often missing rare two brass knobs. The dial writings were faded to almost illegibility - almost - since they could be retraced correctly on computer (pct.23) and by hand (picts.12,14,17).
The radio is cleaned, restored, aligned and serviced. All moveable parts were treated with contact spray. Since there are almost no strong AM/BC stations anymore here in the Lower Mainland reception was tested using an AM transmitter. A long wire is needed at the antenna connector. Click on thumbnail 28 or go to ref.5 to watch a youtube video with the radio playing. Please
e-mail me (Kris) for any questions, ich spreche Deutsch, je parle Français.
