This classic looking General Electric baby cathedral radio has been completely restored and finished in a semi-gloss patina. This five-tube, two-band (AM, Police) radio utilizes an RF stage circuit for greater performance and sensitivity. The K-52 has a continuously variable tone control and shares its chassis type with RCA's contemporaneous 110 and 111 series. The K-52 was manufactured by RCA for GE and introduced in the fall of 1933, initially priced at $32.95.
Today, this attractive radio is sought after by collectors but seldom found in this completely restored state. We acquired this one in early 2021 from a collector who never restored it. The cabinet was in good shape and had the original finish. The chassis was not working and needed a full restoration and upgrade.
Cabinet – We kept the original finish and performed a restoration. We cleaned the entire cabinet and toned the footer with black lacquer. We treated the veneers with a pre-conditioner and sanded the small cracks throughout to create a smooth finish. Some minor scratches could not be removed and remain as a legacy. The entire cabinet was sealed with a semi-gloss lacquer. This made the original multi-colored veneers and book-matched walnut veneers pop. We added period correct grille cloth and replaced the original control knobs with modern reproductions. The result is this handsome looking radio that will last many, many years into the future.
Dial –The original dial lettering was not faded and remains intact. The dial mechanism was disassembled, cleaned, lubricated, aligned, and reassembled. The two brass escutcheons were cleaned only enough to keep the original patina well into the futures.
Chassis – This was a complex restoration. Early 1930’s radios used RF amplifiers and continuously variable sensitivity to control volume. We went through the entire underside of the chassis replacing every capacitor and resistor and replaced wires where needed. We cleaned and lubricated the tuning condenser and aligned the radio to its specifications. All tubes were checked and replaced where needed with NOS (new old stock) tubes. For electrical safety we added a power dropping resistor and new vintage looking power cord.
We took extra steps and worked with the top expert at the California Historical Radio Society to ensure this radio produces no hum. It now plays very well across the dial and all bands with its 12-foot antenna wire.
Speaker – Even though it performed well, we had the all-original 5-inch speaker cleaned and reinforced. The result is clear audio across the entire audio frequency range. This radio produces exceptional tones for its size and the great sound will fill the room. NOTE: like other radios of the early 1930’s volume is achieved by increasing the RF sensitivity. This means there is no AVC (automated volume control) like on modern radios and very powerful local stations can sound distorted. This is easily prevented by turning down the sensitivity as the station is tuned in.
Bluetooth - Additionally, this radio has been fitted with our exclusive Bluetooth / MP3 adapter which allows you to use the radio or your smartphone or music device. Access your streaming audio service or the playlist on your smart device to provide classic tunes and bring the warm, bright, analogue sound to any music or recording you choose. The quality of the sound is excellent. You will have the best of “digital” and “analogue” combined.
Year of Manufacture: 1933
Band Frequency Ranges:
AM Broadcast Band..............540 – 1500 KHz
Police/Amateur.….…………….1400 – 2800 KHz
Dimensions (WHD): 12 x 14.5 x 8.5 inch.
Weight: 12 pounds
Watch the video demo on YouTube here: youtu.be/XxzsjQDTzZo
Today, this attractive radio is sought after by collectors but seldom found in this completely restored state. We acquired this one in early 2021 from a collector who never restored it. The cabinet was in good shape and had the original finish. The chassis was not working and needed a full restoration and upgrade.
Cabinet – We kept the original finish and performed a restoration. We cleaned the entire cabinet and toned the footer with black lacquer. We treated the veneers with a pre-conditioner and sanded the small cracks throughout to create a smooth finish. Some minor scratches could not be removed and remain as a legacy. The entire cabinet was sealed with a semi-gloss lacquer. This made the original multi-colored veneers and book-matched walnut veneers pop. We added period correct grille cloth and replaced the original control knobs with modern reproductions. The result is this handsome looking radio that will last many, many years into the future.
Dial –The original dial lettering was not faded and remains intact. The dial mechanism was disassembled, cleaned, lubricated, aligned, and reassembled. The two brass escutcheons were cleaned only enough to keep the original patina well into the futures.
Chassis – This was a complex restoration. Early 1930’s radios used RF amplifiers and continuously variable sensitivity to control volume. We went through the entire underside of the chassis replacing every capacitor and resistor and replaced wires where needed. We cleaned and lubricated the tuning condenser and aligned the radio to its specifications. All tubes were checked and replaced where needed with NOS (new old stock) tubes. For electrical safety we added a power dropping resistor and new vintage looking power cord.
We took extra steps and worked with the top expert at the California Historical Radio Society to ensure this radio produces no hum. It now plays very well across the dial and all bands with its 12-foot antenna wire.
Speaker – Even though it performed well, we had the all-original 5-inch speaker cleaned and reinforced. The result is clear audio across the entire audio frequency range. This radio produces exceptional tones for its size and the great sound will fill the room. NOTE: like other radios of the early 1930’s volume is achieved by increasing the RF sensitivity. This means there is no AVC (automated volume control) like on modern radios and very powerful local stations can sound distorted. This is easily prevented by turning down the sensitivity as the station is tuned in.
Bluetooth - Additionally, this radio has been fitted with our exclusive Bluetooth / MP3 adapter which allows you to use the radio or your smartphone or music device. Access your streaming audio service or the playlist on your smart device to provide classic tunes and bring the warm, bright, analogue sound to any music or recording you choose. The quality of the sound is excellent. You will have the best of “digital” and “analogue” combined.
Year of Manufacture: 1933
Band Frequency Ranges:
AM Broadcast Band..............540 – 1500 KHz
Police/Amateur.….…………….1400 – 2800 KHz
Dimensions (WHD): 12 x 14.5 x 8.5 inch.
Weight: 12 pounds
Watch the video demo on YouTube here: youtu.be/XxzsjQDTzZo