This gorgeous Art Deco skyscraper-style console radio is the 1935 Airline 62-123. The large walnut burl front face is quite stunning. The radio has a premium grade seven-tube, three-watt output chassis, and a great sounding 8-inch speaker. It has been completely restored and retrofitted with an additional Bluetooth input and ready for you to enjoy your favorite vintage tunes and recorded broadcasts.
History - This model was part of Montgomery-Ward’s 1935 lineup and first appeared in the summer of 1935. These radios were made by Wells-Gardner of Chicago, Illinois. The Wells-Gardner Electronics Corporation began in 1925 as the Wells Radio Manufacturing Company. Before World War Two the company produced radios for private label brands, including Montgomery Ward and Gambles, as well as under its own name. After the war, it not only built radios but televisions as well. As Japanese imports began to replace American-built televisions and radios, Wells-Gardner was able to find a niche in producing monitors for arcade games. It was the only company to produce monitors for the Pac-Man games in the 1970s. Since that time, the company made a successful transition into making flat screen monitors for arcade and gambling games.
Today, this attractive mid-size console radio is hard to find and sought after by collectors but seldom found in this condition. We acquired this one in early 2015 from a collector. The cabinet was in fair condition and the chassis needed a full restoration and upgrade.
Cabinet – The cabinet got a complete restoration. The original veneer showed a lot of age, so we stripped off all the original shellac/lacquers and toners. We then lightly stained the walnut and walnut burl veneers and added an ebony stain to the two vertical and one horizontal bars as well as the footer. We sealed the entire cabined with a flat satin lacquer. We replaced the original grille cloth with a period correct one but were able to retain the original control knobs with their distinctive brass ring inset. The result is this handsome looking radio that will last many, many years into the future.
Dial – The original back light 6-inch dial was in poor shape but were able clean and straighten it. It is quite an impressive sight - especially in a dim or dark room! The dial lights up brightly and exhibits the AM Broadcast and shortwave band scale at the bottom in black and the shortwave frequencies and bands in red. The main dial pointer is in perfect shape. Unique to this style radio are inset volume and tone controls. These also have a black scale with red lettering. The surrounding metal escutcheon has only been lightly cleaned so it keeps is patina and antique look well into the future.
Chassis –This is a high-grade seven-tube chassis, and it is a fantastic player. For its age there was no damage to the steel chassis and only minimal, small spots of rust. We cleaned the chassis exterior and added rust inhibitor to stop future corrosion. We went through the entire underside of the chassis replacing all the capacitors, checking, and replacing resistors and wires where needed. Then aligned and tuned the radio. It now plays very well across the dial and all bands even with the simple attached wire antenna. All tubes were checked and replaced where needed with NOS (new old stock) tubes. A new period correct power cord was installed for electrical safety and new silicone rubber chassis mounts were added for better vibration isolation. We also added a Bluetooth input and switch on the back and aligned the radio for both good reception and digital audio.
Speaker – Even though it performed well, we had the all-original 8-inch speaker cleaned and reinforced. The result is clear audio across the entire audio frequency range. This radio produces exceptional bass tones for its size and the great sound will fill the room.
Bluetooth - Additionally, this radio has been fitted with our exclusive Bluetooth / MP3 adapter which allows you to switch between 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: 1934/35
Band Frequency Ranges:
AM Broadcast Band...........530 – 1740 kHz
Shortwave Band……………….5.8– 18.3 MHz
Dimensions: 20.25” W x 37” H x 10.25”
Weight: 32 pounds
See demo on YouTube here: youtu.be/Sr2WSwL9OA4
History - This model was part of Montgomery-Ward’s 1935 lineup and first appeared in the summer of 1935. These radios were made by Wells-Gardner of Chicago, Illinois. The Wells-Gardner Electronics Corporation began in 1925 as the Wells Radio Manufacturing Company. Before World War Two the company produced radios for private label brands, including Montgomery Ward and Gambles, as well as under its own name. After the war, it not only built radios but televisions as well. As Japanese imports began to replace American-built televisions and radios, Wells-Gardner was able to find a niche in producing monitors for arcade games. It was the only company to produce monitors for the Pac-Man games in the 1970s. Since that time, the company made a successful transition into making flat screen monitors for arcade and gambling games.
Today, this attractive mid-size console radio is hard to find and sought after by collectors but seldom found in this condition. We acquired this one in early 2015 from a collector. The cabinet was in fair condition and the chassis needed a full restoration and upgrade.
Cabinet – The cabinet got a complete restoration. The original veneer showed a lot of age, so we stripped off all the original shellac/lacquers and toners. We then lightly stained the walnut and walnut burl veneers and added an ebony stain to the two vertical and one horizontal bars as well as the footer. We sealed the entire cabined with a flat satin lacquer. We replaced the original grille cloth with a period correct one but were able to retain the original control knobs with their distinctive brass ring inset. The result is this handsome looking radio that will last many, many years into the future.
Dial – The original back light 6-inch dial was in poor shape but were able clean and straighten it. It is quite an impressive sight - especially in a dim or dark room! The dial lights up brightly and exhibits the AM Broadcast and shortwave band scale at the bottom in black and the shortwave frequencies and bands in red. The main dial pointer is in perfect shape. Unique to this style radio are inset volume and tone controls. These also have a black scale with red lettering. The surrounding metal escutcheon has only been lightly cleaned so it keeps is patina and antique look well into the future.
Chassis –This is a high-grade seven-tube chassis, and it is a fantastic player. For its age there was no damage to the steel chassis and only minimal, small spots of rust. We cleaned the chassis exterior and added rust inhibitor to stop future corrosion. We went through the entire underside of the chassis replacing all the capacitors, checking, and replacing resistors and wires where needed. Then aligned and tuned the radio. It now plays very well across the dial and all bands even with the simple attached wire antenna. All tubes were checked and replaced where needed with NOS (new old stock) tubes. A new period correct power cord was installed for electrical safety and new silicone rubber chassis mounts were added for better vibration isolation. We also added a Bluetooth input and switch on the back and aligned the radio for both good reception and digital audio.
Speaker – Even though it performed well, we had the all-original 8-inch speaker cleaned and reinforced. The result is clear audio across the entire audio frequency range. This radio produces exceptional bass tones for its size and the great sound will fill the room.
Bluetooth - Additionally, this radio has been fitted with our exclusive Bluetooth / MP3 adapter which allows you to switch between 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: 1934/35
Band Frequency Ranges:
AM Broadcast Band...........530 – 1740 kHz
Shortwave Band……………….5.8– 18.3 MHz
Dimensions: 20.25” W x 37” H x 10.25”
Weight: 32 pounds
See demo on YouTube here: youtu.be/Sr2WSwL9OA4