1923 RCA Radiola Grand
$1,500.00
With Good Tipped WD-11 Tubes
The Radiola Grand was RCA’s flagship radio in 1923, replacing the short-lived Aeriola Grand, which was so beset with electrical problems that it was pulled from production shortly after it was introduced. Accented with 24K gold-plated hardware, the Radiola Grand sold for $350 when new, $24 more than a factory fresh Ford Model T automobile.
Condition of this example is excellent throughout. The original gold plating remains on all of the dials and hardware, and its patina is just as you’d want and just as you’d expect. The wood panel retains its original finish, and it’s still smooth to the touch. Cabinet finish is likewise original, with scattered minor marks and surface crazing consistent with age and authenticity.
All knobs, dials and pointers are original and in excellent condition, and no bakelite binding post nuts on the back of the radio are missing.
Below the panel, the chassis of the radio is in good condition, with straight and reasonably clean original wiring. The B battery hold-down bar is present (it’s typically missing), and the driver is correct and working. The four brass base tipped WD-11 tubes have good filaments. The radio comes with a second set of tubes — three UX120’s and a UX99, also with good filaments — that have WD11 adapters so they can be used in the radio. They’re louder than the WD-11 tubes, more durable than the WD-11 tubes, and they’re probably the tubes you should use if you plan to power up the radio for any prolonged period of time.
SOLD
