Tom Harris Auctions -- Staying Tuned In
Marshalltown, Iowa -- April 3, 2004

Contributed by Tom Harris Auctions

Web Edition

Carrying on his proven method of presenting specialty theme auctions with nationwide participation, Tom Harris held a large radio sale on April 3, 2004. Gathering at the Auction Center in Marshalltown, Iowa, were enthusiasts from all over the country. In addition, there were absentee and phone bidders who could not be present for the action.

The main auction room was full of every type of radio imaginable, as well as speakers, parts, advertising, projects, other electronic devices and all kinds of related items even some things that very few, if any, could identify precisely. With the crowd added to the equipment, the room was packed to overflowing. Approximately 780 individual lots consisting of single and multiple items crossed the auction block to head for new homes by day's end. Featured in this auction were the large holdings of a gentleman currently living in Louisiana. More of his pieces and other selections will be offered in a yet to be scheduled event for the fall.

The top item of the day was an RCA Catalin with tulip grille selling at $1,210. Another Catalin, this time a Sentinel with maroon swirl case, reached $935 when the bidding stopped. For $880 one pleased bidder took home a nice Deco-styled Midwest console, along with a Federal 61, for $770. A second Midwest console sold for $605.

Just over the $500 mark, a sweet little Stewart Jewel 188 achieved $550, while a Grunow 1541 came through at $525. A ship speaker hit $470 while, at slightly less, a Zenith 410 topped out at $440. One other speaker, a Music Master, proved quite popular and closed for $385. At nearly the same level, a bid of $375 took a green Emerson 74, while $360 was enough for a nifty Hammond Silvertone clock radio. Just clearing the $300 mark was a Hopalong Cassidy 441T. A large and wide variety of items sold in the $200 and less range.

This Hopalong Cassidy 441T sold for a little over $300.

One of the more interesting aspects of this auction's results was that the smaller, used-to-be insignificant tabletop radios seem to be increasing in popularity and demand. In previous years they did not attract much interest, but now the prices are rising. Many enthusiasts are guessing that the eBay internet market has given the whole category a real boost in value. There will be literally hundreds of these easily shippable goodies in Tom's "Specialty Radio Sale," next spring. Better mark your calendars for April 2, 2005 it will be here before we know it!

$1,210 -- the top price of the day was paid for this RCA Catalin with tulip grille.

Tom and his staff wish to thank all those who participated in this auction, as well as those who attended the recent September 18, 2004 event, which we expect to report in a future A.R.C.

Tom and his staff travel nationwide to professionally pack and transport entire collections and/or individual high quality items. Specialty auctions may be held at his Auction Center in Marshalltown, or on site at your location.

For more information regarding the many upcoming events in a wide range of categories, please visit the Web site at www.TomHarrisAuctions.com or call Tom Harris Auction Center in Marshalltown, Iowa, at 641-754-4890.

A warning: Auction prices are not current values. Our selection of auction items is not necessarily complete. A listing such as this cannot adequately include the condition of cabinets, chassis, transformers, tubes, the operating status of the set, and the inclusion of incorrect, restored or replica components, etc. Auction prices are the result of the excitement of the auction process, the skill of the auctioneer and the specific interests of the participants. Nevertheless, auction prices serve as useful references and as another element in the value determining process. The possibility of error always exists, and if we are notified, corrections will be reported.