Catalin Radio Knowledge Base
There is a tremendous amount of information about Catalin radios on the Internet, however this information is scattered through the internet. It sometimes takes hours to research and find the answer to a collector's questions. We have recently launched this “Catalin radio knowledge base” section to pull together the most relevant Catalin radio topics in a summarized format.
We were very careful to use the most accurate and fact-based information. However, we are sure that our collector audience may find missing, incomplete or inaccurate data. We ask you to please email us if you find any such data.
Chemical Properties for Catalin Material
Phenol Formaldehyde Resin (PF)
Phenolic resins or phenoplasts, are synthetic polymers obtained by the reaction of phenol or substituted phenol with formaldehyde.
Material Properties-
Thermoset Density: 1.24-1.32 g/cm3; foam: g/cm3
Melting point: 90-107°C
Glass transition temperature: 200°C
Identification Properties-
- Cell structure (foam): open / very compact
- Touch: feels relatively cold
- Sound: Rigid = clear; foam = no characteristic sound
- UV-radiation (when clear): not applicable
- Polarizing filters (for clear PF): not applicable
Degradation-
1. Environmental Susceptibilities
- UV Rays
- Oxygen
- Temperature Extremes
2. Common Damage from Susceptibilities
- Discolouration, dark
- Cracking
- Warping
- Shrinkage
- Finish turns a dark matte,
- Crazing
Ideal Display Environment-
Similar to Museum Specification
- UV-RADIATION: avoid direct sunlight
- OXYGEN / OZONE: ambient conditions
- TEMPERATURE: 50-80°F
- HUMIDITY- 60%
- CLEAN SPACE
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Credits: Plastic Identification Tool
Catalin Radio Buying Tips
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Avoid Impulsiveness Catalin radio collectors are excited when they see a radio that they really like. Do not let your impulse to buy cause you to skip any of the tips on this list. Avoid Costly Mistakes- Catalin radio collecting is a tremendously rewarding hobby. However, to be satisfied with the type of collection you are developing, you need to be knowledgeable and focused on your approach to what you collect. Establish your buying standards, a monthly budget and the Catalin radios you want in your collection. Premodern Plastics- To avoid any confusion regarding the cabinet and trim materials, learn the difference between the various pre-modern plastics such as: Catalin, Bakelite, Plaskon, Tenet, urea, etc. Written Radio Description- Catalin radio collectors need to be sure the Catalin radios they are considering buying meet their collecting standards. Make sure you have a true and accurate written description from the seller that matches your in-person or by photograph inspection of the cabinet, trim and chassis. Request additional pictures if necessary. |
Cabinet Defect Types- Each Catalin radio model has known areas of damage susceptibility. To learn more, See following Tab on cabinet defects. Confirm Radio Correct Chassis- Most Catalin radios are around 90 years old. During this long history and particularly when their values were low, owners & technicians, without regard, switched out parts and chassis. Confirm the chassis in your radio is original. Catalin Radio Correct Chassis. Price Comparison- Around the time you plan to buy a radio, check all Catalin radio Internet Sales Channels and compare the condition and pricing of the model/color you are planning to buy. Align Yourself With a Knowledgeable "Radio Guy" A second set of eyes is always a good idea when deciding to buy your radio selections. Maybe this second opinion will save you from expensive collector mistakes. |
List of Catalin Radios
Catalin Radio Manufacturers
| Manufacture | Company, City and State of Main Plan |
| Addison | Addison Industries Limited, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Arvin | Arvin Noblitt-Sparks Industries, Inc., Columbus, Indiana |
| Automatic | Automatic Radio Manufacturing Co., Inc., 122 Brookline Avenue, Boston, Mass. |
| Bendix | Bendix Radio Division, Baltimore, Md. |
| Crosley | Crosley: Moffats Limited, Weston, Ontario |
| Detrola | Detrola Radio & Television Corporation, Detroit, Mich. |
| Dewald | Dewald Radio Mfg., New York, N.Y. |
| Emerson | Emerson Radio & Phonograph Corp., New York, N.Y. |
| Espey | Espey Manufacturing Co., 528 East 72nd Street, New York, N.Y. |
| FADA | FADA Radio & Electric Co., Inc., Long Island City, N.Y. |
| Garod | Garod Radio Corp., Brooklyn, N.Y. |
| GE | General Electric Co., Bridgeport, Conn. |
| Global | Arvin Noblitt-Sparks Industries, Inc., Columbus, Indiana |
| GTV | General Television & Radio Corp., Chicago, Ill. |
| Halson | Halson Radio & Television Corp., Meriden, CT. |
| Kadette | International Radio Corp., Ann Arbor, MI. |
| Lafayette | Lafayette Radio Co., 100 Sixth Avenue, New York, N.Y. |
| Motorola | Galvin Mfg., Corp., 4545 August a Bou levard, Chicago, Il l. |
| Namco | Namco Catalin Radio Corp., New York, N.Y. |
| RCA | Radio Corporation of America, Camden, N.J. |
| Sentinel | Sentinel Radio Corp., Evanston, Ill. |
| Sonora | Sonora Radio & Television Corp., 2626 Washington Boulevard, Chicago, Ill. |
| Sparton | The Sparks-Withington Company, Jackson, Mich. |
| Stewart Warner | Stewart Warner Corp., 1826 Diversey Parkway, Chicago, Ill. |
| Stromberg-Carlson | Stromberg-Carlson Co., Rochester, N.Y. |
| Symphony | Radio-O-Vox Corporation, Record-O-Vox, Inc., 721 North Martel Ave., Hollywood, CA |
| Tom Thumb | Automatic Radio Manufacturing Co., Inc., 122 Brookline Avenue, Boston, Mass. |
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List Prepared by: Bill Whelan
Catalin Radio Defect Type List
Correct Catalin Radio Chassis
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