RADIO: AIRZONE MANTLE RADIO IN WHITE CASE

Mantle radio in wooden case, its sides finished in the 'steps' typical of Art Deco style. There is a fluted centre panel enclosing a 'window' covered with a brown and cream fabric. The case has been repainted cream over a former coat of yellow paint. There is a bakelite knob, at each side set into an escutcheon with 'AIRZONE' in raised letters above and holes which reveal frequencies (left) and letters of the alphabet (right). The back of the radio is open, showinhg a set of valves etc. A metal disk carries the name, chassis type (545) and manufacturer's name: Airzone (1931) Ltd, Sydney. Another disk carries the patent licence number (A63871). Serial number B.3001 is stamped below. In the early 1930s, Australian mantle radios were mostly encased in wooden cabinets. Over the next two decades they continued to be manufactured alongside moulded plastic cabinets which by 1950 had captured the entire market.