Those big figural baseball radios...what's their story?

[CarltonHendricks]

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I spotted this the other day in an antique store...a 45" tall x 21" wide die cut standup sign for Granger Tobacco featuring Joe Gordon. It was pretty beat up, priced about $300.00 I think it was...

Here's my question....see that big baseball radio? I see them around the hobby once in a while. I've never known their origin and now that I see one pictured in this sign I'm wondering if they were a premium of some kind given out by Granger...Anyone know?

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[D. Broughman]

Sent you a PM about radio

[perezfan]

They look really neat and make beautiful display pieces. But the sound quality was not great.... equal parts static and voice, from what I've been told....

[mighty bombjack]

I've never seen before, but I like them. Any i9deas on what one would/should pay for one of these? I'm sure, as with everything, it is highly condition sensitive, but I'd love to know what these have gone for.

[perezfan]

Highly condition sensitive is correct. And the prices realized reflect that fact (typically varying a lot). Heres a guide you can go by...

Beat to Hell - Missing parts, chipped bakelite base, dirty/discolored - Under $200

VG - Presentable, but missing a knob/replaced knobs or missing either the speaker grills or "Trophy" metal logo - $250 - $400

EX - General wear and/or typical discoloration. But has all-original knobs, Trophy logo, and speaker grills - $500 - $750

EX/MT - Just shows minor "shelf wear" - $750 - $950

NRMT - Very rare in this condition, with functional radio - $1,000 - $1,200

Hope this guideline helps,
Mark

[mighty bombjack]

Helps a lot, thanks Mark.

[tony]

there is one on ebay right now for 1500. It has been on for a couple of months. Im looking to buy a nice one in the 700 range if I can

[perezfan]

Tony:

The one on ebay could go unsold for quite a while longer (unless the seller reduces his/her price). For $700, you should be able to find a nice one that's all-original. Just be patient, and one will come along. That's about what I paid for mine, and it took me about 6 months (after I decided to search).

There were quite a few in lesser condition, that I passed on. For some reason, most of the survivors are beaten-up pretty badly. One key that I look for is that all 3 speaker grills are present, as well as the cool metal Trophy "lightening" logo... very art-deco! When they are missing this component, they don't look nearly as good (IMHO).

Best of luck, and be sure to post when you nail one down!