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Sparton 79, 1938

Wooden Sparton radio with four dials, a console, and a speaker on the side, all with brass detailing.

Sparton Radio: Model 79 (1938-39) London, 27 x 54 x 26cm. Musée des ondes Emile Berliner.

This Sparton radio was manufactured in London, Ontario. This tabletop receiver included shortwave and AM bands and push button tuners. Its form emphasizes horizontality, with wooden elements running over the speaker grille and along the sides. It also includes a “magic eye,” that would glow to visually signal a clear frequency.

Below is a view of back of the radio, showing its tubes and chasis.