HI,

we have been given a Radiola 552GA radiogram in pretty good condition.

The radio works and I'm sure if 2 other wires are connected up the turntable will work as well.

Does anyone know what the value of this maybe?

We can't find much on this model on the internet. It also says 45 under the unit? Does this mean it is a 1945 model?

Thanks for your help. Rhonda.

Radiola was an AWA brand name and according to this link

http://www.hws.org.au/RadioHistory/manufacturers/awa.htm.

they made a 550GA and 551GA in 1953, and 554GA in 1954 but there is no mention of the 552. It is not unusual for radios like this to pop up - some details like this get lost over time.

If there is a list of the valve types (the valve line-up) on a label on the back it will be possible to work something out. You may need to carefully extract the valves one by one and check the valve type marked on the envelope. The markings can come off very easily so be careful.

As far as dates go, parts like the speaker transformer and speaker will have a date code stamped on them in ink. If the part had been on a shelf for a while before going into a radio either in the factory or later as a repair, it may not be an accurate indicator of the radio's date of manufacture.

Generally it is not a good idea to turn on an old valve radio that has been out of service for a long time. Parts, especially capacitors deteriorate with time. They can be replace easily, but a failed capacitor can cause a mains or speaker transformer failure and these are not so easy to replace. If it has been in service before it was given to you, then this is probably not a problem. If it wasn't in service luck was on your side, but it should be checked over before turning it on again.

Welcome to steam radio.

Here's a display ad from Womens Weekly in June 1954 showing the various contemporary Radiola models, including the 552GA. You can zoom the page and drag it around with the mouse:

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/page/5527973?zoomLevel=1.

Does anyone know what the value of this maybe?

There is no standard book of values for such items. The price you'll get is what somebody is willing to pay on the day you want to sell it, and there may be no buyers on that day! I've seen some with starting bids of 99 cents which attract no bids at all.

From watching eBay sales, I can tell you that there is not a large demand for radiograms of that era unless they are regarded as especially fine pieces of furniture design, and those are in the minority.

Apart from those considerations there's also the problem of transporting them.

If yours has sentimental value and is in good condition, then getting it professionally restored is an option. Electronic equipment of that age needs to be checked over and restored as necessary. Otherwise you are potentially (literally) playing with fire.

PS: The price of the 552GA in 1954 was 121 pounds and 16 shillings. Today that equates to $3,786.

Looks like it went straight to eBay;

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RADIOLA-RADIOGRAM-552GA-VINTAGE-/111252051416....

Yep, and described in 36 point font for the blind, too. LOL!

(From the eBay selling history, looks like a trader.)

There's currently much nicer, starting much cheaper, so I doubt it.

so I doubt it.

Doubt what?

I doubt the $100 selling in Vic at the moment.
There are nicer consoles through Vic & NSW,
unless they go higher than the starting bid on this one.

Yep, my guess is that it won't attract a bid. I would usually advise starting such items at a few dollars if you want to get bids, and don't expect much for them.

Radiograms with Danish or Parker style furniture cabinets usually attract a good deal of attention because they are considered attractive collectables. There isn't the same level of interest in the cabinets from the 40s and 50s.

Thank you for those who posted comments. In answer to one person - who said I was a trader - I am definately not. I have been a member of ebay since 2004 - and buy alot from ebay so please don't always assume.

I put it on ebay after discussion with a person in a vintage radio group - and it was on his advice I set that price. If it doesn't sell - it does not worry me at all. If it ends up going for $50 whatever - I also just went to ebay to find someone has a refurbished one similar to my one selling for $645 - with someone already offering a price.

Also for someone stating the capitol letters in the ad is good for people who are blind - do we need to be smart on a forum?

I appreciate those who gave me good advice and for those who can't do anything but be rude, please remember we are supposed to be adults. Thank you.

There's no need to get defensive. I certainly haven't found anyone to be rude.
Your text description on eBay actually overlaps and becomes unreadable on my browser.

We all have reason/desire to express opinion, and what better place to do that,
especially with regard to radios/grams?
Just because anyone may or may not think something
will sell does not also mean they think it's a rip off.
It is still eBay, and anything could happen.

This is the first place I'd come to for general advice
and I have done so, and I'd anticipate honest answers.

I have no issues with peoples opinions, there's just a way of giving an opinion. also most are talking in the 3rd person, it's nice to address someone and say hey - I don't think you'll get that price - or at least be more diplomatic. You also don't accuse someone of being a trader, like I'm some rip off merchant. It's like I'm in the room, and people are talking about me but not to me. I am not defensive at all just stating the obvious that some of these posts came across rudely. I stand by that. And I did appreciate the great knowledge that some gave.

Thank you STC830 for your great information.

The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

You also don't accuse someone of being a trader, like I'm some rip off merchant.

Why assume that the term trader equates to "rip off merchant"? That is your terminology.

A trader in my book is a frequent eBay transactor. Your eBay feedback history shows that you transact, on average, more than once per week over a period of nearly 10 years. That's a trader by my definition. You're welcome to yours.

A "rip-off merchant", as you term it, would not last long on eBay as they would attract too many negative feedback ratings.

You have too much time on your hands if you sit there and assess someones ebay account. Your comments are not appreciated. The intent was there in the post -(and the implication like this person because of the feedback history, may do this often). A trader in my defination is someone who buys to sell and has a business. My ebay account is used for purchasing things for my home or personal items not that it is any of your business.. I rarely sell things and haven't for quite a number of years and those things I sold were my personal items. You are just a very rude man. Have a nice day.