I have a radio which belonged to my grandfather who bought it in 1939. It has the original papers of hire purchase detailing all costs and payments etc. Does this make it any more collectable and is it worth selling. Currently it gathers dust in the garage storeroom

Any radio is worth selling, particularly if it is no longer wanted. Australia has about 2,500 collectors, many of whom have set up private museums containing attractive displays of receivers that have been refurbished and put on display.

It's value will depend on a few things, it's current condition and potential for restoration, how big it is, what brand it is, any accessories or paperwork it comes with, if it still has the original cardboard box, and if it is still a complete set with no parts missing. Things like colour and whether it runs on electricity or batteries plays a role in determining its value too.

The small coloured mantel sets that are in good condition usually fetch more dollars than a timber console and this isn't because consoles are not as historically significant but because most collectors have no room to store them.

This is a rough estimate going on Ebay prices: If the receiver is a console that is in fair to good condition it may fetch up to $200. Smaller coloured mantel receivers from the late 1930's can fetch upwards of $1,000 but usually between $200 and $600.

If you would like to include some photos of the radio in your post please e-mail them to Bradmail.vintage-radio.com.au and I will put them on the server for you.

Thanks Brad