Description |
SHIPPING AVAILABLE > Standing 5" tall to the body, not including the extended carry handle, measuring 7.5 x 2.5" overall to the black, molded, hard plastic body, featuring chrome metal elements ~ Three bands, including PS, perhaps Public Service, FM and AM, recessed behind an acrylic window to the front ~ Tuning, volume, squelch and band selection buttons to the side ~ The SEARS stylized letter logo to the lower front ~ Featuring a chrome metal telescopic antennae ~ To the rear, relief lettering identifies model numer 564-22720200 ~ Designed to accept four AA batteries ~ Lacking an AC adapter ~ Made in Japan for Sears, Roebuck & Co.
CONDITION REPORT > Exterior cases seems rather well preserved ~ Perhaps typical elements relative to age, handling and materials. ~ Not inspected internally or tested for operational functionality.
The Sears Model 564 designates a line of consumer electronics produced by Sears, encompassing a range of devices from portable radios to boomboxes and even television sets. Given the broad nature of the model number, it's challenging to pinpoint specific design characteristics without additional context.
However, considering Sears' position as a mass-market retailer in the mid-20th century, it's likely that many Model 564 radios embraced elements of popular design trends of their respective eras. We can anticipate influences from mid-century modernism, with its focus on clean lines, functional forms, and the integration of new materials and technologies.
Streamlined silhouettes, minimalist control layouts, and the use of materials such as plastic and chrome were likely common features across various Model 564 radios. These design choices reflected a broader societal shift towards modernity, efficiency, and technological progress.
The Model 564 line likely evolved over time, adapting to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. Early models may have showcased a more classic aesthetic, while later iterations may have incorporated elements of 1970s and 1980s design language, such as bolder colors and more angular shapes.
Ultimately, the Sears Model 564 radio represents a slice of consumer electronics history, encapsulating the design trends and technological innovations of its time. While individual models may vary in specific features and aesthetics, they collectively reflect Sears' commitment to providing accessible and stylish products to a wide range of consumers.
COLLECTING Vintage TRANSISTOR RADIOS
The allure of vintage transistor radios from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s lies in their embodiment of a pivotal moment in technological and cultural history. These compact, battery-powered devices, made possible by the invention of the transistor, transformed how people accessed information and entertainment. They brought music, news, and cultural events directly to individuals, untethering them from the confines of their living rooms and fostering a new era of portable media consumption.
Beyond their functional significance, these radios captivate collectors with their distinctive designs. Each era showcases its unique aesthetic, from the sleek, futuristic forms of the 1950s to the bold colors and psychedelic patterns of the 1960s, and finally to the more functional and utilitarian designs of the 1970s. These visual cues offer a tangible connection to the past, reflecting the design sensibilities and cultural zeitgeist of their respective decades.
Vintage transistor radios also played a profound role in shaping the cultural landscape of their time. They provided a soundtrack to pivotal moments in history, from the Civil Rights Movement to the Vietnam War and the counterculture revolution. Teenagers tuned in to their favorite rock and roll stations, families gathered around for news broadcasts, and communities connected through shared listening experiences. These radios fostered a sense of collective identity and facilitated cultural exchange, making them far more than just technological marvels.
Today, these radios are highly sought-after by collectors who appreciate their historical significance, design aesthetics, and technological ingenuity. The rarity and condition of a radio can significantly impact its value, as can its brand, model, and features. Collectors often focus on specific brands, eras, or design styles, meticulously curating their collections. Some even take on the challenge of restoring and repairing vintage radios, ensuring their continued functionality and preservation for future generations.
The collection of vintage transistor radios represents a journey through time, a celebration of technological innovation, and a preservation of cultural heritage. These radios offer a tangible connection to a bygone era, when the world was a little smaller, and the power of sound was at your fingertips. Their enduring appeal serves as a testament to their lasting impact on society and their ability to transcend their original purpose as mere communication devices, evolving into cherished artifacts that evoke nostalgia, spark curiosity, and tell the stories of generations past.
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