Picked this up today at my friends Pawn shop for $10. It was filthy(coal dust from the 1920's furnace which still works) and non operational. All it did was hum. of course after a recap, which was very easy, it works great. its only 4 tubes but picks up distant stations with ease. Model number is 8-BX-6E. looks like it was made in the late 50's or early 60's. Of course I'll probably never run it on batteries but that's OK. The swivel antenna is interesting.

That's in great shape. I'd say mid to almost late 50's: by then transistors were taking over in portables.

That's in great shape. I'd say mid to almost late 50's: by then transistors were taking over in portables.

The tube location label shows a 723 stamped above the serial number. It means the 23rd week of 1957.
IIRC, RCA made tube portables until mid-1958.
Some other firms made them a little later. :sigh:

I have a similar one but not in as good condition as yours, mstaton. Mine is a sort of cream color. I think it originally was white, but has yellowed with age ;-)

Picked this up today at my friends Pawn shop for $10. It was filthy(coal dust from the 1920's furnace which still works) and non operational. All it did was hum. of course after a recap, which was very easy, it works great. its only 4 tubes but picks up distant stations with ease. Model number is 8-BX-6E. looks like it was made in the late 50's or early 60's. Of course I'll probably never run it on batteries but that's OK. The swivel antenna is interesting.

Those radios did a great job of picking up distant stations at night.
Now, it seems more difficult, as all the EMI noise, from computers, switching power supplies and electronic ballasts. :thumbsdn: