Guys I was given a old radio by my late father,a Sparton Model 17 I have looked everywhere on the internet for some history of the unit but came up empty any suggestions?.

I fired up the Universal Schematic Locator, and it found a model 17 in Riders volume 4 (1934) and a model 17K1 by Sparton of Canada which is much later (late '50s, early '60s). Assuming it's the former, service info is online here: http://www.nostalgiaair.org/PagesByModel/692/M0018692.pdf

I checked my copy of Johnson's "Guide To Old Radios", which has a pretty exhaustive listing of model numbers, and there is no Sparton 17 listed. Is the model number clearly readable?

I see you've found AntiqueRadios.com! If those guys can't give you any info, then your radio doesn't exist!!:thmbsp:

Thanks for the effort guys,The model number is on the back and it's a console type.Maybe a photo would help.

a photo could help yes .please post one.