The next-to-oldest radio I own, now that I have a Silvertone Neutrodyne. This was the way most radios were made in the 1920s—from kits. Typically you'd buy the plans and the eletrical hardware from one source, and then build the enclosure yourself; typically they were wood boxes like this one.

FADA was Frank Angelo d'Andrea's first company; he would eventually be kicked out and found another, Andrea, later on. FADA is more famous for the art deco table radios they made in the 30s and 40s, but I believe they were a popular source of kits as well.

This radio's interesting on a variety of levels. Because it was made in the 20s it antedates a lot of technology we take for granted. Not only does it need batteries, it needs three different kinds. Tube-radio people are familiar with "A" and "B" batteries—this guy needs a "C" battery as well. I've had this radio for years but finally got a battery eliminator built.

It's also pre-Superheterodyne; it uses the "tuned radio frequency" (TRF) principle.

Current status: this radio is no longer in my collection. This page will be removed in late 2024.