The one-of-a-kind Clinton 615SQ Radio Restored and Absolutely Stunning

  
Must rank among the scarcest models in existence. In fact, even the Clinton catalog and the website show a three knob version. This radio has four controls, left to right Tone, Power/Volume, Tuning, and Band Switch. Pdf copy of the 1938 Clinton radio brochure to the new owner. Nothing on the radio identifies it as a Clinton product.

I don't know and I cannot locate any reference to SAN-FORD. Dating from 1938, the radio has five tubes - 6A7, 6D6, 75, 43, 25Z5, and a 165R4 ballast tube.

Such a gorgeous wood set screamed for restoration. Here is my effort to reclaim this beauty of the past. The 6D6 proved to be a bit squirrely so it was replaced with an acceptable alternative 78 tube.

All paper and electrolytic capacitors were replaced with modern units, the controls cleaned, the power cord replaced, a new dial light installed, and the radio tuned to restore best reception on Broadcast and SW bands. The antenna is now a 8-9' wire, able to nicely bring in local stations.

Shortwave (2.2-7.5 MHz) seems to be working as it responds to my signal generator, though the radio has had little testing in the evening with a longer antenna attached. As the photos show, the side mounted. Original speaker is in very good shape with just a small repair. The wood cabinet was stripped, the original woods restored with pecan and light walnut stains applied to the front and side panels and dark walnut stain applied to the top, bottom, lower pin stripes, and grill bars.

All were then finished with multiple coats of clear lacquer followed by fine sanding with 1000 grit paper. The result is the knock-out radio you see here. Some minor blemishes remain as I think that an antique should retain some aspects of its passage through time over the last 83 years. The grill cloth is a close cousin to the original cloth pattern. Of course, the most eye-catching feature of the radio is the enormous 5 1/2 lighted dial with its classic dial pointer, polished brass escutcheon, and clear plastic dial cover. It is also the one regrettable feature of the radio as the dial face has surface blemishes, I assume the result of extended time in undesirable damp conditions. Depending on the lighting, the blemishes either disappear or are emphasized. In either case, the printed dial markings are not impacted by the surface blemishes. I tried to capture the state of the dial surface in various lighting placements. Given the breathtaking impact of this radio along with the rarity of its existence, it almost guarantees that it will be the focus of conversation in any room. Don't let this one slip away to that other guy.

The radio measures about 15" W x 11" H x 8 D and weighs about 12 lbs. Please check my feedback for the remarks from my many valued customers. Please ask if you have questions and certainly check out the other items I have listed! The item "The one-of-a-kind Clinton 615SQ Radio Restored and Absolutely Stunning" is in sale since Friday, September 24, 2021.

This item is in the category "Collectibles\Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone\Radios\Tube Radios\1930-49". The seller is "emmyb" and is located in Saint Louis, Missouri. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, Bahamas, Uruguay.

1. Model: 615SQ AM Broadcast/SW Tube Radio
2. Modified Item: Yes
3. Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
4. Modification Description: Renewed electronics, restored cabinet
5. Brand: Clinton
6. Time Period Manufactured: 1930-49