Fabric Musical Instruments

A rare—and rarer still, fully functional—mid-century modern Hoffman Radio Corp. model A-309 tabletop tube radio designed in 1946 by Charles and Ray Eames, and produced in association with Evans Products Company in 1946–47. Bentwood case with waterfall top and slightly sloped sides fabricated by the Charles Eames-helmed Evans Molded Plywood Products Division. Clad in combed oak veneer with original semi-opaque warm blonde lacquer finish. Back-lit glass dial face is screen printed on the front with crisp off-white AM band frequency numbers that are cleverly drop-shadowed in orange from the back. The back is also screen printed with an olive, green, and orange striped design and green tuning pips. Metal frame with brass finish and embossed Hoffman nameplate below. Original speaker grill cover is off-white woven cotton with a distinctive atomic-style brass finish metal decoration across the face. Dark khaki-colored painted trim around the grill is accented by the same around the bottom of the case. At bottom left and right corners of the grill are Bakelite on/off/volume and tuning knobs in a light tan and cream marbled color complimentary to the case and grill. Though it can occasionally be a bit temperamental—as vintage tube radios often are—when given ample time to warm up (the longer the better), one can smoothly dial in stations within range and hear them coming in loud and clear, or at least as clear as AM radio reception typical allows. Video of it in action can be shared upon request. Original paperboard back retains UL and Hoffman Radio Corp. labels, with the latter listing model number and specs. “INSPECTED” is stamped on the back and the edge of the case. Taped to the inside of the back is a detailed electrical and tube schematic. We’re unsure whether this was originally stapled to the underside of the radio as seen with other examples of this model online, or if it’s an additional schematic that was originally always affixed somewhere inside, thus meaning the one that was on the bottom of our example is no longer extant. The Eames’ radio...

Original Tesla Dirigent Gramoradio produced in Czechoslovakia in 1956. The gramoradio combines radio and gramophone inside one item. The top board is easy to open and show the origin...

English mid-century modern vinyl record player case by His Master's Voice, 1950s Rectangular case vinyl record player. Structure in dark and light b...

Rare Automaton Whistler by Henry Phalibois, with papier-mache character head modeled with puckered, slightly-open lips, defined cheek bones, slender neck, threaded blue paperweight e...

Magnificent and rare automaton pianist doll under a globe made by automaton repairer and manufacturer Jean Farkas in the 1950s. The doll plays a serenade of Haydens by Mozart, its ...

This charming musical jewelry and sewing box is a work of sublime artistry. Almost certainly German or Austrian in origin and crafted of deep, ebonized...

Grotrian-Steinweg model 110 upright piano with a walnut case and fabric panels. Cabinet typical of Mid-Century Modern style. Cabinet design focuses on simple, clean lines and curves. The front panels are stepped in construction with rounded curved corners. The golden, Jacquard fabric panels are in a design of diagonal intersecting lines, accentuate the sound box quality of the cabinet. The simple tapered legs are sabre cut in walnut. Square piano...

Nice original working condition,, replaced back.. Signed with stamped manufacturer’s mark to underside: [12132]. USA Medium Design/Decorative Art Manufacturer Detrola Radio...

Lyre piano attributed to Johann Christian Schleip, Berlin, around 1825, case veneered with mahogany, upper part in the form of a large lyre with 7 wooden sides (lyre), cover and chee...

Unusual bisque porcelain automaton figure Continental, circa 1900 Measures: Height 57cm, width 21cm, depth 21cm This unusual doll takes the form ...

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning hand carved William IV circa 1830 Hardwood Piano stool A very good looking and well-made piano stool, its exactly what collectors ar...

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning hand carved Victorian circa 1880 Piano stool with height adjustable top A very good looking and well-made piano stool, its quite w...

Flute Floor Lamp, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Flute art deco floor lamp is a statement lighting piece that...

American modern headboard and case by Randall with zebra animalier fabric, 1980s Headboard and case covered with zebra fabric. The case rests on four black plastic wheels and has two...

Circa 1825, Bates pianoforte. Name plaque in a calligraphy font, sits above the keyboard surrounded by wooden beading. The tall cabinet features a rectangular, cut-out front panel that acts as a sound...