The iconic Sparton model 557 is a spectacular blue-mirrored radio from 1936
with the fabulous design attributed to Walter Dorwin Teague.
Blue glass mirrors and chrome fins are mounted on a wood "sled" frame with a black naptha crystalline finish.
The crystal effect was obtained by using black nitrocellulose lacquer mixed with naptha and sprayed on.
Like winter window frost, Naptha causes the lacquer to dry with unique crystalline patterns -
a tell-tale sign showing if the radio has been refinished or not.
This technique was also used on some 1930s Air King skyscraper radios.
A "Deluxe" version was available, the model 558, which included more etching
on the mirrors and four knobs (a tone control was added).
Both the 557 and 558 were offered with peach mirrors.
The "Sled" radios followed Sparton's success with the round mirror "Bluebird" radios.
Click on the radio to hear the "Lone Ranger" introduction (double-click to pause/stop)