This 1950 black bakelite Lester branded piano radio model 494
was distributed by L.K. Franklin Co.Inc. of Los Angeles.
The chassis label indicates the electronics were designed
by Calbest Engineering and Electronics Co. of Hollywood, California.



The piano radio cabinet was designed by Lester K. Franklin in 1941
and was first made in the '40s by the General Television & Radio Co. as the model 534.
It is also found with the Imperial and Continental names on the dial.
After WWII, it was reintroduced with the same cabinet, but with different,
updated chassis designs using miniature tubes.
A wood version was available, as were more common brown or maroon bakelite cabinets.
This black bakelite example is missing the sheet music rack.
The piano keys are made from tenite and are often found seriously warped.
The dimensions are 10.5" wide, 11" deep by 6.5" high with piano top closed.








There was an actual Lester Piano Company that was established in Philadelphia in 1888.
They were well known for their Grand Pianos and their Betsy Ross Spinet.
See the photo below of a 1924 Lester Grand Piano and an early Lester Piano Co. advertisement.
Perhaps the LK Franklin Company made these radios for the piano company as they were still in business until 1960.

1924 Lester Grand Piano