Silvertone Model 6110

Sears called this 1938 Silvertone model 6110 the "Rocket", and it is certainly one of the most unusual radios of the era. Designed by Clarence Karstadt, it was clearly inspired by the streamlined locomotives that were the rage at the time, though the cynic might compare it with a contemporary vacuum cleaner. The huge tuning dial occupies one entire end of the radio, and 6 pushbuttons are on top, flush with the surface. The volume control/on-off switch is below and to the left of the tuning dial, almost invisible. The speaker points to one side, the grill hidden by the sleek parallel rails running front to back, and a piece of black cloth.

	As a radio, it's performance is marginal, but its styling is unsurpassed, and it has been cited in a number books and articles as a paragon of the Machine-Age design ethic. It is extremely rare, as well. Though it was prominently featured in Sears catalogs, it must not have been a strong seller. It was heavy and the cases were eggshell thin and very prone to damage, limiting survival. The back was held on only by a single spring. Replacing the back is a frustrating exercise that can often draw blood as the end of the spring tries to embed itself in one's fingertip. Versions of this radio in brown and white exist, as well. The white ones have either a painted finish, or were made of white Plaskon.