Today I went op-shopping, as J is working weekends for overtime now (as well as Monday to Friday - how he does it I'll never know). I found something I'd been looking for too - a tea box to store my teabags. I'd prefer a larger one, but this will do perfectly in the meantime. T'was $2. And the apron was $2 too.
Then I decided to be sneaky and duck into an antique market on the way home, and of course I found something to buy when my credit card is nearly maxed out... a very grubby but working 1960s Astor radio.
So I pulled it apart and scrubbed it clean. There are still marks on the red plastic though - I'm not an expert in this area... is it bakelite? I remember reading (was it on your blog, Kitty?) that you can use Domestos to clean bakelite, as long as you wipe it off really quickly.
Mum and Dad both said 3XY used to be the hip station when they were growing up, but the advent of FM radio saw the station's demise. There must have been so many stations to choose from back in AM radio's day, judging by all the codes listed. I bet this radio has blasted out some killer tunes too.
6 comments:
Hi Rach :) was just thinking yesterday that we hadn't heard from you in a while! Yes it was on my blog that you read about bakelite, but I'm pretty sure this radio isn't bakelite but what we call 'hard plastic', like the Nylex canisters are made from. Domestos will probably be fine to use on it, again pretty quickly though, but definitely don't use anything abrasive on it as this plastic scratches really easily.
That tea box is adorable! I think I'm heading out the the thrift shops this morning, hope I can find a cute apron like that too. So the radio works still? Quite amazing how well things keep up after so many years.
I love the radio! I have a Hommer jewelry box with a clear plastic lid, the lid has yellowed much like the radio dial. How did you get it clear?
Great finds for $2.
Simichrome can be used to polish bakelite. I have a post on my blog about it if you wanted to read it.
Sorry for the delay in approving all your comments - I've been down and out with some stomach bug.
Kitty - thanks for that info, I didn't think it was bakelite. But then again, I don't own any so I couldn't compare. I'll test using Domestos somewhere inconspicuous first to make sure it's ok.
Kerri - yep the radio still works! It has a little bit of a hum, but if you turn the volume up loud enough it drowns it out :)
Blackberry - the dial was just yellow with dust - I pulled it off and washed it in the sink with dishwashing liquid! I don't know if there is much hope for items yellowed with age :(
Barn House - thank you! Will check out your blog :)
I do love your radio.I have my mums from the early 60s will post about it soon.
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