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, the later with 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 design work for Hoffman is discussed on pages 76–77 of the 1989 book “Eames Design: The Work of the Office of Charles and Ray Eames” by John and Marilyn Neuhart and Ray Eames.
Dimensions: Height: 7.64 in Width: 12.13 in Depth: 6.5 in
Depth listed includes knobs; depth of case alone is six inches.
Condition: Good
Replacements made: Light bulb is a new replacement that’s the same model as the original, which was burnt out. Two additional new bulbs, as well as the original, will be included with purchase. Back screw at bottom left is a vintage replacement. Rewired: Cord/plug a heavier duty vintage replacement. Wear consistent with age and use. Handsome working condition. Finish: some minor flaking, small marks, hint of darker tone on top curve; less apparent in person than photos. Grill w/ some faint spots. Trim w/ small chips. Brass worn a bit. Back missing a piece. One foot pad missing.