Ask Vance Blog

When I mentioned an old radio ad that was published in the 1925 Lyceum Theatre program (see below), somebody wondered what a $275 radio could possibly look like.

Well, here's the ad, and here's the radio. Fancy, isn't it?

The Garod Neutrodyne is described as "the most beautiful receiving set in America. The cabinet is mahogany, highly finished, with sloping panel." And just look — it comes complete with three three big knobs (for "selectivity, tone, and volume") and a tiny dial. And not much else, apparently.

Keep in mind this is what you got for $195. If you wanted tubes, batteries, and a speaker (and you'd certainly want all three if you expected to listen to that radio), you paid a whopping $275.

By comparison, in the 1920s you could buy a CAR for $750, and a complete house for around $1,000. Makes you appreciate that little iPod a bit more, no?