Posted 2 years ago
rlwindle
(149 items)
Not much is known about the Anthony Martinek Device Co. of Allentown PA. They produced the (new to me) radio in the first and second pictures, and the one in the third that I am in pursuit of now. I do not know what the involvement with the Pennwood Small Electrics Co. was, Pennwood supplied the movements for these radios, and some of their clocks like the "Chatham" that I own bares a blue Martinek-Pennwood label, although it was labeled over with a Pennwood label latter on. Some of the "Moderne" clocks that Pennwood manufactured bare the same label.
The Martinek - Pennwood partnership dates to about 1940, because of the radios and clocks produced then, how long it lasted is anyone's guess.
The radio is small, measuring 10 inches wide, 10.25 inches high, and 5 inches deep. The clock runs I had to take it apart and clean and oil it. The little self lubricating pad in the motor interior was bone dry so I shot some oil into the pivots of the three main gears that turn the second wheel, and shot some on the lubricating pad inside the motor. I haven't messed with the radio in the cabinet but may look to getting it restored.
I love the design and the small size makes it even more appealing.
That price of 50 cents a week….I wish!!