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Step into the golden age of broadcasting with this striking 1955 CBS Model 5155 "Ebony" tabletop tube radio. Produced by CBS-Columbia during the height of mid-century design, this radio features a bold, streamlined black cabinet paired with an iconic oversized gold-tone tuning dial. While its classic tube chassis continues to pull in local AM stations with that unmistakable vintage warmth, it has been professionally upgraded with a discreetly integrated Bluetooth module and auxiliary input.
You can seamlessly stream your favorite digital playlists, podcasts, or music apps straight from your smartphone or tablet through a genuine 1950s vacuum tube audio circuit.
๐ Design & Historical Significance
The CBS-Columbia Heritage: Better known as a broadcasting giant, CBS briefly manufactured high-quality home radios and televisions in the 1950s after acquiring Columbia. This set proudly wears the classic mid-century "CBS" logo emblem on the front grille.ย
Asymmetrical Post-War Styling: This model is a prime example of mid-century industrial design, featuring an eye-catching asymmetrical layout where a massive circular dial wheel meets sleek, horizontal cabinet louvers.
The "Ebony" Aesthetic: The deep, glossy black cabinet provides a stunning contrast against the warm gold tones of the control knobs and tuning wheel, making it a stellar accent piece for any modern desk, shelf, or living space.
๐ ๏ธ Restoration Details & Technical Work
This classic set has been completely overhauled to ensure it operates safely and performs beautifully for years to come:
Restoration: Critical electrical items have been replaced to ensure safe, stable, and reliable operation.
Audio Upgrade: A high-fidelity Bluetooth module and a standard 3.5mm auxiliary patch cable have been meticulously wired into the audio path, giving you a clean, hiss-free modern streaming experience.
Alignment: Precision alignment has been performed to ensure the AM tuner stages track cleanly and accurately across the dial.
๐จ Cosmetic & Operational Condition
Cabinet: The sleek black cabinet is in excellent condition, showing off a clean, deep shine. It has been thoroughly detailed and polished to a beautiful luster.
Dial & Controls: The prominent golden tuning wheel and matching lower control knob retain their classic, age-authentic color. The gold CBS grille emblem is intact and bright.
Rear: The back cover features the original factory paper label, documenting the model number 5155-Ebony, its 30-watt specifications, and its original tube layout diagram.
๐ฆ Whatโs Included & Shipping
The fully restored CBS Model 5155-Ebony radio.
An auxiliary patch cable and compact Bluetooth receiver module.
Safe Shipping: I specialize in shipping delicate vintage electronics safely. This unit will be double-boxed and heavily padded in layers of protective bubble wrap to ensure it arrives at your doorstep ready to plug in and play.
