The cabinet design of this AWA Radiolette demonstrates the late 1940s trend toward reducing the size of domestic radio receivers. The white Bakelite cabinet also makes this set an appealing addition to the Museum's radio collection which presently has very few coloured Bakelite sets. The production of coloured sets was limited as demand for brown Bakelite sets that blended with the contemporary decor was high.

Designed and manufactured by Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia Ltd.), 1948. AWA was the largest radio and radio part manufacturer in Australia.

According to information in Mingay's Official Trade-In Handbook, 1954, The AWA model 516M was produced in 1948, the 516 MY, the carry over model for 1949, and 516MZ the carry over model for 1950. No difference between the model years except the model suffix. This was probably the last model to carry the name "Radiolette", later "Radiola" was used. (Information supplied by a member of the public)

This radio was collected between the late 1940s and the late 1960s when the donor was an active radio electronic engineer operating a business from home building and repairing radios. The donor accumulated a collection of radios, valves, radio journals and assorted electrical engineering material over a lifetime.

Radio receiver, AWA Radio - Radiolette 516M, Bakelite / glass / electronic components, designed and made by Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia Ltd), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1948

White Bakelite radio with horizontal moulded lines, speaker on left four slot speaker grill and red fabric covering. Circular frequency dial on right has two control knobs below it and 'AWA' printed in the centre of the dial. Dial features radio stations printed in blue, white and yellow.

Made: Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Pty Ltd; Sydney; 1948


Owned: 1940 - 1969

On back panel 'model 516MZ'

2007/17/5

1948

180 mm

275 mm

165 mm