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Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

1934

  • Work on this object began.

2025

  • You found it!

Model 566 Bluebird Radio Radio, 1934

This is a radio. It was designed by Walter Dorwin Teague and manufactured by Sparton Corporation. It is dated 1934. Its medium is glass, chrome-plated steel, wood, paint, textile, electronic components. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Between 1934 and 1936, pioneer industrial designer Teague designed a series of radios for the Sparton Corporatoin. Teague's creations departed from the conventional wooden-cabinet radios that resembled historicized case furniture. This radio's circular, blue-mirrored-glass face and linear chrome decoration celebrate pure geometry, perfect for a modernist interior.

This object was donated by George R. Kravis II. It is credited Gift of George R. Kravis II.

Our curators have highlighted 7 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

  • Sunburst Radio
  • molded plastic, cast gilt-metal, chrome.
  • Gift of Anonymous Donor.
  • 1996-72-1

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 36.2 × 36.8 × 17.8 cm (14 1/4 in. × 14 1/2 in. × 7 in.)

Cite this object as

Model 566 Bluebird Radio Radio, 1934; Designed by Walter Dorwin Teague (American, 1883–1960); Manufactured by Sparton Corporation; glass, chrome-plated steel, wood, paint, textile, electronic components; H x W x D: 36.2 × 36.8 × 17.8 cm (14 1/4 in. × 14 1/2 in. × 7 in.); Gift of George R. Kravis II; 2018-22-1

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-3.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/68814023/ |title=Model 566 Bluebird Radio Radio, 1934 |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=10 July 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>