Historical Summary and
Collector Information

Overview

The 1931 Westinghouse Columaire is one of the most iconic Art Deco radios ever produced. Designed during the early Depression era, it combined advanced radio engineering with modern industrial design. Its tall, narrow “skyscraper” cabinet reflected the influence of urban architecture and modernistic styling popular in the early 1930s.

Designer

The Columaire cabinet was designed by renowned industrial designer Raymond Loewy, who later became famous for designing Studebaker automobiles, Greyhound buses, Shell branding, Lucky Strike packaging, and NASA interiors. The Columaire is considered one of his early major consumer product successes.

Manufacturing

The Canadian version of the Columaire, Model 801, was manufactured in Hamilton, Ontario by Canadian Westinghouse Company in 1931. American versions were sold under model numbers such as the WR-8.

Technical Features

The Canadian Model 801 used an 8-tube superheterodyne chassis with push-pull type 45 output tubes for rich audio performance. Features included:

• Walnut veneer cabinet
• Integrated electric clock
• Approximately 54 inches tall
• 8-inch field coil speaker
• Compact footprint occupying less than one square foot of floor space

Original Cost

The Columaire was considered a luxury radio during the Depression era. It is estimated to have sold for approximately $175–$250 in 1931, equivalent to roughly $3,500–$5,500 or more today, depending on the inflation calculation used.

Serial Number Information

The serial number of this set, 102304, fits within the documented range of surviving Canadian-produced Model 801 Columaires. This strongly supports authenticity and places the radio within the original 1931 Hamilton production run.

Canadian vs. U.S. Versions

Canadian-built Model 801 sets featured some chassis and component differences from American versions. Canadian examples are believed to survive in lower numbers and are highly regarded for their build quality and rarity.

Collector Value (2026 Estimates)

Approximate market values are:

• Unrestored: $1,500–$3,000
• Electronically restored: $3,000–$5,000
• Professionally restored: $6,000–$10,000+
• Exceptional museum-quality examples: $10,000–$15,000+

Historical Importance

The Columaire is widely considered one of the most important and beautiful radio designs of the early 1930s. It is valued both as a collectible radio and as a significant industrial design artifact representing the Art Deco era.

Reference Websites

https://www.radio-antiks.com/IndexRadio-Antiks_Westinghouse_Columaire_3.htm

https://retrovoltage.com/2013/07/15/1931-westinghouse-columaire-wr-8-grandfather-clock-radio/

https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Radio-Retailing/1931.htm

https://collections.artsmia.org/art/40281/columaire-clock-radio-raymond-fernand-loewy