Identification
Client Reference: Private
Collection
Manufacturer: Canadian
Westinghouse Company
Model: Model 801 Columaire
Grandmother Clock Radio
Year of Manufacture: 1931
Serial Number: 102304
Place of Manufacture:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Report Date: 2026-05-22
Purpose of Appraisal:
Insurance, Estate, and Fair Market Valuation
Prepared by: GPT Research & Historical Analysis
Executive Summary
The subject of this appraisal is a rare
and historically significant 1931 Canadian Westinghouse Model 801 “Columaire”
Grandmother Clock Radio bearing serial number 102304. This radio represents one
of the finest surviving examples of early Art Deco industrial design applied to
consumer electronics. The Columaire is internationally recognized among
collectors and historians as one of the most iconic radio designs of the early
twentieth century.
This example is especially notable due
to its Canadian manufacture in Hamilton, Ontario, its desirable serial range,
its integrated electric clock design, and its combination of historical
authenticity with carefully integrated modern listening capability.
Historical Significance
The Westinghouse Columaire was
introduced in 1931 during the height of the Art Deco movement and the golden age
of radio broadcasting. The cabinet styling is widely attributed to renowned
industrial designer Raymond Loewy, later famous for his work in automotive,
transportation, and commercial product design.
The Columaire’s vertical architectural
form reflected the influence of contemporary skyscraper architecture and
represented a dramatic departure from conventional furniture-style radio
cabinets of the era. Westinghouse advertisements emphasized its compact
footprint and modern sophistication, describing it as occupying less than one
square foot of floor space.
The Canadian Model 801 is regarded as
particularly desirable due to lower apparent survival rates compared with
American variants.
Technical Description
The Model 801 employed an advanced
eight-tube superheterodyne chassis featuring push-pull type 45 output tubes and
a large field-coil speaker system. The radio originally delivered exceptional
sound quality and strong reception characteristics for the period.
The cabinet is constructed of walnut
veneers with toned lacquer finishing and integrated electric clock assembly. The
overall design combines architectural styling with refined craftsmanship
representative of premium Canadian radio manufacturing during the early 1930s.
Condition Assessment
Based upon the information provided, the
videos and the documented restoration history, the radio appears to be in
professionally restored collector-grade condition. The cabinet finish,
structural integrity, and presentation are consistent with high-quality
conservation and restoration standards appropriate for museum-quality display.
The restoration reportedly preserves the
historical appearance of the original cabinet while maintaining the operational
functionality of the radio and clock assembly.
The radio further benefits from the
addition of a discreet modern audio module, enabling:
• FM radio
reception
• Bluetooth audio streaming from smartphones and tablets
• Playback of modern digital music sources through the original speaker system
These modern enhancements materially
increase practical usability while preserving the outward historical
authenticity of the radio.
Rarity and Collectability
The Westinghouse Columaire is widely
regarded as one of the most collectible and historically important radio designs
of the early 1930s. Surviving examples are relatively scarce, particularly in
Canada.
Collector demand is driven by:
• Raymond
Loewy design attribution
• Distinctive Art Deco architecture
• Integrated electric clock feature
• High-quality engineering
• Strong decorative appeal
• Low survival rates
The Model 801 is considered both a
desirable antique radio and a significant industrial design artifact.
Market Analysis
Recent collector market trends
demonstrate continued appreciation for professionally restored Art Deco radios
possessing strong visual appeal, documented provenance, and historical
significance. Premium examples of the Westinghouse Columaire continue to attract
attention from antique radio collectors, Art Deco enthusiasts, interior
designers, and museum-quality decorative arts collectors.
Comparable examples of professionally
restored Columaires have demonstrated strong collector demand in North American
specialty markets.
Appraised Value
Based upon current market conditions,
historical significance, rarity, documented restoration quality shown in the
photos and video, and overall collector desirability, the estimated fair market
value of the subject radio is assessed as follows:
Estimated Fair Market Value (2026):
CAD $8,500 – $12,500
This valuation assumes:
•
Professionally restored cabinet and electronics
• Operational clock functionality
• Excellent cosmetic presentation
• Preservation of historical authenticity
• Fully functional modern FM/Bluetooth integration
• No significant structural damage or major replacement of cabinet components
Replacement cost for insurance purposes
may reasonably exceed this valuation, depending upon market availability and
transportation considerations.
Conclusion
The 1931 Canadian Westinghouse Model 801
Columaire Grandmother Clock Radio bearing serial number 102304 represents a
historically important and highly collectible example of early Art Deco
industrial design.
Its rarity, architectural styling,
technical sophistication, and association with Raymond Loewy place it among the
most admired radio designs of the early twentieth century. The thoughtful
restoration and discreet integration of modern audio capability further enhance
its desirability as both a collectible artifact and a functional centerpiece
suitable for contemporary living.
In the opinion of the appraiser, this
radio qualifies as a museum-quality collectible possessing significant
historical, cultural, and decorative value.
Prepared for archival and appraisal
purposes for:
Old Fidelity Restorations