ROBERTS R200 RED RETRO TRANSISTOR RADIO FULLY WORKING
This is a very nice example of a classic Roberts R200 portable transistor radio from the early sixties. The radio has been restored, cleaned and serviced and is in fully working condition. The case is finished in red leatherette – an iconic design for Roberts copied in their Revival series. Top dial is clear with MW and LW stations colour coded but there are a few light scratches to the perspex and the station dial where the pointer rubs. The original handle is good with brass work bright. Volume, Tuning and MW/LW/Off knobs are original with brass caps and felt washers. The red leatherette case is excellent condition with no nicks tears or rips. Inside the case is clean with no corrosion to the battery compartment The R200 has a rotating turntable base for optimum reception.
Sound quality is very clear with decent volume. Receives MW & LW via built in aerial which is very sensitive – picks up over 20 stations on MW here in the south east. Operates from an external 9v (pin negative) mains adapter (not supplied) or a 9v PP9 battery. Size – approx: 22cm wide, 14cm high, 10cm deep. Weighs in at 1.7Kg. Overall a very desirable iconic Roberts transistor radio.
And this is how it arrived with a dirty case, rusty battery compartment and tired state. The handle was not too bad, just as well as they are no longer available. I bought one of the last green handles from Roberts on many of my calls for R250 spares. East coast radio could no longer supply the white edged originals so R250 handles were fitted to later restoration projects.
A respray was the only option for the case in signal red – a Wilco enamel paint that took a long time to dry and harden. Note to self – don’t use. Car celulose based sprays are best and allow more coats to build a nice result. This paint was too glossy and lost definition with too thick coat to cover. Silver spray covered the battery compartment after a scrape and sand down. You can just see the slightly rougher finish in the restoration.A bronze war hammer acrylic on the Roberts badge finished the vintage look. New badges are too bright and look wrong but are an identical fit and could be repainted if yours is broken. Many 60s sets have the R broken caight by over zelous dusting no doubt.
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