Sparton Radio Model 558-B, 1937

24-year-old-artist Vilktor Schreckengost designed a punch bowl in 1930 depicting New Year's Eve festivities in New York City as a celebration of the Jazz Age. He was commissioned by Eleanor Roosevelt who was so pleased with it that she ordered two more copies. Three versions were produced; this is the third version, intended for mass-production, dubbed "The Poor Man's Jazz Bowl".

This 1937 Sparton radio was designed by Walter Dorwin Teague, a designer renowned for his use of streamlined forms. A study in contrasts -- the blue mirrored finish and curved sled-like base suggest speed while the five jutting parallel panels appear almost architectural -- this expensive and glamorous radio had a limited market during the Great Depression.

This Crosley "Coloradio" tabletop radio was part of a product line named to highlight the wide range of colors its Bakelite case came in. This radio is notable for the influence of contemporary automobile styling upon its design. Many of Crosley's 1950s radios featured flashy chrome trim, fashionable colors, and circular dials reminiscent of automobile grills and instrument panels.

See Art Deco artifacts on display in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, as well as rarely-seen examples not currently on exhibit.