AWA Radiolette

The 500MY was the third of a long line of radios that used this cabinet.

The 500 series, and its Hotpoint G64 sibling, ran from just after the second world war until the early 1950s. It was a four valve setup using different configurations and intended for suburban use.

I have about 6 500 series and Hotpoint G64 radios from the series. The Hotpoint used a different cabinet that was much more squared off. Cabinets were available at different times made with wood, vinyl covered wood, and the most common Bakelite in tones of brown, cream, and a rare jade green.

They are relatively small radios and the chassis is quite packed.

Much has been written about these radios and the modifications that can be made to improve reception performance. The definitive guide can be read in the HRSA magazine "Radio Waves" issue of April 2025.

I also have an AWA 516M shown at right in the photograph below. It is an up dated 500xx chassis with a different transformer of the type used until the end of valve radio production. There are a few other minor updates.

The example shown below at left is a 500MY. It was purchased at a HRSA auction in 2023 and is the less common cream colour. It is yet to be restored.

Page last updated - July 2025