A Mystery 1960's Roberts Radio - Unboxing - First Look

This radio is very special, there were several 'one-offs' made by Roberts for such venues as the Earls Court Radio and Television Exhibition in the very early sixties. This I believe is one of those!
I threw a short video together to show it off in it's raw state, as it arrived with me. We will see it again here, but it needs work.
In my excitement, I got carried away, and prettied it up in just a few hours, the result you'll see at the end of this short show and tell. It's very nearly almost there.

[@gerardcarson2779]

Stunning radio. Unique and well done in acquiring it. Nice to see it going to such a good home where it will cherished!

[@SoddingaboutSi]

What a great fin. I could tell how excited you were while unboxing it.

[@Codeeze]

A one-off is a once in a lifetime find. I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it, I'm about to lose control and I think I like it ;)

[@AstonsVintageTechnologyWorkshp]

I do have a bit of a soft spot for the R200's, but that is a nice find. I must get my finger out and finish the yellow stars one I've got here one day, It's just finding the time. Cheers, Ast.

[@Radiocruncher]

That’s a very interesting radio Paul and a great find. Looks like it’s come up very nicely as well so great job. I was led to believe that the underline badge was fitted to the R200 and R300. The badge without the underline was fitted to the RT1. I assume the underline badge fitted was original to your radio. Loved the photos at the start as well. Cheers Graham

[@Codeeze]

Thanks Graham. It's a bit special isn't it. A Holy Grail moment if I am correct re it's origin. Before I cleaned it up, I could see the old 'shadow' of the original logo. As you'll know, the original logo had a bigger 'R' in a slightly different font - and had no underline. Early R200 sets mixed and matched what was left of the RT1 logos until they were gone. The badge fitted when I got it was someones emergency repair - which up to just, I've kept, but removed the underline with a scalpel and needle files. You'll see this in those last photos. When I find a perfect original scroll, it will be fitted to this R200. The croc material for the replacement handle has just arrived... Lastly, did you pay really close attention to the solid gold R200 in those B&W photos?... it had a telescopic aerial... 😉

[@Radiocruncher]

@@Codeeze Yes Paul it really is a one off. I know Roberts used to mess with different and limited edition coverings in the early days and they are very hard to come by. The problem with the early logo was it was so fragile that’s why a lot were changed to the underline version as it gave it more stability. I will see if I have a spare RT1 logo for you. I really didn’t notice the aerial so will have to look again. Cheers Graham

[@Theoobovril]

The R200 such a classic looking early 1960's radio' Code'...

[@Codeeze]

Uniquely classic it is too Mr Bovril!

[@pyeltd.5457]

Looks like the 1950s to me. I thought it was 1958 like the original mini

[@Retro_andy_1977]

Super amazing find Paul.

[@Codeeze]

Thanks Andy - I am a bit pleased 😉

[@Andrewausfa]

Nice find Paul. be good to see if Roberts have any photos of their stands at each event.

[@Codeeze]

I am looking Andrew. I'm sure there'll be something out there in the interwebs. I want to believe. (Cue the X-Files theme and call me Mulder)

[@pyeltd.5457]

on their website they have morden hipster pictures for marketing

[@Wenlocktvdx]

Amazing find. I suspect the solid gold one was melted down shortly after it was lifted, sadly.

[@Codeeze]

Yes, it's a super find! My best yet! The gold one sadly will have been scrapped out for sure 😢

[@ad6073]

A lovely looking radio, have you done video of it, when you have finished restoring it? thanks Amanda

[@gartmorn]

That was a bit of a tease not letting us see inside!

[@Codeeze]

Yes! - There's more to come. At the moment, it's all original inside, and that's how I'd like to keep it. I am working on a handle for it right now.

[@gartmorn]

@@Codeeze looking forward to seeing it refurbished and running!

[@Codeeze]

@@gartmorn #metoo!

[@batterymakermarkii2654]

So that's real crocodile skin, not just embossed leathercloth? If so, that is a SCORE!

[@GeorgeChristofi]

ooh, a special Roberts radio... don't get many of them to the pound

[@Codeeze]

just the one 🤗

[@oldblokeh]

Not bad, I suppose, for a Roberts. ;-)

[@Codeeze]

Indeed, not bad at all!

[@gerardcarson2779]

I’ve been thinking about this very nice - unique - radio, and as an “exhibition” model wondering if it has the normal type of serial number? If so I won’t ask what it is as that would give a clue as to what lurks within, and am looking forward to seeing what unfolds when you do go on to restore it.

[@Codeeze]

We'll have a look at the innards soon enough. The material has just arrived to make a replacement handle, so eventually, it will all come together. Serial starts with a 'V' 😉

[@ColoRadio6996]

Where is your glass of wine or beer?

[@Codeeze]

I don't drink wine or beer now. Just gallons of tea 😊

[@markpirateuk]

Nice find, I have a few R200's, but only red, green, & blue cabinets. I prefer the early sets, pre AF117's. I always fancied a one off model, solid walnut cabinet?

[@Codeeze]

I do have lots of the standard R200 model. But this one just sidelines all the rest of them for me! I have tinkered with the idea of a wooden one, but I would have to make it... maybe one day... 😉