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FADA Model 358 Flash-O-Matic Table Radio (1937/1938)
This particularly stylish Fada model 358 table
radio was introduced late in 1937 for the 1938
model year. With a list price of $49.95, it feat-
ured Fada's Flash-O-Matic tuning along with
their new Glo-Dial. It was available either as a
5-tube AC or 6-tube AC/DC receiver.
I spied this pristine and somewhat rare radio in
Dec 2008 in the basement of an antiques store.
I was immediately struck by its beautiful two-
tone finish, magnificent grain highlights and by
its clean, elegant lines. All points considered, I
just couldn't contemplate leaving the store
without it! Moreover, soon after my purchase I
happened by chance to discover and speak to
its seller, who informed me that this set is the
one shown in a "Collector's Guide to Antique
Radios" (see p. 95 of the fifth edition by John
Slusser) and that prior to sale it had undergone
a complete and meticulous electrical restoration.
This 358 is a 5-tube AC superhet tuning the
standard broadcast band from 540-1720kcs
and shortwave from 5.6-19mcs. Tube line-up is
6A7 (mixer/LO), 6D6 (IF), 6Q7G (2nd det/
AVC/1st AF), 25L6G (AF out) & 25Z5 (rectifier).
radio was introduced late in 1937 for the 1938
model year. With a list price of $49.95, it feat-
ured Fada's Flash-O-Matic tuning along with
their new Glo-Dial. It was available either as a
5-tube AC or 6-tube AC/DC receiver.
I spied this pristine and somewhat rare radio in
Dec 2008 in the basement of an antiques store.
I was immediately struck by its beautiful two-
tone finish, magnificent grain highlights and by
its clean, elegant lines. All points considered, I
just couldn't contemplate leaving the store
without it! Moreover, soon after my purchase I
happened by chance to discover and speak to
its seller, who informed me that this set is the
one shown in a "Collector's Guide to Antique
Radios" (see p. 95 of the fifth edition by John
Slusser) and that prior to sale it had undergone
a complete and meticulous electrical restoration.
This 358 is a 5-tube AC superhet tuning the
standard broadcast band from 540-1720kcs
and shortwave from 5.6-19mcs. Tube line-up is
6A7 (mixer/LO), 6D6 (IF), 6Q7G (2nd det/
AVC/1st AF), 25L6G (AF out) & 25Z5 (rectifier).
The new Fada Glo-Dial is the most attractive dial ever designed for a radio cabinet...
| Fada Radios feature Glo-Dial and flash-o-matic tuning in their 1938 models. The Fada glo-dial has a raised shield with indirect lighting that adds beauty to the set as well as affording clear calibration for easy station location. Flash-o-matic tuning is offered in two series; one giving a choice of 6 stations, the second a choice of 10. After the device is set on desired stations no manual control is necessary. 1937 newspaper clipping |
The finger in the ad above conveys the
impression of push-button tuning, similar to
that adopted by many other sets introduced
that year. However, there are no push-
buttons, just transparent disks illuminated to
show the selected station. Flash-O-Matic
tuning is accomplished by turning the right-
most 6-position rotary knob to the position
corresponding to the desired station.
impression of push-button tuning, similar to
that adopted by many other sets introduced
that year. However, there are no push-
buttons, just transparent disks illuminated to
show the selected station. Flash-O-Matic
tuning is accomplished by turning the right-
most 6-position rotary knob to the position
corresponding to the desired station.
Knobs, left to right: Vol/On/Off, tone, dial tuning, BC/SW/flash-o-matic, flash-o-matic station selector