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All vintage electronics sold as-is due to age!
Vintage 1956 RCA Victor Model 8-BT-9E “Transistor Six” portable AM transistor radio.
This is a great-looking early RCA Victor transistor radio featuring a cream-colored cabinet, large circular tuning dial, perforated metal speaker grille, chrome/gold-tone trim, and RCA VICTOR lettering across the lower front.
The radio has been tested and is NOT WORKING and is being sold AS-IS for parts, repair, restoration, or display.
Reasonable offers welcome, happy to work with buyers.
CONDITION & TESTING:
• Tested and NOT WORKING.
• No normal radio operation was obtained during testing.
• Sold AS-IS for parts, repair, restoration, or display.
• One of the battery contacts/connectors shows some corrosion.
• Battery area should be inspected and serviced as necessary before any future attempt at operation.
• No electronic repairs or restoration have been performed.
• Due to the age and non-working condition of the radio, no functionality of individual internal components is guaranteed.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
• Overall, the radio presents nicely for its age, especially from the front.
• Radio has been carefully cosmetically cleaned and the cabinet presents considerably better, while retaining its original vintage appearance.
• Front face is attractive and remains in nice overall cosmetic condition.
• Cream-colored plastic cabinet shows some remaining age-related yellowing/discoloration, particularly along portions of the sides.
• Cabinet shows minor scuffs, scratches, marks, and normal wear consistent with age.
• No major cabinet cracks or chips were observed.
• Front perforated metal speaker grille remains intact and presents nicely overall.
• Circular tuning dial is intact with its original frequency markings visible.
• Tuning dial/knob area shows age-related finish wear, discoloration, paint/finish loss, and what appears to be some surface oxidation/rust.
• Chrome/gold-tone trim surrounding the dial shows normal age-related wear and patina.
• RCA VICTOR lettering across the lower front remains present and legible.
• Top of the cabinet has some blue-colored spotting/marks.
• Bottom is in good overall vintage condition with some discoloration and age-related wear.
• Rear of the cabinet cleaned up nicely but still shows minor scuffs, scratches, marks, and normal age-related wear.
• Battery contact area has some corrosion as noted above.
• Please carefully inspect ALL photographs for the exact cosmetic condition, including remaining yellowing, discoloration, blue spotting, oxidation, finish wear, corrosion, scuffs, scratches, marks, and other signs of age.
ABOUT THE RADIO:
The RCA Victor 8-BT-9E is an early American portable transistor radio dating to approximately 1956.
Known as the RCA Victor “Transistor Six,” the 8-BT-9E uses a six-transistor design and represents the early period of commercially produced portable transistor radios.
Its large circular tuning dial, perforated metal grille, cream cabinet, metallic trim, and prominent RCA Victor branding give it a particularly distinctive 1950s appearance.
Because this model dates from the early years of consumer transistor radios, it makes an attractive display piece even in its present non-working condition and would also be a good candidate for restoration by an experienced vintage-radio collector.
INCLUDED:
• RCA Victor Model 8-BT-9E Transistor Six portable radio
No batteries, original box, paperwork, case, headphones, or other accessories are included unless specifically pictured.
IMPORTANT VINTAGE ELECTRONICS NOTICE:
This is an approximately 70-year-old vintage electronic item.
The radio has been tested and is NOT WORKING.
One battery contact/connector shows some corrosion.
It is being sold AS-IS for parts, repair, restoration, collection, or display.
No guarantee is made regarding the condition of individual electronic components or the amount of repair necessary to restore operation.
Please review ALL photographs carefully before purchasing. The photographs are an important part of the description and show the exact radio being sold.
ITEM SPECIFICS:
Brand: RCA Victor
Model: 8-BT-9E
Series/Name: Transistor Six
Type: Portable Transistor Radio
Transistor Count: 6
Band: AM / Medium Wave
Color: Cream / Ivory with Metallic Accents
Power Source: Battery
Tested: Yes
Operational Condition: Not Working / For Parts or Repair
Approximate Year: 1956
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Vintage: Yes
Original/Reproduction: Original
Material: Plastic / Metal
Condition: For Parts or Not Working
Important — Please Read Before Buying
These radios are vintage/used electronic items, often decades old. Please understand the following before purchasing:
Tested vs. Untested: If a radio is listed as “tested and working,” it powered on and functioned at the time of testing. However, vintage electronics can fail unexpectedly due to age, aging components (capacitors, tubes, wiring), shipping vibration, or environmental changes. I cannot guarantee continued operation after the item leaves my hands.
Sold As-Is: All radios are sold as-is with no warranty, expressed or implied. What you see in the photos and read in the description is what you get.
Cosmetic Condition: These are old items and will show signs of age — wear, scratches, fading, dust, or minor flaws — even when not specifically mentioned. Please review all photos carefully, as photos are part of the description.
Restoration Note: Vintage radios often benefit from servicing by a qualified technician (recapping, tube replacement, alignment) before regular use. Buyers should factor this into their purchase decision.
Returns: Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery. Buyer pays return shipping. Item must be returned in the same condition it was received, with all original packaging. Refund issued once the item is received and inspected.
Questions: Please ask any questions before offerding or buying. I’m happy to provide additional photos or details.
By placing a offer or purchasing, you acknowledge you’ve read and accepted these terms.
Please review all photos carefully—what you see is exactly what you will receive.
This is a vintage item and may show minor signs of age or handling.
Condition is subjective
Colors may appear slightly different due to lighting and camera settings.
Ships fast and packed with care from a smoke-free home.
📦 Returns:
Returns accepted 30-day returns on this item. Buyer is responsible for return shipping.
🔍 Condition:
Returned item must be sent back in the same condition it was received.
Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the item description.
🎥 Color & Lighting Notice:
Colors may vary slightly due to lighting or camera differences, but photos accurately represent the item.
❗ Before Returning:
If you have any issues, please message me first — I respond quickly and can usually help without needing a return.
