Patriot Radio (Emerson Model 400)
Design Date 1940
Designer Norman Bel Geddes (1893-1958, American)
Manufacturer Emerson Radio & Phonograph Corporation (1915-present), New York, NY
Media catalin
Dimensions 11 x 10 3/4 x 6 inches
The Patriot Radio was issued by Emerson Radio and Phonograph Corp. to commemorate their 50th anniversary. Designer Norman Bel Geddes was inspired by the American flag in both the color scheme and design of the radio as seen in the red and white stripes of the speaker grilles and the stars on the knobs. Emerson’s patriotic advertisements for the radio were emblazoned with Uncle Sam’s hat. Bel Geddes’s cars, trains and other industrial designs were examples of the streamlined style that characterized American design in the 1930s and 1940s. In exhibitions of his work at World’s Fairs, Bel Geddes promoted American design and technology. The radio was also available in white and red.
ON VIEW in the Studio Workroom 15
Markings Emerson label decal on front
Credit Line Collection Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
Accession Number 2012.0873
