History of Catalin

The radio became a very important part of daily life in the United States during the 1930’s. Although radios were already popular in the 1920’s, their popularity truly boomed during the 30’s. In 1930, about 12 million US households owned a radio, but by 1939, that number had increased to 28 million. Radios were quite cherished parts of households during this time as the radio offered entertainment, family togetherness and it sustained an emotional link with a larger community. Radios also had a vast cultural effect because the radio generated an interest for all kinds of cultural activities where people otherwise may not have taken part.

As the 1930’s progressed and more and more households purchased radios, the styling and design of the radio became more important. Not only did Americans want something to hear, they also wanted something that was visually pleasing. The radio that was once used as a household utensil was quickly becoming a fashion statement. During the 30’s, the automobile and airplane industry as well as the Art Deco movement heavily influenced radio designers. The result was streamlined cabinets, distinctly automotive grills and architecturally influenced designs. With the advent of these new and innovative motifs, also came innovation in cabinet materials. A material that became very popular for radio cabinets was called “Catalin”. Catalin in itself had an interesting history, beginning in the mid 1920’s.

In 1926, several chemists embarked on experiments with phenol-formaldehyde compounds and by 1928 had refined the resin to a clear mixture. The material still had some minor problems, so chemists around the world tried for many years to find dyes that would keep their color during the process needed to set the material. Eventually, a group of German chemists found a way to make dyes directly from coal tar. Combined with varying amounts of water, the dyes could be added to the clear resin to create a wide variety of colors. Although one problem was solved, the new resin still could not hold up to the molding process, so they did more experimenting and found they could use a technique called casting. In casting, the molten material is poured into a lead mold that is then put into an oven to cure for three to eight days. Each mold is then flipped onto its side and air hammers are used to tap the molded item out of its lead mold. Because this great new material could now be more easily utilized, the American Catalin Corporation bought the rights to import the new German dyes to the United States in 1928. Their company name is where we get the word “Catalin”.

In the early 1930's the American Catalin Corporation began producing many items in Catalin, from jewelry to belt buckles to napkin rings. A few years later, Catalin began to be used in larger items such as radio cabinets. The candy-like colors of these catalin cabinets were an expensive addition to any home, but were very popular nonetheless. Prices ranged from $9.95 to $49.95 which was a significant investment in the years surrounding the Great Depression. America was the leader in the design and styling of these radios. Companies such as Emerson, Fada and Sentinel provided breathtaking sets that emulated the art-deco movement.

Catalin cabinets stand out from their Bakelite and plaskon cousins because of their thickness and polished feel. Catalin cabinets are usually brightly colored, which was made possible by the relative transparency of the basic phenolic casting resin. This characteristic, in addition to the fact that no added fillers were used, made the cabinet appear translucent as well as brightly colored. The unfortunate downside of these beautiful Catalin cabinets is that because they had no fibrous fillers to give them strength, they often cracked and chipped. Many times the engineering of the cabinet was inferior to the design and weight of the heavy steel and glass tube chassis', therefore cracks were inevitable. Another problem that has occurred is contraction of the material causing "shrinkage" of the cabinets. This shrinkage, unfortunately, was not taken into account during the manufacturing process. Chassis were made to fit snugly inside their catalin cabinets. Often, the three to four bolts that held the chassis to the cabinet, combined with the shrinkage over the years would be a recipe for disaster. Cracks between knob holes, screw holes and slots in the grill were likely, and that is mostly why the value of these treasures has risen so much. As well, trim pieces that were attached to the cabinet by glue or screws were often found cracked because the catalin trim and catalin cabinet would not shrink at the same rate. There is also the issue of color. These once bright and cheerfully colored cabinets over the years have transformed into much darker, duller colors once affected by years of smoke, dirt, dust and sunlight. What was originally white (alabaster) oxidized into a butterscotch, or even pumpkin color, bright lapis lazuli blue transformed into a dark seaweed green and brilliant Onyx green oxidized into a deep root beer color. This was due in part to the fact that the plastics had no UV (ultra-violet) light protection. However, the presence of phenyl alcohol in the plastic surface prevents the UV light from penetrating into the catalin cabinet walls; thus, the effect is only skin deep.

However you look at them, these incredible radios are the perfect example of vintage form and function. Out of a time of depression rose beautiful, brilliant and innovatively designed radios that remain centerpieces of homes and collectors’ gems to this day.