a short lived Tom Thumb Camera Radio post WW2
Toronto. A fitting post title for this novel c1948 camera/radio.
Editor Bob Lansdale (who ensures these bright crisp images) writes about his cover shot for issue 23-2, “The Tom Thumb Camera Radio, produced by the Automatic Radio Mfg. Co. of Boston ca. 1948 combines a plastic reflex novelty camera with a 4-tube portable radio–all in a wooden body with grey and red exterior.
“Member S. Chen has shown this gem at Toronto meetings. Radio controls and pop-up viewing hood are on the top while camera lenses, shutter and radio speaker are on the front.
“As seen in the cover photo, the front panel swings down to load 127 film or service the radio.” Bob’s write-up includes help from the McKeown’s Camera Guide available back around the fall of 1997.
Back in the late 40s, all radios used vacuum tubes – and either AC or batteries. Transistors and integrated circuits had not yet been created and marketed. By its very nature, the device was heated by the enclosed tubes – if you wanted music with your photos …
Be sure to visit our 2025 events (under PHSC EVENTS at right). You may not see a Tom Thumb Camera Radio but you will see lots of items, some which just may suit your collection!
