01
Subcontinental Broadcast Dial
Features historic broadcast stations across India and Pakistan, including Delhi, Bombay, Karachi, and Peshawar.
Curio Gallery
01 / 04
01 / 04Jhankar Three-Band Wooden Valve Table Radio — photograph 1
Highlights
Why this object
still matters.
Housed in a rich curved-front wooden cabinet, this Jhankar table radio features a dual-star glass tuning scale displaying medium and two shortwave frequency bands alongside regional South Asian broadcasting stations. The lower front section incorporates two cream-colored control knobs positioned below an intricate stamped lattice speaker grille bearing the signature Jhankar star badge. A prominent ribbed tuning wheel is mounted on the right side of the cabinet for station selection.
02
Three-Band Reception
Configured for Medium Wave (Kc/s) alongside Short-1 and Short-2 frequency bands for long-distance reception.
03
Curved Waterfall Cabinet
Constructed with distinctive rounded shoulder arches typical of mid-century Art Deco and streamline radio styling.
04
Original Jhankar Badging
Displays the raised metal star medallion on the grille and matching five-point star motifs on the dial glass.
05
Textured Metal Grille
Features an ornate pressed scale-pattern metallic mesh protecting the internal dynamic loudspeaker.
06
Ergonomic Side Tuning Wheel
Equipped with a knurled side-mounted selector wheel for smooth and precise frequency adjustment.
Specifications
The useful facts,
clearly recorded.
Measurements, construction, identity, and seller-supplied details are kept together for direct comparison.
Reviewed · Curio catalogue
Maker
Jhankar (Indian Plastics Ltd., Bombay)
Origin
India
Year
1955
Department
audio
Packed shipment
5 kg · 45 × 32 × 30 cm
Brand
Jhankar
Tuning Bands
Medium Wave (550–1600 Kc/s), Shortwave 1 (9–24 Mc/s), Shortwave 2 (3–10 Mc/s)
Cabinet Material
Wood with stained veneer finish
Controls
Two front-mounted rotary knobs, one right-side tuning wheel
Speaker Grille
Pressed patterned metallic mesh with Jhankar star emblem
Dial Stations Marked
Includes Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Karachi, Peshawar, and regional stations
Details
Close inspection,
recorded in photographs.
Detail № 01 · Jhankar Three-Band Wooden Valve Table Radio — photograph 2
Detail № 02 · Jhankar Three-Band Wooden Valve Table Radio — photograph 3
Heritage
A traceable life,
carefully recorded.
Provenance documentation was not supplied for this specific Jhankar Three-Band Wooden Valve Table Radio; this listing is based on the supplied photographs only.
Golden Era of South Asian Radio
Voices Across the Subcontinent
The station names imprinted on the glass dial reflect mid-century broadcasts that united diverse regions. Visible in the front photograph, these historic station callouts document the dawn of independent broadcasting across India and Pakistan.
Craftsmanship and Architecture
The Streamlined Wooden Enclosure
Side-profile inspection highlights the elegant curvature of the steam-bent wooden cabinet and authentic patina. The aged veneer tells a multi-decade story of domestic family entertainment gathered around evening wireless news transmissions.
Timeline
An object in time,
one continuous story.
1947
Post-Independence Broadcasting Expansion
All India Radio dramatically expanded its transmitter network across the subcontinent, spurring demand for domestic multi-band receivers.
1952
Rise of Indian Plastics Ltd. Radio Division
The Jhankar brand was introduced to the domestic Indian market, producing valve radios designed specifically for tropical reception.
1955
Introduction of Three-Band Domestic Receivers
Jhankar released table models featuring medium-wave and dual shortwave bands marked with major metropolitan transmission centers.
1965
Transition toward Transistor Technology
Bulky wooden valve receivers were gradually phased out across South Asian manufacturing in favor of portable transistor models.
Condition
Honest wear,
documented clearly.
The wooden cabinet exhibits authentic age-related wear including surface scuffs, localized finish crazing, and a distinct patch of veneer loss at the lower rear side corner. The printed glass tuning dial and metallic speaker grille remain intact and well-preserved with clear lettering. Rear wiring shows vintage insulated cabling with exposed lead ends, and all knobs appear intact with mild surface patination.
✓
InspectedVeneer Loss at Base
A triangular section of the wood veneer has chipped away at the lower corner of the side panel, revealing the lighter substrate beneath.
✓
InspectedCabinet Finish Wear
Surface scratches, contact marks, and lacquer checking are visible across the top curve and lower wooden front rail.
✓
InspectedIntact Tuning Glass
The front glass scale is free of visible cracks, retaining crisp white station markings, frequency scales, and star graphics.
✓
InspectedControl Knobs and Grille
Both front cream-toned knobs and the side-mounted dial wheel are intact with minor surface discoloration; the grille mesh is well-seated.
Logistics
Inspected, insured,
door to door.
Step 01
Delivery
Inspected, photographed, and packed with its condition report.
Step 02
Shipping
Custom-fit protective packing with tracked, insured courier service.
Step 03
Returns
Return requests are accepted within fourteen days of confirmed delivery.
Step 04
Dispatch
Prepared for courier handoff within three to five business days.
Acquisition
Make it part of
your collection.
Contact the seller for more information or to discuss this object.
✓ Insured Shipping✓ 14-Day Returns✓ Condition Report✓ Reviewed Listing
Jhankar Three-Band Wooden Valve Table Radio