Click here to see more Atwater Kent radios sold!
To see more of this seller's radios, visit Mike Boessen's Radio Attic.

THIS RADIO HAS BEEN SOLD!

As beautiful as it is rare, this Atwater Kent 856 from 1935 is a real eye catcher. AK also gave it some cool features, like a dial that lights the selected band, and a two-speed tuner that you can switch from high to low without removing your hand from the knob. The front is ornate and fitted with gorgeous booked veneer. The chassis is a very good performer with amazing sound from the perfect 8-inch speaker. This came to me with two coats of lead based white paint on it. After 12 hours of scrubbing I got 99.9% of it off, but damaged the front veneer in one spot (see photos). It really isn't terrible, and you don't notice it if you are not looking for it. The gloss finish is the slickest I have ever done. 18 coats were needed to cover up the grain after cleaning the white paint. While it retains a few specks and dings, it is crazy nice. A lot of people would call it piano finish. I replaced all the caps, most of the resistors and most of the rubber wiring. A full set of tubes that all test new for long service life. This thing was ruined when I got it, but now it is pretty much a show stopper.

THIS RADIO HAS BEEN SOLD!

As beautiful as it is rare, this Atwater Kent 856 from 1935 is a real eye catcher. AK also gave it some cool features, like a dial that lights the selected band, and a two-speed tuner that you can switch from high to low without removing your hand from the knob. The front is ornate and fitted with gorgeous booked veneer. The chassis is a very good performer with amazing sound from the perfect 8-inch speaker. This came to me with two coats of lead based white paint on it. After 12 hours of scrubbing I got 99.9% of it off, but damaged the front veneer in one spot (see photos). It really isn't terrible, and you don't notice it if you are not looking for it. The gloss finish is the slickest I have ever done. 18 coats were needed to cover up the grain after cleaning the white paint. While it retains a few specks and dings, it is crazy nice. A lot of people would call it piano finish. I replaced all the caps, most of the resistors and most of the rubber wiring. A full set of tubes that all test new for long service life. This thing was ruined when I got it, but now it is pretty much a show stopper.

Reported sold by Mike Boessen on May 20, 2026 Listed price on date of sale - $749.00

Back to Top

Radios for sale at the Radio Attic are offered by independent advertisers and not by the Webmaster.
Sellers are identified at the top of each page.  You must directly contact the seller to purchase a radio.
© 1999, 2026  the Radio Attic