It was small and tubeless, and it didn't work well. Soon other American companies were making higher-quality transistor radios. By 1957, Japanese models were being sold. Collectors look for transistors made between 1954 and 1965, even if they don't work. The best are the pre-1964 radios whose dials have Civil Defense triangles or some other marks showing where to tune in the event of a Russian attack.
Collectors also like radios with colored, rather than black or white, cases.
But don't coat the wood or metal with wax, varnish, oil or other coatings that won't wash off. Ralph and Terry Kovel are the authors of several books on antiques collecting. They answer questions of general interest. Write to them in care of Orlando Sentinel, P.O. Box 211, Orlando, Fla. 32802-0211. They do not make personal replies.