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Seller's Description

Classic National Panasonic R-357 Portable AM/SW1 & 2 Transistor Radio - Rare - from the 1970s.Volume and Tone ControlsTuning/Fine TuningTuning MeterAM/SW1&2 Tuning Dial.Panel lights with switch.2 Speakers2 x Earphone socket.Telescopic Aerial.Battery Operated.Good working conditionVery Good cosmetic condition with only a couple of light marksI sell Retro Audio Professionally so all my equipment is cleaned, tested and operating correctly unless otherwise stated.Returns considered on a case by case basis.All Items located in Sydney for delivery or pickup.These are Vintage units...please do not expect it to look like or necessarily perform like it just left the showroom floor.Delivery East Coast is approximately 6 Business Days elsewhere is longer. I accept Bank Deposit/Transfer, Paypal or Cash on Pickup.

Our Thoughts RADAR AI

This US$169 ask is ambitious, sitting well above the 75th percentile of US$142 and nearly double the median of US$88 for recent comparable listings of the National Panasonic R-357. While vintage transistor radios like this 12-transistor, 3-band portable remain collectible for their AM/SW performance and dual-speaker design, the price reflects a premium not justified by the typical used market data unless the unit is in pristine, original-owner condition with rare accessories.

The R-357 is well-regarded for its robust 12-transistor circuit and clear 3-band reception, offering genuine retro utility for SW enthusiasts and a distinctive mid-century aesthetic. If this listing includes original packaging, a working belt clip, or evidence of careful storage, the extra cost might be defensible; otherwise, it’s a tough buy compared to the many US$52–US$142 options available. At this price, verify speaker integrity and band-switch function before committing.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Panasonic

Panasonic traces its roots to 1918, when Japanese innovator Konosuke Matsushita established Matsushita Electric Factory in Osaka, initially producing electrical sockets and plugs. The company expanded into radios by 1931 and audio equipment soon after, introducing the National brand domestically while debuting Panasonic in 1955 for export speakers—a name blending the Greek "pan" (universal) with "sonic" (sound) to symbolize global audio reach. In 1965, it launched the Technics sub-brand to compete internationally with premium hi-fi gear, cementing its heritage in reliable, innovative consumer electronics during Japan's postwar boom.

Panasonic's audio portfolio historically spanned amplifiers, receivers, turntables, speakers, and CD players, with iconic releases like the 1964 stereo console Asuka and the 1984 Technics SL-P50P CD player. Technics specialized in high-fidelity components such as direct-drive turntables (e.g., SL-1200 series) and precise amplifiers, while Panasonic offered broader home audio systems known for clean, lucid sound in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, the focus persists through Technics' revived high-resolution lineup, including premium amplifiers, speakers, headphones, and digital sources.

Positioned as a mid-tier mainstay with high-end aspirations via Technics, Panasonic earns respect for durable, value-driven performance rather than boutique exclusivity. Its vintage gear attracts collectors for robust build and musicality, while modern Technics targets discerning buyers seeking refined hi-fi without ultra-premium pricing. This blend of mass-market accessibility and audiophile credibility keeps it relevant in a competitive landscape.

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