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Grigsby-Grunow's diminutive Majestic model 149
table set was introduced in late 1933 or early 1934,
listed at $26.50. It was one of the last of the fabulous
smart-set series, introduced just prior to Grigsby
Grunow ceding to bankruptcy and corporate oblivion.
As a result it seldom shows up in collector circles.
Ostensibly, the 149 was a comsetic upgrade of the
earlier model 49B, which had been introduced in the
summer of 1933 (see them side-by-side below). View-
ed from the front, the cabinet's silhouette is essent-
ially a reflection of the 49's and its grille area extends
farther down, with the restyled brushed aluminum
insert now encompassing the knobs and dials. As a
counter to the 49's aura of crisp geometric precision,
the 149 has been artfully softened. It exhibits swept
lines and diminished contrast between its toned
wooden elements as well as a presumed floral theme
for its chrome*, grille cloth and knobs. Overall, the
designers must have felt that these changes would
increase sales by offering a set that was more harm-
onious to the decor in the typical home.
The 149's chassis appears to be the same as used
for the earlier 44 & 49 (chassis #440), though to be
honest, I have not looked at it real close to be sure
that minor changes were not made. However, some-
one in the past shared my opinion, as #440 is pen-
cilled on the rear of my chassis (click mid thumbnail
below).
*some original advertising, such as that below left, refers to the grille
insert as "chromium" whereas in fact it's brushed aluminum.
table set was introduced in late 1933 or early 1934,
listed at $26.50. It was one of the last of the fabulous
smart-set series, introduced just prior to Grigsby
Grunow ceding to bankruptcy and corporate oblivion.
As a result it seldom shows up in collector circles.
Ostensibly, the 149 was a comsetic upgrade of the
earlier model 49B, which had been introduced in the
summer of 1933 (see them side-by-side below). View-
ed from the front, the cabinet's silhouette is essent-
ially a reflection of the 49's and its grille area extends
farther down, with the restyled brushed aluminum
insert now encompassing the knobs and dials. As a
counter to the 49's aura of crisp geometric precision,
the 149 has been artfully softened. It exhibits swept
lines and diminished contrast between its toned
wooden elements as well as a presumed floral theme
for its chrome*, grille cloth and knobs. Overall, the
designers must have felt that these changes would
increase sales by offering a set that was more harm-
onious to the decor in the typical home.
The 149's chassis appears to be the same as used
for the earlier 44 & 49 (chassis #440), though to be
honest, I have not looked at it real close to be sure
that minor changes were not made. However, some-
one in the past shared my opinion, as #440 is pen-
cilled on the rear of my chassis (click mid thumbnail
below).
*some original advertising, such as that below left, refers to the grille
insert as "chromium" whereas in fact it's brushed aluminum.
Majestic (Grigsby-Grunow) Model 149 Table Radio (1933)
..the lustrous piano finish, the polished chromium grille.. are the outstanding
cabinet design improvements..
cabinet design improvements..
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