tal , 6 days ago (edited 6 days ago)

One last thought- Bakelite seems to love dust. I’m going to dust them regularly, but if there is a way to light them well without making the dust show up well, that would be great.

Are you going to listen to the radios or look at them?

If you don't need to listen to them, so the glass won't be an issue, I imagine that you could put them in one of those glass-fronted display cabinets that are designed for this sort of thing, displaying china and such.

EDIT: Also, I remember reading that Bakelite does slowly break down. I don't know if sunlight accelerates that; it does affect a lot of substances. If so, you might want to keep it away from sunlight.

kagis

Yeah, sounds like it.

https://www.beeplastic.com/blogs/beeplastic-information-station/unraveling-bakelite-understanding-its-disadvantages-and-limitations-in-the-modern-world

Extended exposure to heat and sunlight also degrades pure Bakelite faster than more advanced plastics.

Discoloration – Bakelite often yellows with age and extended UV exposure. Keeping items out of sunlight can minimize this effect.