The FADA 659 "Temple" is the shortwave version of the model 652 as it was advertised in 1947.
They surface much less frequently than the 652 which began production years earlier,
with the original design first released just before WWII in 1940-41 as the model 252.
The model 252 versions included a wood version as seen below.
Some cabinet variations include either 2 or 3 cut grooves above the knobs.
There are usually 7 cutout speaker grille slots, although some were made with 8 cutouts.
Some versions have inset louvered grilles and another had a somewhat unappealing open grille.
Catalin "gumdrop" knobs and a different dial design were used on pre-war "Temples".
This is a rare example with a beautifully marbled blue catalin cabinet and alabaster trim.
The catalin has faded to a dark green/blue from years of UV light exposure.
Shrinking cabinets were an unfortunate characteristic of catalin plastic and the Temple's design
often caused the dial glass or the catalin trim or cabinet to crack.
These shortwave versions looked identical, except for
the dial glass with the shortwave scale and
a lever switch in the chassis rear to switch between AM and Shortwave,
as seen below on the bottom chassis diagram.
I discovered the following service data in the original
Western Auto Supply Co.'s Truetone Radio manuals (Vol.4)
showing that Fada was another supplier for Western Auto's Truetone Radio retailers.
It is the only Fada-made radio shown in the manuals.
It is the Truetone model D2780 or Fada factory no. 659.
Neither models are listed in Sams or Riders Radio manuals.
I'm guessing I stumbled upon the long lost and sought after Fada 659 schematic.
The part numbers for the catalin knobs and cabinet match part numbers in Fada's model 652 documentation.
I have never seen or heard of the Fada 659 "Temple" with Truetone markings, but maybe there's one out there?
(maximize the window size for a closer look)
or click this link for a (Fada 659 schematic page close-up)
.
(model 652 catalin cabinet)
.
(model 252 wood cabinet)
A Fada 659 came up for auction in February of 2022.
The radio did not have a model 659 AM/SW dial, but a replacement 652 AM dial.
A close-up of the rear did show a 659 AM/SW switch on chassis.
The Wright auctioneers were probably shocked when
the hammer came down at $5000 (+ $1250 buyer fee = $6250 total).
Their estimate was only $300-500!
(www.wright20.com)
See our FADA HISTORY page for much more information.
Fada 652 dial glass available
CLICK for details
