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About the cloth

All cloth is manufactured in the USA primarily using rayon and/or cotton because these materials were actually used in the originals during the 1930s and 40s. We also offer polyester as an alternative for some patterns to satisfy those collectors who prefer less luster in the final product. There are more than 40 different patterns to choose from with more new ones constantly in the works ------ all viewable in four different ways:

  1. A Photo Gallery of all 40+ patterns.
  2. A listing of all 40+ patterns with sizes and prices
  3. View and/or print 3 colorful palettes showcasing all of the patterns: Palette #1, Palette #2, and Palette #3
  4. You can also see 12 individual pages showing the cloth alongside pictures of the radios they are used in as shown below:
      1. Philco (part 1)
      2. Philco (part 2)
      3. Philco (part 3)
      4. Westinghouse, Majestic and Stromberg
      5. Zenith (part 1)
      6. Zenith (part 2)
      7. Zenith (part 3)
      8. Zenith (part 4)
      9. Page 9 - Generic patterns
      10. Page 10 - Emerson and GE
      11. Page 11 - Art Deco and German patterns
      12. Page 12 - RCA and GE

Background

John and Mary Okolowicz have been offering exact reproduction grille cloths since 1991 as a service for the discriminating radiophile who wishes to restore the visual accuracy of his or her antique radio.

The numbers of different cloth patterns used in radios during the so called "golden age" (i.e. 1930-1940) are too numerous to count let alone to reproduce. Nevertheless, we have chosen to do those that are the most common or most requested, for example those used in Philco, Emerson, RCA, GE, Westinghouse and Stromberg radios. A few elaborate patterns that were used in more expensive sets, such as those produced by Zenith and E. H. Scott are also available due to the increased desirability of these sets by collectors.

For those sets with a one of a kind pattern, or for those whose original pattern is too far gone to correctly identify, we offer a few generic patterns, but for the most part our emphasis is on providing quality, accurate reproductions based on original patterns.