SABA RADIO - Backlight publicity sign - Glass, Enamel

Extremely rare SABA double-sided lighted advertising board – Art Deco, c. 1935 (documented exemplar)

An exceptional and museum-worthy collectible: this original, double-sided illuminated SABA dealer advertising board from the 1930s is a rare relic from the golden era of early radio technology. Originating from Germany and manufactured for SABA (Schwarzwälder Apparate-Bau-Anstalt), one of Europe’s leading radio manufacturers at the time.

This is not a reproduction or a standard lightbox, but an authentic point-of-sale item that was specially produced at the time to represent SABA dealers and attract customers with modernity, innovation, and prestige.

What makes this piece truly unique:
- This exact model is documented in the original 1935 SABA catalog (see photo 2).
- As far as is known, no second specimen has appeared on the market – an extremely rare find for serious collectors.

The object:
- Original double-sided illuminated dealer advertising board
- Authentic 1930s Art Deco design
- Original enamelled metal housing
- Equipped with painted glass panels on both sides
- Lower panels with space for dealer information
- Internal lighting with 5x E27 fittings (working)
- Recently professionally cleaned, inspected, and ready for use

Condition:
- Original vintage object with clear, authentic signs of use and plenty of patina
- Fully functional lighting (5 light sources included)
- Glass panels show characterful patina appropriate to the age
- One panel contains two old cracks; these have been professionally stabilized and glued (visible in photos)
- Second panel is intact with signs of aging
- The bottom glass panels were intended to display the name of the selling shop

- The imperfections and patina emphasize the authenticity and nearly 90 years of history of this object.

Dimensions:

Board width: 61 cm
Total width including wall bracket: 90 cm
Height: 84 cm
Depth: 16 cm

Bracket:

Width: 29 cm
Height: 28 cm

Rarity & collecting value:
This is not a mass-produced item, but an exceptionally rare piece:

Pre-WWII (1930s)
Documented in the original SABA catalog (1935)
Double-sided original dealer board
Specifically designed for SABA
No known comparable specimens on the market
Possibly the only remaining example

Historical context:
SABA was founded in 1923 in the Black Forest and quickly grew to become one of Europe’s leading radio manufacturers. Around 1935 SABA held about 10% of the German market and ranked second, just behind Telefunken.

Note – shipping:
Auction listing states: Pickup only.
However: due to the dimensions and fragile glass, standard shipping is not possible. If shipping is desired, please contact us after the auction for a tailor-made shipping quote to your chosen country.