This Play-Rite KT-80 was manufactured in Japan by Kobe Kogyo circa 1962. Although it is branded as a Play-Rite (Right?) most surviving examples can be found branded as Kobe Kogyo, with the same model number of KT-80.
There is something puzzling about horizontal radios; I always expect them to be a lot larger than their vertical counterparts but this little Play-Rite will slip easily into the pocket of your jeans. It measures just 4.5” x 2.8” x 0.9” (115mm L x 73mm H x 25mm W).
This is an unusual looking radio featuring a clear top mounted slide rule tuning dial and a painted speaker grill with gold plated metal trim. The speaker grill is an unusual color, kind of a purple/brown combo. It has a thick gold metal band around the sides and top. This radio has a ferrite antenna inside negating the need for its telescopic aerial? I think the aerial was just for show…
