Iconic and extremely rare, this figural "Mickey Mouse" radio is one of their finest known specimens. Predicated in Australia in 1937, this model was Astor's first attempt at a Bakelite radio. The far rarer battery version sports a lovely contrasting white dial, which is a collectors prize. In superb original and working condition, this is the earliest version of a Mickey Mouse radio in Australia. The use of a Walt Disney character name without the studio's permission caught the ire of Disney Studios, infringing on their intellectual property. This began a long-running litigation battle between Radio Corporation and Walt Disney that the radio's diminutive size could never have suggested. In a stroke of irony, the colorful decal on the rear with Mickey Mouse states, "By Arrangement With Walt Disney Enterprises.” Since this actually was not the case, the result was that Astor was forbidden from using the name again, and so the "Mouse" was deleted on subsequent models, making this the toughest and most desirable version. It measures 9x7x7" and is in EX-MT condition with original Rola speaker with original knobs, dial and pointer, and operates perfectly off of 9 volt batteries. Overall, a highly attractive art deco piece that is pure Disneyana.