owl,-ladybug-transistor-radio__3548
I love actual owls and ladybugs but none so much as these transistorized versions. I have entire zoos and forests of these things but these are two of my favorites – a ladybug who, when you twist her left eyeball, opens her wing to expose a still working speaker and an owl who, when you twist her right pink rhinestone eyeball, chirps the sound of AM radio as clear as the day she was hatched. I bought the owl in the early ’80s and she still works perfectly despite the fact that I’ve never changed her batteries.
The ladybug, all plastic and made in Hong Kong by Sonnet, British Design, is 5 inches long and an inch and a half tall and counting. She comes with a convenient wrist strap and two rubber antennae.
The owl, made in Japan, is 8 inches tall and fat with a plastic body and gold medal wings, eyes, legs and speaker holes in the crotch.

I love actual owls and ladybugs but none so much as these transistorized versions. I have entire zoos and forests of these things but these are two of my favorites – a ladybug who, when you twist her left eyeball, opens her wing to expose a still working speaker and an owl who, when you twist her right pink rhinestone eyeball, chirps the sound of AM radio as clear as the day she was hatched. I bought the owl in the early ’80s and she still works perfectly despite the fact that I’ve never changed her batteries.  

The ladybug’s all plastic and made in Hong Kong by Sonnet, British Design. Five inches long by an inch and a half tall, she comes with a convenient wrist strap and two rubber antennae which serve no apparent purpose.

The owl, made in Japan, is 8 inches tall and fat with a plastic body and gold medal wings, eyes, legs and speaker holes in the crotch.

Close ups of the species:

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7 Responses to “Allee Willis’ Kitsch O’ The Day – Outdoor Transistor Radio-Mania”

  1. Kathy Cunningham

    Ms. Curator Allee..
    While tantalized at both transistors..it’s my hope that both relayed at least one of the following: Mitch Miller -“Bridge On The River Kwai”..”Psychotic Reaction” – Count Five..”It Must Be Him” – Vicki Carr..or “Watching Scotty Grow – Bobby Goldsboro..so they wouldn’t be bugged by today’s radio..as it’s for the birds.

    Reply
  2. Allee

    Mitch Miller -“Bridge On The River Kwai” is literally on the playlist for the Grand Opening of the AW Museum Of Kitsch party Monday night. My lips are sore from whistling along.

    Reply
  3. AnnieCat

    I loved my “lady bug fold out wing radio” as a little kid. My mom has pictures of me holding it up to my ear at Christmas. I kind of remember it being on a necklace or wrist strap or something I could wear. Definitely one of my favorite childhood memories.

    Reply
  4. Bev Kirchner

    Do you know if someone is able to purchase a lady bug transistor radio? I am interested in purchasing one, but I am not having a lot of luck. Please let me know of a company, phone number or address if you have one available.

    Thanks a lot!

    Reply

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