01-04-2013, 11:40 PM
I have a big black dial Stewart Warner, a Canadian made R -145, I can say this about it, the build quality is better then an equivalent brand Z model just in the dial alone. The Brand Z sets usually used one of two things, a black and white back lite celluloid dial or a painted tin dial, the Stewart Warner has a front and reverse painted glass dial like a Sparton would have. However unlike most Canadian made editions of U.S models I think it uses a cheaper cabinet then the Chicago made versions. Stewart Warner, like Sparton, is somewhat of an off brand, and like Sparton is better known for making auto parts. Just like Sparton there are certain models that people pay attention to and lots of other that get overlooked on the race to the next brand Z shutterdial set, but as with Philco and C.G.E that's fine by me. I think the R1495 may be the U.S equivalent of a Canadian made Stewart Warner Mendelssohn model.
Regards
Arran
Regards
Arran