[Eliot Ness]

So, assuming the radio was still in working order or had been restored, a post war model would pick up FM stations, and even a pre-war console could be fitted with some sort of FM tuner to do the same?

Basically, yes, that is correct.  The post war models would pick up the current FM band and a pre-war radio could be fitted with any number of aftermarket FM tuners to do the same.  I can't help you with desirable Canadian radios, but I'm sure one of the Canadian members will chime in shortly.