Seventy-five years ago today, the July 22, 1946, issue of Life magazine carried this ad showing the postwar radio lineup from Bendix, manufactured by the radio division of Bendix Aviation Corporation.

One of the sets, the model 646A, was dubbed an “invisible radio,” whose “phantom dial” would disappear when turned off, turning it into a beautiful end table. You can see a nicely restored specimen at this link.

The dial is covered by wood grain, and without the dial illuminated, it does indeed blend in to the rest of the furniture. The speaker grill is at the rear, helping with the illusion. The set originally sold for $84.95.