Seventy-five years ago, the June 14, 1948, issue of Life magazine carried this ad from RCA, showing the company’s lineup of portables, and suggesting that your sainted dad might enjoy one of them for Fathers Day.

The lowest cost option was the model 54B at $29.95, which was battery only.  The four-tube set measured about 6 by 4 by 3 inches.    The model 8BX5 at $34.95 could run on AC or DC power or battery.  It featured five tubes, since it also included a rectifier.

The top of the line was the 8BX6, dubbed the Globe-Trotter, for $49.95, which also had three-way power.  This set had six tubes and a four-inch speaker.