The micros are some of the most collectible transistor radios. They are remarkably small, especially considering they contain built-in speakers. Many were made by Standard (Micronic Ruby radios). Micro radios appeared with other names on them as well, by many different makers. All told, more than 40 different micros were produced. You can see them all in my book, VINTAGE MICRO TRANSISTOR RADIOS.

This Juliette TR-91M is complete with its rare companion Topp AMP-3 "all transistor micro radio amplifier." The amplifier is real wood in the style of a 1960s hi-fi. Under the lid is a place for paper clips or what-not, and cigarettes--that's a pack of vintage Avalons in the picture. The radio slides in and out of the front panel, mating the two prongs on the speaker box to the radio's earphone jacks. The amplifier sports twin speakers and is self-powered (by four C-cell batteries). It is 10 3/4" wide.

What defines a "Micro Radio?" Micro radios are the smallest category of full-featured transistor radios. Full-featured means having fully-functional tuning and volume controls, and a built-in speaker. A tiny radio built into a pen or a pair of sunglasses that plays only through an earphone, for example, is not a genuine micro by this definition. The next size up from the micros are the "mini" radios. They're a bit larger than the micros, but still smaller than a shirt-pocket radio. Many of these minis have straps or chains on them just like the micros. But most of the mini radios are a little newer and a little cheaper-looking than the micros, so they aren't as desirable. Micros can also be distinguished from minis by the type of batteries they use. Minis typically use easy-to-find penlite cells, while genuine micro radios use smaller, more expensive, and harder-to-find batteries, usually a pair of the #640 batteries.

See all the tiny, genuine micros in my book.