I have just finished tearing open a package that I was too excited to open with my usual savoir faire. In my haste I remained careful not to damage the precious contents which now rest safely in my hands-a rare and stunning 1958 Toshiba transistor radio. It is a completely oddball-looking design with the tuning dial perched like a robot head atop a perforated metal speaker "body." It sports a couple of unusual features.

The tuning dial lights up at the push of a button, making it very bedside-friendly. More peculiar is a microphone jack in the side (anticipating karaoke I suppose). Remarkably, although 40 years old, it is in nearly perfect condition with no noticeable scratches, dents or dings. As I turn it around slowly, admiring all sides and features, I feel a sense of smugness. This jewel of a transistor did not come to me easily, but is in fact the pinnacle of a four-year search.