Richard, now that you mention? “curb appeal” at which model did Halli begin to emphasize appearance? Here are some features, looking at Dachis’ book:

Early cabinets were wooden, dials seem to be? exposed rotating pointers over 360 degree circular scales dials , knobs along the bottom and at other places all depending on the model no. ?some front panel plates ??were flush with the cabinet front or slightly recessed or overlapping [as a rackmount] ???

The S-9/sx-9 begins the exposed rotating scale with dangling ?metal pointer

The 5-T looks like the first all metal front plate panel and metal cabinet, and ??a glass protected pointer over a new styled illuminated scale?

The S-14 seems to have the front rounded onto the side ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

The S-16 began those decorative side strips ?and an S-meter with a matching window/bezel ? for the bandspread

The S-19 ?speaker began having a plastic hanging pointer and an “h” over the grille screen ?

The s-20R began the recessed, and mostly covered dial

The SX-23 is a strong contender when it comes to appearance? side louver strips[real louvers?] but mostly the dial cover extended out to cover the band spread and the S-meter

It was not until the SX 28 until the front-upper corner was more rounded?

Earlier models ?had a front panel plate which then was flush with the cabinet front or slightly recessed or overlapping [as a rackmount] ?then ?the radio front began to rap around onto the sidesetc ?

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When it comes to competitors the NC-2-40D and speaker is high on the list

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