Radio Testing

I have a half-dozen radios that need testing to see if functional.

Other than swapping into a car and dicking with all that, is there an easy way to power up a radio on the bench? I suspect I can use my power supply and hook to any old speaker (at least for testing) but I didn't know if that risks hurting these dusty old units.

Also, does the antenna need to be hooked up for function, or is that just range?

Also, which wire is which!?

Thanks in advance!
-J