It sounds like you have two bias cells… I have Rogers and Marconi radios that use them. They are 1.5 volts.sometimes you can check them with an ohmmeter and you may get a small reading. The radio will probably work without them.. I have used a 1.5 volt hearing aid battery in place of them and it does work.. Just make sure the polarity is correct
Probably otheres on the forum can shed more light on this topic

Hi! David
https://members.shaw.ca/pacifictv1/gbcells.jpg
Here is some info.

I recall reading somewhere that they can be rejuvenated by boiling a little distilled water, then turning off the heat, and dropping the cells in. The cup of the cell is zinc, the cap is carbon, and it’s sealed with a rubber disk, The rubber deteriorates with time and cracks. In hot water the air inside the cell expands,and should cause bubbling in the water. Then when the water cools some water is drawn into the cell by vacuum action. Let the water soak in for a while and then test the cell for voltage. From what I’ve read it should be 1 to 1 1/2 volts. If not the cell did not rejuvenate. Then the area of the sealing disc will have to be sealed with some type of glue or silicone.
Here is more rejuvenation info:
https://www.philcorepairbench.com/biascell.htm
Bob Masse