![]() Radio Row in NYC, 1950s Radios from the Swing Era | |||||||
| Hi Lindy
Hoppers!!! If the Lone Ranger were only on... ![]() We have restored a | |||||||
![]() Zenith Model 15U269 | |||||||
Posted February 2, 2005 Kent Martin's "Deco to the Max" Zenith One of our readers sent in this photo and an essay about his radio. We are pleased to show the photo and to reprint his essay: By Kent Martin Of all radio manufacturers during the fabulous Art Deco design years of the 1930s and 1940s, one company that has always shone brightly is the Zenith Radio Corporation of Chicago. With their beautiful and varied cabinet designs and high quality electronics these sets have become treasured collectibles by all who love Vintage radios. As my interest in old radios and collecting started to explode in the late 1980s, I purchased and sold many different models from numerous manufacturers but for one reason or another always seemed to return to Zenith as my personal favorite. After discovering the big "Z" logo and the quality that went into these sets, I was hooked and never looked back. Let's consider the Zeniths of 1938 for a moment. These Zenith sets have always intrigued me with their great Deco look with the big black motorized robot dials. Some collectors refer to this model as the shutter dial. It is quite an interesting design where the various short wave bands are opened up by moving a lever below the tuning knob that causes the dial face to open like camera irises or shutters. What a wonderful engineering feat! The patent for this new dial was issued to Zenith in 1937 and these sets were only produced for the one year - 1938. Usually, each year the radio industry as a whole came out with new models. As you can see, my Zenith 1938 model 15U269 console is a real beauty. This set is all original with the original grill cloth, a very fortunate circumstance, because it was used only on Zenith 15 tube consoles and is not reproduced today. According to The Old Radio Zone, the Supreme Authority on Zenith: "... The 15 tube (1501) chassis that came in these sets is huge and its tube complement includes: (2) 6K7, (1) 6L7, (4) 6J5, (1) 6H6, (4) 6V6, (2) 5Y4, (1) 6T5-tuning eye. The entire line of 15 tube models tuned 4 bands instead of the 3 offered in the 9 and 12-tube models. The additional "ultra" band, as signified by the "U" in the model number, also adds a fourth shutter dial. All of the 15 tube sets can tune from 540kc to 44,870kc..." This set was also the second model down from the 25-tube 1000Z Stratosphere in the 1938 line. With its twelve (12) inch dynamic audio speaker with adjustable bass baffle to compliment the receiver it was available in four different cabinet designs. They were the 15U269, 15U270-71, 15U272 (The Georgian), and the 15U273 (The Louis XV). The first mentioned above is the least expensive cabinet of all four, costing, in 1938, $185.00. It is the most distinctively Deco in design and in my opinion the best utilization of the robot dial to cabinet combination of the series. The other three (3) more expensive cabinets were very Victorian in style and really didn't present well with the robot dial. These consoles should have had a different dial design to go with their cabinets - a much too expensive quest for Zenith when each year they made entire line design changes. The famous Zenith logo "The Quality Goes In Before The Name Goes On" holds true for all Zenith radios but especially for these beautiful sets - 1938 is Deco personified and my favorite year. As a point of interest this year was also the year that Errol Flynn and Olivia De Havilland stared in the "Adventures of Robin Hood" one of my favorite swashbuckler films done in Technicolor. As I stated in the title of my article "Deco To The Max", this is how I will always see this fine radio. It is an excellent player and I enjoy listening to it on Sunday afternoons and evenings when local stations play the great crooners of the 1930s and 40s and the big band music of that long ago era. Click Here for a picture of another collector's Model 15U269 Here are the operating details of the "robot Dial" or "Shutter Dial" that are unique to the 1938 Zenith series. The shutter dial was invented by Kurt Emde of Chicago, Illinois and received US Patent 2,078031 on April 20, 1937. Mr. Emde was most likely an employee of the Zenith Corporation.
![]() The Emde "Shutter Dial" Click here if you want to learn how to get Patent Drawings The expensive console receivers of the 1930s were the equivalent of today's Home Theater systems. They were designed as "all wave" radios to cover a braod spectrum of broadcast frequencies including the low frequency local broadcast bands and the high frequency "short wave" bands. The latter were used for international broadcasts because it is possible to attain much more distance by reflecting short waves off atmospheric layers. Many listeners took great pleasure in hearing broacasts from London, Rome, Berlin and Tokyo. A considerable amount of fine classical music was available, and political news from world capitals was much sought out given the relatively limited coverage of newspapers. Also, the short wave bands allowed folks to listen in on police, fire, and aircraft radio traffic as well as time and weather information. The "all-wave" band system was somewhat analogous to today's cable programming. Prior to Mr. Emde's invention, the various "bands" were shown as concentric circles on a dial. Mr. Emde noted that "...the wide range of frequencies covered particularly the short wave bands cannot be indicated except in a very general way and .. has little practical value.. and is confusing to the operator..." The shutter dial offers the user a number of interchangeable dial faces that give the proper detail necessary to tune whatever band was desired. As you can see, this is a very complicated mechanism that must have added considerably to the cost of the radio. Although it is a fascinating device, its limited use probably meant that its appeal did not outweigh its cost. Low-cost radios eventually eliminated the short wave bands altogether. However, during the dark days of World War II, many people gathered around their Zenith to hear Edward R. Murrow give the blow-by-blow details of the Blitz. Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() GE Model 201 | |||||||
Posted May 13, 2005 Kim's 1964 GE Model 201 These little table radios were very popular and desirable in their day -- GE and Philco had some of the best designers in the country working on them. This photo was sent in to us by our reader Kim in Colorado. This one is special because it is not assymetric. If you look, most of the table radios radios between 1935 and 1955 have the speaker off to one side. The reason was that the old-style wooden "symmetric" radios, called "tombstones" (that's what they looked like) didn't perform all that well. The new circuits and smaller tubes that allowed plastic radios to be feasible -- and they generally split the cabinet volume with the right half components and the left half holding the biggest speaker possible (to get the amount of sound power that people wanted). Separating the speaker from the tubes was necessary because the heat from the tubes could melt the glue that held the speaker cone on (or set it on fire...) A radio with a big speaker looking at you from the left was considered to be "powerful" -- you could take it outside and listen to the ball game while you were washing your car. [My Dad did that...] This was a big factor in making an expensive purchase. These sets were about $30 in the 1940s when people raised a family of 4 on $2,000/yr income. That $30 in 1946 would be about $600 today, so this little gadget is akin to a plasma screen TV today -- it would have been a nice luxury for a working class family. There was an old adage in the radio business that you couldn't sell a radio with the speaker on the right side. This little GE 201 was one of the first to break out of that mold. However, it wasn't until the mid 50s that Zenith was able to do a large business with a symmetric design in the H725 (see below). Click Here for a picture of another collector's Model 201 Here are some photos of the back of the set. If you can't read the picture, the tube lineup is: 12S67 125A7 12SQ7 35L6 GT/G 35Z5 GT/G ![]() ![]() ![]() Technical details of the GE Model 201 Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() Silvertone Model 9006 Table Radio | |||||||
Posted January 31, 2003 1949 Silvertone Radio We found this lovely little AM radio at an estate sale on Mckinley Street in the District. It is in absolutely perfect shape and works very well. It is our guess that it was some kind of a gift that was put away in an attic and never played. We found it in the company of several other totally unused appliances. Here is the tube lineup:
Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() The Fabulous "Record-in-a-Slot" Philco 48-1201 ![]() Craig shows the set to Beverley and Randy ![]() The Amplifier ![]() The Recrd Handling Mechanism ![]() Delighted with the results! | |||||||
Posted December 3, 2002 The "Record-in-a-Slot" Philco 48-1201 This astounding portable record player is the property of none other than Craig Gildner of The Blue Sky Five. Here is what Craig has to say about this wonderful device: " The Philco is a model 48-1200. The ad I have for this model is from 1947. I have no idea how long they ran this model..and when I compared Robin's to mine, there were slight improvements in hers (motor fan integral with bushings, lip in spindle hole in turntable) which leads me to believe it was later in the production run. The actual unit pictured (sans case) is known in Philco's literature as an M-7. The first appearance of this device is 1946. I have a service manual dated as such, with a copyright of 1945. They show it being used in the Bing Crosby model radio/phonograph (46-1201, see below), and in a high end radio phonograph console. It has a 2 tube 1.5 watt amplifier, a 5" full range speaker whose frame acts as the negative lead, aluminum chassis and tonearm and a Shure crystal cartridge." ![]() Ad for the Model 46-120 Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() Philco 42-KR5 Radio ![]() Philco 42-KR3 ![]() The Refrigerator that these guys sat on ![]() The Combination ![]() Phico Refrigerator Ad from LIFE Magazine 10-06-1941 $114.75 in 1941 is the same as $2,409.75 in 2005 $259.95 in 1941 is the same as $5,458.95 in 2005 This was the "Zero King" of the 1940s! | |||||||
Posted November 30, 2002 Philco 'KR' Refrigerator Radios This was sent by the remarkable 40s Phil in Indiana. Phil writes: "This is a 1942 Philco 42-KR5 'refrigerator' radio. If you will notice, the bottom edge is rounded to sit nicely on a contemporary (1940s) refrigerator. Although this appears to be a plastic model, it is actually made of wood. I have forgotten the model number, but I also have a little brother to this radio that does not have a clock. The little brother (KR3) is not yet restored..." Note that these things now sell for $450 and up. ![]() Ad for the Philco Refrigerator ![]() Charming Kitchen Scene with the Philco Refrigerator ![]() Another Collector's 42-KR5 ![]() Another Collector's 42-KR3 ![]() A Bottle of Official Philco Refrigerator Cleaner Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() Arvin Table Model 441T Radio | |||||||
Posted November 22, 2002 Hopalong Cassidy Radio This was sent by the remarkable 40s Phil in Indiana. the Arvin model 441T featured the image of cowboy star, Hopalong Cassidy, on his horse Topper. The western motif was carried over to the metal back. When not in use, the wire antenna (the "Lariatenna") was intended to be hung from the pommel of a stylized saddle embossed on the back. This was a 4-tube set with a totally unbreakable metal cabinet, that was available in red or black. The red version seems to be commoner, but tends to command higher prices. The front is a piece of embossed and painted foil, and often shows finger wear around the knobs. Phil writes: "The metal sign indicates that the price was $16. I bought this at an extremely 'ratty' moving/storage company in the worst section of Cincinnati, Ohio about 10 years ago. At that time I wasn't particularly interested in it but I figured I couldn't go too far wrong for ....... $4.50. It needed some electrical work and I put a new paint job on it.." Note that these things now sell for $450 and up. Click Here to see another collector's 441T. And, Here is another. Check my page on Vintage Toys for more Hopalong Cassidy stuff. Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() ![]() Customized GE F-40 Table Radio | |||||||
Posted November 5, 2002 General Electric Model F-40 Radio This vary rare radio was restored by one of our readers, the remarkable 40s Phil in Indiana. Phil writes: "The radio is a G.E. F 40. It was originally just brown bakelite - I couldn't resist adding the Deco paint job. Click Here for a schematic for the radio." Click Here to see what the F-40 looked like before Phil applied his custom paint job. I agree with Phil when he says that if GE used this color scheme, they would have sold ten times as many of these radios! Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() ![]() General Television Model 588 Radio | |||||||
Posted November 5, 2002 General Television Model 588 Radio The General Television and Radio Corp of Chicago, Illinois made this marvelous tabletop radio, known as Model 588. An interior metal plate, which is visible from the outside, indicates that it was licensed under patents of Radio Corporation of America and associated companies and with Hazeltine Corporation. Click Here to see more radios made by the GT&R Corporation. This set was restored by one of our readers, the remarkable 40s Phil in Indiana. Phil writes: "Here's one I'll bet you've never seen before. It's a General Television Model 588. I'm sure it's not the only one in the world, but I have never seem another one either for sale, in a collection, or in a radio book " Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() ![]() The Smokerette, Ash Tray and Radio | |||||||
Posted November 5, 2002 The Smokerette Ash Tray and Radio Smokerette (Model SR-600) by Porto Products of Chicago, Illinois. It uses a Stewart Warner radio chassis, circa 1947. It receives AM broadcasts,only and was designed by Barnes and Reinecke. Click Here to see a Smokerette in Brown. The radio has racks for up to four pipes and compartments to store tobacco, and an ash tray. This set was restored by one of our readers, the remarkable 40s Phil in Indiana. Phil writes: "I noticed that your radio page had a combo bar/radio on it. Here's a combination of a smoke stand/radio/ashtray that you might like." Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() Philco Model 42-380 Radio | |||||||
Posted October 30, 2002 Philco "42-380" Console Radio This photo of a wonderful 1942 Philco console radio was sent to us by Paul, one of our readers. He writes " I just got this Philco radio model 42-380. I paid $65 for it. It's generally in good shape and the finish is fine and there is no water damage. It is missing two push buttons and there is a small tear in the grill cloth. I took out the chassis and it is all original except for the filter capacitorss and the power cord. As I look at the schematic I see it has two # 41 pentodes in push pull for the output stage all the other tubes are loctal but the 6X5 rectifier ( octal ) It has a cool dial with all the countries, two Short Wave Bands -- (a) broadcast and (b) police/aircraft " Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() G.E. Model J-61 Radio ![]() Back of the G.E. Set | |||||||
Posted July 3, 2002 General Electric "J-61" Radio This is another artifact from Carl Kirtley's Treasure House. The model is quite unusual in that it is symmetric, giving the appearance that it has two speakers. In fact, there is only one, in the left bay. The right bay has a loop antenna. From what we can see, this appears to be a variant of model GE H-624. Both models share the same center design (and push button tuning). More about this will be posted soon Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() Crosley Model 11-107-U Radio "The Decorator" | |||||||
Posted July 3, 2002 Crosley "11-107-U" Radio This is another artifact from Carl Kirtley's Treasure House. This is also known as "The Decorator", because it was only available through interior decorators. It has a lot of style, but it is not at all different in performance or circuitry from other Crosley plastic radios of the early 1950s. This one was probably made in 1952. From what we can see on e-bay, the Black Version seems to fetch more money. Here is another Collector's Model 11-107U And, here is the Brown Version. More about this will be posted soon Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() The RCA 9K2 | |||||||
The RCA 9K2 and the RCA 811K RCA 9K2 Posted April 4, 2002 RCA 811K Posted July 6, 2006 Back in 2002, I posted a picture of the RCA 9K2 because it is the "Little Sister" of the Mighty 811K that we were restoring. It has taken more than four years to finish the 811K, one of the most complicated radios that I have ever seen! This is a lower priced model that was offered a year after the 811K. It has the "Magic Eye" tuner. ( Click here to learn more about the Magic Eye.) ![]() The RCA 9K2 from the back ![]() Closeup of the Magic Eye Sticker The Tube Lineup is:
Other photos of the RCA 9K2 may be found at:
The 811K is a magnificent console radio that was the top-of-the-line in 1937. It employed a whole lot of "magic" for its day:
All of these features did not come cheap. The thing cost $692 in 1937, roughly the equivalent of a new Ford car. It was BIG -- it stands 43 inches high, is 29 inches wide and 15 inches deep. It weighs nearly 80 pounds. The cabinet is meticulously crafted, featuring four woods and six veneer styles. For more technical details, Check out this source. As I said, I spent nearly 4 years (off-and-on) restoring it. Here are some of the photos: ![]() The RCA 811K in the Junk Store ![]() The RCA 811K in the Back of my Car ![]() The Restored RCA 811K ![]() The RCA 811K in My Home Office ![]() The RCA 811K Dial with Push Button Tuning The "Magic Eye is at the Top Center ![]() Another Collector's 811K Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() Emerson 511 | |||||||
Posted March 24, 2005 The Emerson Model 511 This radio, made in 1946, has a Bakelite Case, although Emerson also made a wood version of this design. This one is my favorite with the green-swirled Bakelite. The dial cover seems to float over the gold metallic grill, which covers much of the front. The dial cover is held on at the top top little cube of translucent ivory plastic (shown right above the dial indicator). A pilot light is hidden in this cube. When you turn on the radio, the illuminated block lights the dial. Here is a Red version of the set that was sent in by one of our readers ![]() A Red Emerson 511 Here is a picture of a whole bunch of moderne radios that was sent in by our reader Mark: ![]() A Row of Emerson 511 Radios Mark writes: ..." I saw your picture of the Emersion 517 radio and though you could use a better picture of them. The shelf did not have room for [my whole collection] and the wooden version and the brown bakelite version are not shown. There are some radios for which the grill was painted blue instead of gold, although I believe that this was not done at the factory. The red with gold swirl and the green with gold swirl are the most sought after. The brown and black are made of bakelite and rest are made of Plaskon. The Plaskon version almost always have a 3/8" crack in the case at the front left bottom corner where the front grill meet the case. Those that do not bring very high price. The radios on the shelf are: black, white, white with gold swirl, green with gold swirl and red with gold swirl. This radio was designed by Raymond Loewy "... Here are links to pictures of OTHER Model 511 radios:
Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() Farnsworth Console Radio-Phono, closed Model EK-263 ![]() Farnsworth Console Radio-Phono, open | |||||||
Posted November 28, 2001 This gorgeous Farnsworth Model EK-263 Style-Moderne radio-phonograph console was left for junk at Dixon's Auction (nobody bid on it!) I grabbed it up and brought it home. In all fairness, it was a real wreck. I really wish that I had made "Before" and "After" photos. The turntable and radio actually work, although they have been augmented by a modern amplifier, a tape drive, an FM tuner, and a 100CD changer. This required BOTH extensive carpentry and a whole lot of electrical fidgeting. Now, this was made by the Farnsworth Company somewhere around 1947. Why is that significant? Click here to learn about visionary inventor and businessman Philo Farnsworth. Believe me, this is worth the diversion... The Tube Lineup is:
Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() The "Empress" The Reptile Radio | |||||||
Posted November 15, 2001 This is "The Empress", a lovely portable radio in a plywood case that is covered with a simulated alligator finish. The radio will work on either battery power or AC This is Model 341T manufactured by the Signal Electronics Corporation, 114 East 16th Street, New York 3, new York. I believe that in the 1930s and 1940s this part of 16th street was known as "Radio Row". The set bears serial number 65154; a sticker inside indicates that the radio was made under agreements with both RCA and the Hazeltine Corporation. The Tube Lineup is:
Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() Small table Radio | |||||||
Posted November 15, 2001 This is a small bakelite table radio, RCA model 65X2. The original color is white, and someone has (badly) applied a dark spray, possibly to make it look more like Bakelite. This case will require a lot of patient effort working with vaseline and steel wool to remove the junky paint. Watch this space in about a year to see the finished product... This radio is distinguished for two reasons:
Click Here for a picture of another Collector's Model 65X2. This simple Superheterodyne AM set bears serial number B206565, Chassis number RC1064 B 274. The Tube Lineup is:
Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() Zenith Radio, Before ![]() Zenith Model H725 Radio, After | |||||||
Posted June 15, 2001 I found this wonderful Zenith Model H725 radio from the 1950s at a thrift store in Front Royal. It has an unusually big speaker and a great tone for old-time Rock 'n Roll. The "Dagmar" knobs are quite distinctive --- and it has an FM tuner, quite an expensive item in its era.. This type of radio is somewhat common; however, there is a radio-phonograph combination with this same design that is exceptionally rare and valuable. Click here for more photos from the 725 series When I got the radio, it was encrusted with grime and covered with mildew. My guess is that it spent a lot of its life in a garage, and then was relegated to a humid basement. The cleanup was effected with very fine (#0000) steel wool and Vaseline --- very carefully and slowly apply the vaseline and rub in small circles without much pressure. The petroleum jelly will slowly dissolve the grease without removing the paint. I had to make a tuner needle out of brass stock The Chassis number is 7K01. There is a code number 317787 on the back, which may be a part number or a serial number. Here is the Tube Lineup:
Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() RCA 8X71, Before ![]() RCA 8X71, After 7 Tube AM-FM Receiver made in 1949 | |||||||
Posted June 15, 2001 This radio turned up at a yard sale This radio was made in 1949, and all it needed was a little cleaning. The Bakelite knobs are very nice, and it has a great sound. This radio also has both AM and FM circuits. I suspect that this is much earlier than the Zenith radio above, because a sticker on the base gives extensive instructions about preparing an external antenna. Of note, there is also another sticker that says the following: includes the matched elements required in the production of Golden Throat Tone" (signed) D.D. Cole Chief Engineer Instrument department RCA VICTOR Take a look at the Advertisement below to get a feel for the "Golden Throat Tone" advertisement campaign. D.D. Cole was right --- this set does sound VERY good for all kinds of music. I am impressed! ![]() 1949 Advertisement for the RCA 8X71 for another photo of an 8X71 in another collection. Here is the Technical Detail Model 8-X-71 Superheterodyne Range: AM 540 to 1600 KC FM 88 to 108 MC (Post Armstrong Era) Serial B016704 This 7-tube set bears serial number B016704. The Tube Lineup is:
Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
Zenith Model R723 Table radio | |||||||
Posted January 10, 2002 This is a very nice AM/FM radio that I found in a thrift store. It works perfectly, so I have not had to so much with it. It dates from about 1953. The back of the radio indicatesthat teh set was serviced at Potomac Valley Electronics, 6901 MacArthur Blvd, Washington, DC. The phone is OL-4-5140. Click here for more photos from the 725 series This model has Chassis 7H0422, and draws 30 watts. The Tube Lineup is:
Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() Meck Radio The "Trail Blazer" | |||||||
This lovely little five tube radio was made by John Meck Industries Inc. of Plymouth Indiana in 1948. This is Model 5E7/x-12, Serial number 385211. It draws 35 watts and works just fine. Alas, AM only. Click here to see a "Cousin" of the 5E7 in another collection --- this is the 5A7 and it has a Handle. Click here to see how the collector restored this radio. Click Here to see the same radio in brown from another collection. Click here for yet another photo from another collection (this is a popular little set...) The Tube Lineup is:
Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() Fada Radio A Sound Design | |||||||
This is the very famous Model 1000 table radio made by the FADA Corporation on Long Island. This is the quintessential icon of 1940s design in radios that appears in widely in books. This is probably the most desirable of all Bakelite table radios. Specimens in good condition can fetch over $2,500. The name "FADA" is derived from the initials of the brilliant electronics engineer, Frederic Anthony D'Andrea. During the 1950s, D'Andrea television sets were widely held to be the absolute best available. This model was made in 1946. It has a simple 6-tube superheterodyne regenerative circuit --- in other words, it is a normal garden variety AM radio. It is fairly selective, better than a Zenith of the same period that I have. The interest is in the case, not the quality of the radio reception. The case is made of Catalin, a trade-marked method casting phenolic resin plastic without the high pressure required to make the sister product Bakelite. Here is the Tube lineup:
Click here to view a 1946 Fada Radio Advertisement I found this in a junk store in Denver in 1979 and paid about $3 for it. The burgundy and butterscotch color scheme is my favorite of the lot, although they came in a wide variety of colors. White and Butterscotch is also a desirable color scheme. It still works. Here are more of these gorgeous babies:
Click here to look at another type of collectible, or keep on scrolling for more Radios. | |||||||
![]() Philco Beehive Radio HENRY! Henry Aldrich! | |||||||
This is the classic Philco radio, symbolic of that which was in the homes of thousands and thousands of Americans during the 1930s. This particular model was made in 1937 and has the designation Model 37-60B. We can just imagine the soft golden glow of the dial in a darkened room as folks gathered around the set to listen to "The Green Hornet" or "Fibber McGee and Molly" or maybe to hear the results of the Lindbergh kidnapping trial or the Hindenburg disaster. Perhaps this radio actually broadcast Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" program and its original owners got scared out of their wits. I got this radio in Charlottesville in about 1972. It spent a part of its life in the Billiards parlor out behind Eljo's and I picked it up for about a dollar in the auction when the place closed. That's another story... (actually, the Charlottesville Billiards parlor is memorialized in Installment 13 of The Serial) The problem with these Philco radios is that the elaborate burl inlay on the face is not really wood --- in fact, it is varnished paper. Over time, the paper deteriorates. In order to restore it, I had to use a very thin brush and draw in the missing detail. This was a VERY tedious process! And, you have no idea how difficult it was to find authentic parts for the radio. Here is some technical detail from the label: Code 121 115 VAC 50-60 Cycles 60 Watts 39-4759 Cabinet: part 10226A The Tube Lineup is:
Click here to look at another type of collectible. Vintage Radio Ads![]() 1941 Advertisement for the Philco 1256 ![]() 1941 Advertisement for the Crosley line of radios Free Hit Counters To the vintage radios page this Week | |||||||
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