This five-tube tabletop radio from Philco 1939 model year is a superb example of late Art Deco design. As a five-tube radio with its original 5 1/2-inch speaker, it has plenty of volume and brilliant fidelity.
History: This model first appeared in the fall of 1938 and sold into the 1939 model year. Nicknamed the 'Wave' for its unique grill design, this radio features a gorgeous American Walnut cabinet, contrasting inlays, a large gold dial, and fantastic performance. Only 34,025 were made. The original selling price was $19.95.
Today, this attractive radio is sought after by collectors but almost never found this condition. We acquired this radio in early 2018 from a collector who had not restored it. The cabinet was in good shape and had its original finish. The chassis was working but needed a full restoration and upgrade.
Cabinet: The cabinet with its vertical grain sliced walnut and is embellished with two bands of maple and mahogany inlays was left in its original condition. We added an exact match reproduction grille cloth and retained the original knobs.
Dial: The gold dial displaying all the station frequencies is quite impressive, especially in a dim or dark room. The dial displays the two bands, but this model was made with only – BC or AM Broadcast (550-1700 kHz). All letters and numbers of the main faceplate are legible and show virtually no signs of wear.
Chassis: We checked all the chassis’ capacitors, replacing resistors and tubes where needed. We completely removed, thoroughly cleaned, and lubricated the main tuning capacitor. It now spins easy and has proper cushioning when you turn the dial knob. We aligned the radio (both IF and RF), and it plays well across the entire broadcast band. See link to demo on YouTube below.
Speaker: Even though it performed well, we had the all-original 5 1/2-inch speaker cleaned and fixed some exceedingly small holes. The result is clear audio across the entire audio frequency range. This radio produces exceptional bass tones for its size and the great sound will fill the room. See link to demo on YouTube below.
Bluetooth: Additionally, we fitted this radio with our custom Bluetooth / MP3 adapter, which allows you to switch between the radio or your smartphone or music device. Access your streaming audio service or the playlist on your smart device to provide classic tunes and bring the warm, bright, analogue sound to any music or recording you choose. The quality of the sound is excellent. You will have the best of “digital” and “analog” combined.
Dimensions: 12 1/2" W x 8” H x 6 1/2" D
Weight: 9 Pounds
See demo video here. If you cannot view, then copy and paste the link to browser: https://youtu.be/fJSMUP5Xnh
History: This model first appeared in the fall of 1938 and sold into the 1939 model year. Nicknamed the 'Wave' for its unique grill design, this radio features a gorgeous American Walnut cabinet, contrasting inlays, a large gold dial, and fantastic performance. Only 34,025 were made. The original selling price was $19.95.
Today, this attractive radio is sought after by collectors but almost never found this condition. We acquired this radio in early 2018 from a collector who had not restored it. The cabinet was in good shape and had its original finish. The chassis was working but needed a full restoration and upgrade.
Cabinet: The cabinet with its vertical grain sliced walnut and is embellished with two bands of maple and mahogany inlays was left in its original condition. We added an exact match reproduction grille cloth and retained the original knobs.
Dial: The gold dial displaying all the station frequencies is quite impressive, especially in a dim or dark room. The dial displays the two bands, but this model was made with only – BC or AM Broadcast (550-1700 kHz). All letters and numbers of the main faceplate are legible and show virtually no signs of wear.
Chassis: We checked all the chassis’ capacitors, replacing resistors and tubes where needed. We completely removed, thoroughly cleaned, and lubricated the main tuning capacitor. It now spins easy and has proper cushioning when you turn the dial knob. We aligned the radio (both IF and RF), and it plays well across the entire broadcast band. See link to demo on YouTube below.
Speaker: Even though it performed well, we had the all-original 5 1/2-inch speaker cleaned and fixed some exceedingly small holes. The result is clear audio across the entire audio frequency range. This radio produces exceptional bass tones for its size and the great sound will fill the room. See link to demo on YouTube below.
Bluetooth: Additionally, we fitted this radio with our custom Bluetooth / MP3 adapter, which allows you to switch between the radio or your smartphone or music device. Access your streaming audio service or the playlist on your smart device to provide classic tunes and bring the warm, bright, analogue sound to any music or recording you choose. The quality of the sound is excellent. You will have the best of “digital” and “analog” combined.
Dimensions: 12 1/2" W x 8” H x 6 1/2" D
Weight: 9 Pounds
See demo video here. If you cannot view, then copy and paste the link to browser: https://youtu.be/fJSMUP5Xnh