This gorgeous Art Deco radio is the 1942 Philco 42-380X. It has a premium grade eight tube, 10-Watt output chassis, and it is an incredible performer. The radio picks up plenty of stations with its built-in tunable antenna and the wood cabinet and 12” speaker gives everything you play a deep, rich sound.
History - This model first appeared in the fall of 1941 and sold for USD $75.00. The cabinet of the 380X was identical to the 41-280X which it replaced. It featured push button selection of desired stations and received AM and two shortwave bands. This was a very popular model in the 1942 season. There were 103,225 of these units made.
Today, this attractive radio can almost never be found in this condition. We acquired it in early 2019 from the original owner in San Francisco. The cabinet was in good shape, but the faceplate was warped (common), had several chips and cracks, and had a couple of warped push buttons. The chassis was working but needed a full restoration and upgrade.
Cabinet – The cabinet got a complete restoration. We stripped the original lacquer and faux Walnut paper trim, toned the top piping pin stripes and footer. We replaced the center nameplate with real Walnut veneer. The entire cabinet was then sealed with a flat satin lacquer. All this made the original multi-colored veneers pop. We added period correct reproduction grille cloth and retained the original control knobs. The result is this handsome looking radio that will last many, many years into the future.
Dial – The very stylish Art Deco horizontal scale dial is quite an impressive sight - especially in a dim or dark room. The dial exhibits the broadcast scale at the bottom and two consecutive shortwave bands on top. The letters and number are very legible because red and white dial is made of glass and free & clear of any chips, breaks or cracks. The surrounding plastic faceplate has been replaced with a modern reproduction - as are the push buttons. The station preset identifiers are original to the San Francisco Bay area but are easily replaced with your local station call signs.
Chassis –For its age there was no damage and virtually no rust on the chassis. However, we did notice there was some previous work. At some point in the ‘60s or ‘70s the main power transformer was replaced. Still, we went through the entire underside of the chassis replacing all the capacitors, checking, and replacing resistors and wires where needed. We took extra steps and worked with the top expert at the California Historical Radio Society to ensure this radio produces no hum. It now plays very well across the dial and all bands even with its integrated antenna that sits below in the cabinet. That antenna can be turned to locate the best reception. All tubes were checked and replaced where needed with NOS (new old stock) tubes. However, we replaced the notoriously unsafe 6X5 rectifier tube (which converts AC power to DC power) with a new solid-state replacement. This common upgrade ensures that the power transformer stays intact for a lifetime.
We disassembled and lubricated the main tuning capacitor for smooth tuning operation. We added four new isolation grommets for the tuning condenser support and two for the push button deck. A new power cord, power resistor, filter capacitors, and fuse were installed for electrical safety. New silicone rubber chassis mounts were added for better vibration isolation. We added an auxiliary input and switch on the back and aligned the radio for the Bluetooth adapter.
Speaker – Even though it performed well, we had the all-original 12-inch speaker cleaned and reinforced. 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, this radio has been fitted with our exclusive Retro Radio Restore 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 “analogue” combined.
Year of Manufacture: 1941/1942
Band Frequency Ranges:
AM Broadcast Band..............540 – 1720 kHz
Shortwave Band 1……………….2.3 – 7.0 MHz
Shortwave Band 2……………….9.0 – 15.5 MHz
Included: Radio, Bluetooth Receiver, Bluetooth/MP3 Adapter, Instruction Manual, Original Philco Radio Service Bulletin No. 407
See demo on YouTube here: youtu.be/tQOC2UpiUi4
History - This model first appeared in the fall of 1941 and sold for USD $75.00. The cabinet of the 380X was identical to the 41-280X which it replaced. It featured push button selection of desired stations and received AM and two shortwave bands. This was a very popular model in the 1942 season. There were 103,225 of these units made.
Today, this attractive radio can almost never be found in this condition. We acquired it in early 2019 from the original owner in San Francisco. The cabinet was in good shape, but the faceplate was warped (common), had several chips and cracks, and had a couple of warped push buttons. The chassis was working but needed a full restoration and upgrade.
Cabinet – The cabinet got a complete restoration. We stripped the original lacquer and faux Walnut paper trim, toned the top piping pin stripes and footer. We replaced the center nameplate with real Walnut veneer. The entire cabinet was then sealed with a flat satin lacquer. All this made the original multi-colored veneers pop. We added period correct reproduction grille cloth and retained the original control knobs. The result is this handsome looking radio that will last many, many years into the future.
Dial – The very stylish Art Deco horizontal scale dial is quite an impressive sight - especially in a dim or dark room. The dial exhibits the broadcast scale at the bottom and two consecutive shortwave bands on top. The letters and number are very legible because red and white dial is made of glass and free & clear of any chips, breaks or cracks. The surrounding plastic faceplate has been replaced with a modern reproduction - as are the push buttons. The station preset identifiers are original to the San Francisco Bay area but are easily replaced with your local station call signs.
Chassis –For its age there was no damage and virtually no rust on the chassis. However, we did notice there was some previous work. At some point in the ‘60s or ‘70s the main power transformer was replaced. Still, we went through the entire underside of the chassis replacing all the capacitors, checking, and replacing resistors and wires where needed. We took extra steps and worked with the top expert at the California Historical Radio Society to ensure this radio produces no hum. It now plays very well across the dial and all bands even with its integrated antenna that sits below in the cabinet. That antenna can be turned to locate the best reception. All tubes were checked and replaced where needed with NOS (new old stock) tubes. However, we replaced the notoriously unsafe 6X5 rectifier tube (which converts AC power to DC power) with a new solid-state replacement. This common upgrade ensures that the power transformer stays intact for a lifetime.
We disassembled and lubricated the main tuning capacitor for smooth tuning operation. We added four new isolation grommets for the tuning condenser support and two for the push button deck. A new power cord, power resistor, filter capacitors, and fuse were installed for electrical safety. New silicone rubber chassis mounts were added for better vibration isolation. We added an auxiliary input and switch on the back and aligned the radio for the Bluetooth adapter.
Speaker – Even though it performed well, we had the all-original 12-inch speaker cleaned and reinforced. 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, this radio has been fitted with our exclusive Retro Radio Restore 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 “analogue” combined.
Year of Manufacture: 1941/1942
Band Frequency Ranges:
AM Broadcast Band..............540 – 1720 kHz
Shortwave Band 1……………….2.3 – 7.0 MHz
Shortwave Band 2……………….9.0 – 15.5 MHz
Included: Radio, Bluetooth Receiver, Bluetooth/MP3 Adapter, Instruction Manual, Original Philco Radio Service Bulletin No. 407
See demo on YouTube here: youtu.be/tQOC2UpiUi4