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PHILCO PHORUM

Additions to the June 1930 Philco line

In August 1930, Philco added two new models to its radio lineup - one for the very wealthy, and one which truly put Philco not only on the radio map, but in the Hall of Fame.

The new Concert Grand was basically a Model 296 in a much more ornate corner cabinet.

The other new model, the Baby Grand (Model 20), was the first such offering by any of the major radio manufacturers. (Some smaller radio makers had already begun offering "midget" radios; the term "cathedral" or "beehive" would not come into use until decades later, when they became collectible items.) At the price of $49.50 less tubes, reaching the market ten months after the 1929 stock market crash which marked the beginning of the Great Depression, it was an instant hit, making Philco the number one radio manufacturer in the industry. Philco would remain the top radio maker until after World War II.

In October, Philco took the "economy" radio idea a step further, introducing a new, small console which was dubbed the "Baby Grand Console." The new model contained the same chassis and speaker as did the Model 20 Baby Grand (cathedral).

Throughout this time, the Philco models which were put on the market in June 1930 remained available.

AUGUST 1930:

BABY GRAND (Model 20)

Here is Philco's very first "cathedral" model. The circuitry is similar to the much larger Model 77, but the parts are arranged on a much smaller and lighter chassis.

Original selling price: $49.50
Number made: 343,903 (NOTE: This figure includes January 1931 Model 20 Revised or Deluxe)

Photo credit: John Mielke

CONCERT GRAND

A set made for the very wealthy, but perhaps it was too "Grand" for the times. Due to economic conditions, such a set could not possibly have sold very well, and it didn't; making this model very hard to find today.

One needs to be seen to appreciate how large this radio is. It was made to be placed in the corner of a room; the back sides are beveled for this purpose.

Original selling price: $350
Number made: 300

Photo credit: James Warner

CONCERT GRAND (doors open)

This is how the magnificent Concert Grand looks with its doors open. It also has fold-open record storage bins on each side.

Photo credit: James Warner

OCTOBER 1930:

BABY GRAND CONSOLE (Model 20)

The Model 20 chassis and speaker was also used in this very compact floor model cabinet, which made a "furniture" model radio affordable.

Original selling price: $69.50
Number made: 70,000