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PHILCO PHORUM

 

Philco for 1931 (introduced June 1931)

The Philco line was greatly expanded for 1931-32 and now included two battery models, two DC-only models, and quite a few AC models from 7 to 11 tubes including two radio-phonographs and even a chairside model.

Initially, all of the new Philco models were superheterodynes except for the TRF Model 46, which was a DC-only set. (Incidentally, the 46 Baby Grand is the only model carried over from March 1931, and is not pictured on this page; see the March 1931 page to view that model.)

Four new Philco cabinets (112 lowboy, 112 highboy, 212 radio-phonograph, and 370 Lazyboy) were designed by the famous industrial designer, Norman Bel Geddes. These cabinets carried a special decal inside with a stylized NBG on the left side, and which stated, "This cabinet designed by Norman Bel Geddes."

MODEL 35 BABY GRAND

Designed for operation where AC or DC current was not available, such as farms and rural areas, the Model 35 is the battery-operated version of the AC Model 70. It uses the superheterodyne circuit. It may be distinguished from Model 70 in that it uses screws with rosettes to hold its heavy permanent magnet speaker in place.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 288,620 (NOTE: This figure includes production of Model 70 Baby Grand as well as March 1930 Models 21 & 46 Baby Grands, and early Fall 1931 Model 50 Baby Grand)


MODEL 35 HIGHBOY

A battery-operated chassis in a furniture cabinet that is identical in appearance to the Model 70 Highboy.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 120,220 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 46 & 70 Highboys)


MODEL 46 HIGHBOY

A new Highboy furniture cabinet for the Model 46.

Original selling price: $76.75
Number made: 120,220 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 35 & 70 Highboys)

Photo credit: Willeezwarez


MODEL 70 BABY GRAND (Walnut)

The seven-tube AC version of this classic receiver. It is most often found in walnut, although mahogany versions also exist (see below).

Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 288,620 (NOTE: This figure includes production of Model 35 Baby Grand as well as March 1930 Models 21 & 46 Baby Grands, and early Fall 1931 Model 50 Baby Grand)

Photo credit: Ron Boucher


MODEL 70 BABY GRAND (Mahogany)

The mahogany version of the Model 70 Baby Grand. Selling price was the same as the walnut version; production figures for the walnut version also include this version.

Photo credit: John Mielke


MODEL 70 LOWBOY

This particular model was not a strong seller, and is difficult to find today.

Original selling price: $59.17
Number made: 4,900


MODEL 70 HIGHBOY

A very common and easily found Philco.

Original selling price: $65.75
Number made: 120,220 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 35 & 46 Highboys)

Photo credit: Ed Locker


MODEL 90 BABY GRAND

This is the one. It has been referred to as "the epitome of antique radios." The classic styling has made this set and its smaller lookalikes, Models 21, 35, 46 and 70 Baby Grands, highly sought after for decades now.

Note that early versions had plainer bottom moulding, and a 3/8" thick front panel. Later versions have fancier bottom moulding and a 1/4" thick front panel.

Original selling price: $69.50
Number made: 106,050


MODEL 90 LOWBOY

A good-looking lowboy cabinet housing the 9-tube Model 90.

Original selling price: $89.75
Number made: 105,740

Photo credit: Jeffrey Goldstein


MODEL 90 HIGHBOY

Showing doors closed.

Original selling price: $109.75
Number made: 20,890


MODEL 90 HIGHBOY

This is how the Model 90 Highboy looks with its double doors open.


MODEL 112 LOWBOY

One of four Philco cabinets designed by Norman Bel Geddes. All four feature the half-round beading along the top edges and a special stylized "P" grille cloth (which, unfortunately, is not being reproduced).

Original selling price: $149.50
Number made: 28,857

Photo credit: Terry Judkins


MODEL 112 HIGHBOY

Another Bel Geddes cabinet, this one has sliding doors which reveal the set's dial, controls, and speaker grille.

Original selling price: $169.50
Number made: 12,043

Photo credit: Jeffrey Goldstein


MODEL 212 RADIO-PHONOGRAPH

A large radio-phonograph combination which was also designed by Bel Geddes.

Original selling price: $295
Number made: 1,900

Photo credit: Rick Taylor


MODEL 212 RADIO-PHONOGRAPH

This picture shows Model 212 with its sliding doors open, revealing the front panel which is covered entirely in a special pattern of cloth. The top lid is lifted to show the Capehart automatic record changer.

Photo credit: Rick Taylor


MODEL 270 RADIO-PHONOGRAPH

A more compact, more affordable, radio-phonograph, incorporating a single-play 78 rpm record player and a Model 70 chassis.

Original selling price: $110
Number made: 5,605


MODEL 370 LAZYBOY

The fourth of the Bel Geddes cabinets for 1931, and a radio which introduced a new type of cabinet style - the Chairside. It was designed to be placed next to a chair, with its controls easily reached from top.

Original selling price: $69.50
Number made: 16,285 (NOTE: Figure includes production of June 1932 Model 71LZ Lazyboy)


© 1997-2006, Ron Ramirez. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited. Top of page