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PHILCO PHORUM

Philcoradio.com < Gallery Index

Philco for 1937 (introduced June 1936)

ALL 1936 MODEL PHILCOS WERE DISCONTINUED.

Philco's 1937 model line was completely new; all 1936 model Philcos were discontinued. Many new Philco models made extensive use of Di-Noc (photofinish) finishes on their front panels; which means if you strip the finish off many of these 1937 models, you strip away its entire look; revealing very plain "white wood" underneath.

Most of the 1937 Philco line used a new development called "Unit Construction." Developed by Philco chief engineer David Grimes (whose claim to fame prior to Philco was his "Inverse Duplex" radio receivers of the 1920s), the new chassis construction mounted the set's entire "front end" (tuning condenser, coils, band switch and associated tubes) on its own chassis which was mounted in the center of the main chassis and supported by rubber grommets. These models are very difficult to service. Fortunately, Philco only used "Unit Construction" during the 1937 and 1938 model years, abandoning the idea afterwards.

Something else made its debut in 1937 Philcos: octal-based tubes. These, however, were not the metal shell octals that had been developed by GE and pushed hard by RCA for the past two years; 1937 Philco models used glass octal tubes with "ST" (taper-top) envelopes.

Click on a thumbnail to see a larger photo below:

MODEL 37-33B
A new "entry level" battery set which used five tubes and received the AM band only. It could also be purchased as a console (shown immediately below).

Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 113,600 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-84B as well as January 1937 Model 37-93B)

MODEL 37-33F
The console version of Model 37-33. This particular cabinet style was shared by several different Philco models.

Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 50,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-34F, 37-38F, 37-60F, 37-61F, 37-89F & 37-611F)

MODEL 37-34B
This model was designed to operate on a 6 volt storage battery. It used five tubes and received the AM band.

Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 102,200 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-60B, 37-61B & 37-89B)

MODEL 37-34F
Original selling price: $65
Number made: 50,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-33F, 37-38F, 37-60F, 37-61F, 37-89F & 37-611F)

MODEL 37-38B
Model 38 was back for 1937 in a completely new form. This battery set used six tubes and covered AM and shortwave from 2.3 to 7.4 mc.

This photograph shows what often happens to the photofinished front panel over the years.

Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 68,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-610B & 37-611B)

MODEL 37-38F
Original selling price:$65
Number made: 50,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-33F, 37-34F, 37-60F, 37-61F, 37-89F & 37-611F)

MODEL 37-38J
Original selling price: $69.95
Number made: 48,200 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-610J as well as June 1937 Model 38-610J)

MODEL 37-60B
Photo courtesy Clifford R. Huff

Philco's Model 60 returned for the 1937 season as a completely new radio. It used five tubes, operated from 115 volts AC, and received AM and shortwave from 2.3 to 7.4 mc.

Original selling price: $33.50
Number made: 102,200 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-34B, 37-61B & 37-89B)

MODEL 37-60F
Original selling price: $42.50
Number made: 50,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-33F, 37-34F, 37-38F, 37-61F, 37-89F & 37-611F)

MODEL 37-61B
Photo courtesy Ed Locker

A variant of the 37-60, the new 61 could receive a higher range of shortwave frequencies (5.7 to 18.2 mc) as well as the standard AM band. It also had concentric two-speed tuning, something the new 37-60 did not have. This model also used five tubes and operated on 115 volts AC.

Original selling price: $37.50
Number made: 102,200 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-34B, 37-60B & 37-89B)

MODEL 37-61F
Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 50,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-33F, 37-34F, 37-38F, 37-60F, 37-89F & 37-611F)

MODEL 37-84B
Photo courtesy Ed Locker

Philco continued to offer a four-tube regenerative set as its "price leader" in the new 1937 lineup. Internally, the chassis was nearly the same as the old Model 84, except for the use of four octal-based tubes in place of the standard-based tubes used previously. It operated on 115 volts AC and received the AM band..

Original selling price: $20
Number made: 113,600 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-33B as well as January 1937 Model 37-93B)

MODEL 37-89B
This was the successor to the old Model 89. It used six tubes and covered AM and a low range of shortwave frequencies (1.5 to 3.7 mc).

Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 102,200 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-34B, 37-60B & 37-61B)

MODEL 37-89F
Original selling price: $50
Number made: 50,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-33F, 37-34F, 37-38F, 37-60F, 37-61F & 37-611F)

MODEL 37-116X Standard
Philco's flagship model grew to 15 tubes for 1937 and became a true High Fidelity receiver with the use of a variable bandwidth control. The new 116 was no longer available as a Baby Grand model, but could be purchased as the Standard console (shown here), with a more conventional dial, or the De Luxe model (see immediately below).

It seems that most of these were built and sold as De Luxe models, as the Standard model is hard to find.

Both operated on 115 volts AC and had five tuning bands (530-1600 kc, 1.58-4.75 mc, 4.7-7.4 mc, 7.35-11.6 mc & 11.5-18.2 mc).

Original selling price: $175
Number made: 35,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-116X De Luxe)

MODEL 37-116X De Luxe
The 116 De Luxe offered Philco's new automatic tuning mechanism, but did not use the shadowmeter which was used in the Standard version. This was obviously the more popular of the two models, despite its higher cost.

Original selling price: $195
Number made: 35,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-116X Standard)

MODEL 37-600C
Photo courtesy Kim Bowers

This new model was the successor to the mid-1936 Model 600, with a completely new cabinet. Like its predecessor, this cabinet looked the same on the back, except that the dial and controls were on the front only. The chassis was basically the same as the older 600, but now used four octal-based tubes. It still received the AM band only with its regenerative circuit, and operated on 115 volts AC.

Original selling price: $25
Number made: 98,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-602C)

MODEL 37-602C
Photo courtesy Ed Locker

This model was the successor to the mid-1936 Model 602. Like the 37-600 above, the 37-602 received a new cabinet. The internal electronics were similar to the 602, but now used five octal-based tubes. It could be operated from either AC or DC current.

Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 98,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-600C)

MODEL 37-604C
Photo courtesy William Dince

Basically a recycle of the mid-1936 Model 604, the new set now used five octal-based tubes. It received AM and shortwave from 6 to 18 mc, and operated on 115 volts, AC or DC.

Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 10,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of January 1936 Model 604C)

MODEL 37-610B
The 37-610 was the successor to the 1936 Model 610. Like the 610, the new model used five tubes and had three bands, but the frequency coverage was somewhat different (530-1720 kc, 2.3-7.4 mc & 7.35-22 mc). It operated on 115 volts AC.

Original selling price: $42.50
Number made: 68,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-38B & 37-611B)

MODEL 37-610T

Model 37-610T in walnut (top) and maple (bottom)
Photo on bottom courtesy Clifford R. Huff

The new 37-610 table model was available in either Walnut or Maple veneer.

Original selling price: $45 (walnut), $47.50 (maple)
Number made: 28.100 (walnut - figure includes production of Model 37-611T), 3,000 (maple).

MODEL 37-610J
Photo courtesy Kim Bowers

Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 48,200 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-38J as well as June 1937 Model 38-610J)

MODEL 37-610PF
A radio-phonograph combination with a single play 78 rpm phonograph and a Model 37-610 chassis.

Original selling price: $125
Number made: 1,000

MODEL 37-611B
Photo courtesy Steve Dymale

This Philco model was very similar to the new Model 37-610 (see above), also using five tubes, and it even had the same frequency coverage. The difference is that the 37-611 could operate on either AC or DC current.

Original selling price: $47.50
Number made: 68,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-38B & 37-610B)

MODEL 37-611T
This AC/DC table model Philco was available only in walnut veneer.

Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 28,100 (NOTE: Figure includes production of walnut version of Model 37-610T)

MODEL 37-611F
Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 50,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-33F, 37-34F, 37-38F, 37-60F, 37-61F & 37-89F)

MODEL 37-611J
Original selling price: $65
Number made: 62,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-620J, 37-623J, 37-624J & 37-2620J)

MODEL 37-620B
Photo courtesy Larry Specht

This new six tube Philco had three bands (AM, 2.3-7.4 mc & 7.35-22 mc), and operated on 115 volts AC.

Original selling price: $52.50
Number made: 50,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-623B, 37-624B & 37-2620B)

MODEL 37-620J
Original selling price: $69.95
Number made: 62,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-611J, 37-623J, 37-624J & 37-2620J)

MODEL 37-620CS
Photo courtesy Kim Bowers

Philco's only chairside model for the 1937 season.

Original selling price: $83.95
Number made: 3,500

MODEL 37-623B
Photo courtesy Steve Kanter

A new battery-operated Philco that could receive three bands: 530-1720 kc (AM), 2.3-7.4 mc & 7.35-22 mc. It used six tubes.

Original selling price: $65
Number made: 50,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-620B, 37-624B & 37-2620B)

MODEL 37-623J
Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 62,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-611J, 37-620J, 37-624J & 37-2620J)

MODEL 37-624B
Like the 37-623, the new 37-624 used six tubes and could receive 530-1720 kc, 2.3-7.4 mc & 7.35-22 mc. However, this new Philco only required a single 6 volt storage battery for power.

Original selling price: $75
Number made: 50,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-620B, 37-623B & 37-2620B)

MODEL 37-624J
Original selling price: $89.95
Number made: 62,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-611J, 37-620J, 37-623J & 37-2620J)

MODEL 37-630T
Photo courtesy Chuck Schwark

The new 37-630 was quite similar to Model 37-620; both ran on 115 volts AC and had the same frequency coverage (530-1720 kc, 2.3-7.4 mc & 7.35-22 mc). However, the 37-630 also used a shadowmeter.

Original selling price: $62.50
Number made: 13,689

MODEL 37-630X
Photo courtesy David Kasabo

The console version of the 37-630T, with the same electrical specifications as above. The 630X used a larger (10-1/2") speaker.

Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 48,500

MODEL 37-640B
Photo courtesy Randy Winter

A seven tube, three band receiver that operated on 115 volts AC. Its frequency coverage included 530-1720 kc, 2.3-7.4 mc & 7.35-22 mc. A shadowmeter was used as a tuning aid.

Original selling price: $69.95
Number made: 7,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-641B)

MODEL 37-640X
Photo courtesy Wayne King

Original selling price: $89.95
Number made: 18,500 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-641X)

MODEL 37-640MX
Photo courtesy Phil Yarnell

Original selling price: $95
Number made: 6,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-641MX)

MODEL 37-641B
The 37-641 was offered in three cabinets which were identical to Model 37-640. It had the same frequency coverage as the 37-640, and also used seven tubes. The three versions of Model 37-640 sold for the same prices as their 37-640 counterparts. The difference? Model 37-641 operated on either AC or DC current.

Original selling price: $69.95
Number made: 7,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-640B)

MODEL 37-641X
Original selling price: $89.95
Number made: 18,500 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-640X)

MODEL 37-641MX
Original selling price: $95
Number made: 6,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-640MX)

MODEL 37-643B
The 37-643 was the best Philco you could buy in 1937 if you needed a battery-operated receiver. It used seven tubes and had four bands: 530-1600 kc, 1.58-4.8 mc, 4.7-11.6 mc & 11.5-18.2 mc.

Original selling price: $89.95
Number made: 4,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-650B, 37-660B, 37-665B & 37-2650B)

MODEL 37-643X
A new, elegant, Inclined Sounding Board Philco for rural areas with no electricity. There was no finer battery-operated Philco in the 1937 model year.

Original selling price: $115
Number made: 14,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-660X & 37-665X)

MODEL 37-650B
A new eight tube, AC operated receiver with three tuning bands (530-1720 kc, 5.7-11.6 mc & 11.5-18.2 mc).

Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 4,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-643B, 37-660B, 37-665B & 37-2650B)

MODEL 37-650X
There is a great deal of similarity between Models 37-630X and 37-650X. But there are some differences also; besides the fact that the 37-650X contains the eight tube 37-650 chassis (as opposed to the six tube 37-630), the styling along the top edge of the cabinets is slightly different. Also, the veneer on the control panel has a different pattern.

Original selling price: $100
Number made: 69,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-2650X)

MODEL 37-650PX
Here is another Philco radio-phonograph offering for the 1937 season, which used the 37-650 chassis, with a single play 78 rpm phonograph under the top lid.

Original selling price: $185
Number made: 1,500

MODEL 37-660B
A nine tube receiver with four band coverage (530-1720 kc, 2.3-7.4 mc, 7.35-11.6 mc & 11.5-18.2 mc), the 37-660 operated on 115 volts AC.

Original selling price: $89.95
Number made: 4,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-643B, 37-650B, 37-665B & 37-2650B)

MODEL 37-660X
Photo courtesy William F. Honer

The 37-660X was available in walnut (shown) or in mahogany.

Original selling price: $115
Number made: 14,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-643X & 37-665X)

MODEL 37-665B
In appearance, the two versions of Model 37-665 were identical to the two 37-660 models. Both used nine tubes and operated on 115 volts AC. The difference was in the frequency coverage; the 37-665 could receive 530-1720 kc, 2.3-7.4 mc, 7.35-22 mc & 25-42 mc.

Original selling price: $99.50
Number made: 4,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-643B, 37-650B, 37-660B & 37-2650B)

MODEL 37-665X
Original selling price: $125
Number made: 14,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-643X & 37-660X)

MODEL 37-670B
Photo courtesy Doug Houston

The new 37-670 Baby Grand was the successor to the 1936 Model 116 Baby Grand. Both are similar in appearance and in size (although the 37-670 is larger in width & depth), and both use 11 tubes. The 37-670 has five bands which cover the following frequencies: 530-1600 kc, 1.58-4.75 mc, 4.7-7.4 mc, 7.35-11.6 mc & 11.5-18.2 mc. It operates on 115 volts AC.

Original selling price: $99.50
Number made: 9,500 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-2670B)

MODEL 37-670X
The console version of Model 37-670B.

Original selling price: $139.50
Number made: 11,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-2670X)

MODEL 37-675X Standard
Another Philco which could be purchased with a conventional dial (Standard) or with Philco's Automatic Tuning mechanism (immediately below). Both versions operated on 115 volts AC, used 12 tubes, and had five bands (530-1600 kc, 1.58-4.75 mc, 4.7-7.4 mc, 7.35-11.6 mc & 11.5-18.2 mc).

Original selling price: $150
Number made: 7,200

MODEL 37-675X De Luxe
Photo courtesy Bill and Jacque Ward/Heartland Antiques

The De Luxe version of Model 37-675 used the Automatic Tuning mechanism. Unlike the 37-116X De Luxe, the 37-675X De Luxe did not sell as well as did the standard version.

Original selling price: $275
Number made: 1,500

MODEL 37-690X
   Model 37-690X, doors closed (left) and doors fully open (right)
Photos courtesy Frank Drost

This was Philco's finest radio for the 1937 season and represented a new peak for the company's High Fidelity developments. The 37-690 used 20 tubes spread over two chassis and had a 14 inch woofer, two 6 inch tweeters and four 8 inch passive radiators. Of course it also used a variable bandwidth control for High Fidelity reception.

Its five tuning bands covered 530-1600 kc, 1.58-4.75 mc, 4.7-7.4 mc, 7.35-11.6 mc & 11.5-18.2 mc.

The two massive front doors were designed to fold back against the sides of the cabinet.

Early Philco ads showed the 37-690 with handles on the doors instead of the knobs shown on this set. No 37-690 has yet been found with the handles; every example that has been seen so far has had the knobs just like the set shown above.

Original selling price: $375
Number made: 2,500

MODEL 37-2620B
The difference between Models 37-620 and 37-2620 was in the frequency coverage. Model 37-2620 covered longwave, AM and one shortwave band (5.7 to 18 mc). It used six tubes and operated on 115 volts AC (export models operated on either 115 or 230 volts AC).

Original selling price: $55
Number made: 50,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-620B, 37-623B & 37-624B)

MODEL 37-2620J
The console version of Model 37-2620.

Original selling price: $72.50
Number made: 62,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-611J, 37-620J, 37-623J & 37-624J)

MODEL 37-2650B
This new eight-tube Philco added a longwave band to its AM and two shortwave bands (5.7-11.6 & 11.5-18.2 mc). Domestic models operated on 115 volts AC; export models could operate on either 115 or 230 volts AC.

Original selling price: $85
Number made: 4,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 37-643B, 37-650B, 37-660B & 37-665B)

MODEL 37-2650X
Original selling price: $105
Number made: 69,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-650X)

MODEL 37-2670B
The 37-2670 was much like Model 37-670, but added longwave coverage (150 to 350 kc) while reducing the shortwave bands from four to three (1.6-4.8, 4.6-11.5 & 11.5-22 mc). Of course it also received the AM band. Like Philco's other 2600 models, domestic versions of the 37-2670 operated on 115 volts AC while export versions could run on either 115 or 230 volt AC. It used 11 tubes.

Original selling price: $99.50
Number made: 9,500 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-670B)

MODEL 37-2670X
Original selling price: $139.50
Number made: 11,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 37-670X)

© 1997-2010, Ron Ramirez. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.