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PHILCO PHORUM

Philcoradio.com < Gallery Index

Philco for 1938 (introduced June 1937)

ALL 1937 MODEL PHILCOS WERE DISCONTINUED. SOME 1937 MODELS CONTINUED WITH NEW MODEL NUMBERS AS 1938 MODELS.

The new 1938 line was expanded to 69 different models, and included several new models as well as the return of some 1937 models, some of which were housed in new cabinets.

Philco offered five models with the 1937 Automatic Tuning mechanism, as well as seven with their new "Cone-Centric" automatic tuning.

A major selling point of the new 1938 Philcos was "No Squat, No Stoop, No Squint." This referred to their new "XX" models with inclined control panels. Eight of Philco's 1938 console models had this feature.

No radio-phonographs were marketed by Philco during the 1938 season; this was, instead, handled by the Radiobar Company of America which offered seven different "Phonograph with Philco" models which used Philco radio chassis and Capehart automatic record changers in cabinets built by Radiobar.

Philco offered four chairside models for 1938, as well as two High Fidelity models (38-116XX and 38-690XX).

VIEW THE 1938 (JUNE 1937) PHONOGRAPH WITH PHILCO MODELS MARKETED BY THE RADIOBAR COMPANY OF AMERICA.

Click on a thumbnail to see a larger photo below:

MODEL 38-1XX
Photo courtesy Craig Tipton

A 12-tube Philco with three bands (530-1720 kc, 2.3-7.4 mc & 7.35-22 mc), this set operated on 115 volts AC. Automatic Tuning and Magnetic Tuning were two of its main features.

Original selling price: $175
Number made: 7,500

MODEL 38-2XX
Photo courtesy Claude Griffith

This Philco used 11 tubes and had the same frequency coverage as Model 38-1 above. It also offered Automatic Tuning and Magnetic Tuning.

Original selling price: $159.50
Number made: 11,400

MODEL 38-3XX
A nine tube "Double X" model which otherwise had the same features and frequency coverage of Models 38-1 and 38-2 above.

Original selling price: $129.50
Number made: 43,800

MODEL 38-4XX
Photo courtesy Kim Bowers

One of Philco's new "Cone-Centric" sets with a round dial and concentric tuning knobs that went around the dial instead of being mounted below it. The 38-4 used 8 tubes and had two bands (540-1720 kc & 5.7-18.2 mc). It operated on 115 volts AC.

Original selling price: $100
Number made: 52,500

MODEL 38-5B
A Baby Grand version of Model 38-4 with a conventional dial in place of the Cone-Centric mechanism. The 38-5 had the same frequency coverage as the 38-4 and also operated on 115 volts AC.

Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 6,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-643B, 38-665B & 38-2650B)

MODEL 38-5X
Photo courtesy David Kasabo

A console version of Model 38-5B.

Original selling price:$89.95
Number made: 10,495

MODEL 38-7T
Photo courtesy Clifford R. Huff

Model 38-7 was a smaller (6 tube) set with Cone-Centric automatic tuning. Like Model 38-4, it had two band coverage (540-1720 kc & 5.7-18.2 mc), and operated on 115 volts AC.

The 38-7T offered automatic tuning in a compact, table model set.

Original selling price: $65
Number made: 20,970 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-22T, 38-39T & 38-40T)

MODEL 38-7XX
Photo courtesy Ed Locker

A console version of Model 38-7, which also offered the "No Squat, No Stoop, No Squint" inclined control panel.

Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 84,518 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-22XX)

MODEL 38-7CS
Photo courtesy Bob Atchison

Automatic tuning in a chairside model - a first for Philco.

Original selling price: $89.95
Number made: 7,750 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-22CS)

MODEL 38-8X
Photo courtesy Tony Scales

Model 38-8 offered the chassis of the 38-7 with a conventional dial in place of the Cone-Centric mechanism. It had the same frequency coverage and also operated on 115 volts AC. A shadowmeter was an added feature of the 38-8.

Original selling price: $69.95
Number made: 18,231 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-23X, 38-38X, 38-39X & 38-40X)

MODEL 38-9T
Model 38-9 used a 38-8 chassis with no shadowmeter.

Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 24,500

MODEL 38-9K
Photo courtesy Paul Turney

The console version of Model 38-9. This cabinet style was used for several 1938 Philco models.

Original selling price: $65
Number made: 28,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-23K, 38-38K, 38-39K, 38-40K, 38-89K, 38-623K, 38-624K, 38-630K & 38-2630K)

MODEL 38-10T
Photo courtesy Chuck Schwark

A five tube Philco with two tuning bands, it operated on 115 volts AC and could receive the AM band and 5.7-18 mc shortwave.

Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 49,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-23T & 38-38T)

MODEL 38-10F
Photo courtesy Ryan Meldahl

Original selling price: $55
Number made: 31,300 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-33F, 38-34F, 38-35F & 38-60F)

MODEL 38-12C
Photo courtesy Doug Houston

Although Philco had been offering small table model sets since 1933, now the company was becoming more aggressive about selling small radios as second or even third radios, for use in the bedroom, kitchen, or someplace other than the living room. The 38-12 was one of three such Philco models that could be considered as a "second or third" set for the home which already had a radio. It received the AM band only, used five tubes, and operated on 115 volts AC.

Original selling price: $22.50
Number made: 91,800

MODEL 38-12CI
A Model 38-12C that was painted ivory, with black trim.

Original selling price: $25
Number made: 20,700

MODEL 38-12T
Photo courtesy Richard Lackie

A more stylish version of the 38-12.

Original selling price: $27.50
Number made: 95,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-14T & 38-15T)

MODEL 38-14T
Photo courtesy Greg Armstrong

This AC/DC compact offered a shortwave band (2.3 to 7.4 mc) in addition to AM. It also used five tubes.

Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 95,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-12T & 38-15T)

MODEL 38-14CS
This stylish chairside featured a 38-14 chassis and a larger speaker.

Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 8,600 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-15CS as well as June 1938 Model 39-7CS)

MODEL 38-15T
The best of Philco's "second or third" models, this one offered two band reception (AM and shortwave from 5.7 to 18 mc), and operated on 115 volts AC using five tubes.

Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 95,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-12T & 38-14T)

MODEL 38-15CS
Photo credit: Bill Wheeler

Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 8,600 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-14CS as well as June 1938 Model 39-7CS)

MODEL 38-22T
If someone needed a new 1938 Philco which could operate on either AC or DC current, the choices were limited to Models 38-14, 38-22 or 38-23.

The 38-22 was basically the AC/DC version of Model 38-7; it also used the Cone-Centric automatic tuning mechanism, and had two tuning bands (540-1720 kc & 5.7-18.2 mc). Six tubes were used in this model.

Original selling price: $69.95
Number made: 20,970 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-7T, 38-39T & 38-40T)

MODEL 38-22XX
Photo courtesy Charles Farr

Original selling price: $85
Number made: 84,518 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-7XX)

MODEL 38-22CS
Original selling price: $95
Number made: 7,750 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-7CS)

MODEL 38-23T
This AC/DC Philco used six tubes and could receive AM and shortwave from 5.7 to 18 mc. It was available as a table model (shown here) or as two different console models (immediately below).

Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 49,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-10T & 38-38T)

MODEL 38-23K
Original selling price: $69.95
Number made: 28,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-9K, 38-38K, 38-39K, 38-40K, 38-89K, 38-623K, 38-624K, 38-630K & 38-2630K)

MODEL 38-23X
Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 18,231 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-8X, 38-38X, 38-39X & 38-40X)

MODEL 38-33B
The 1938 version of the battery operated "33" received a new cabinet, new dial, and new knob layout. It still received the AM band only and used five tubes.

Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 36,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-35B as well as January 1938 Model 38-93B)

MODEL 38-33F
Original selling price: $45
Number made: 31,300 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-10F, 38-34F, 38-35F & 38-60F)

MODEL 38-34B
The five-tube 38-34 Baby Grand was identical to the mid-season 1937 Model 37-34B, except for the larger escutcheon. This set operated on a six-volt storage battery and received the AM band.

Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 45,500 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-60B & 38-89B as well as January 1937 Models 37-34B, 37-38B, 37-60B, 37-61B & 37-89B)

MODEL 38-34F
The "34" received a new console cabinet for 1938.

Original selling price: $55
Number made: 31,300 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-10F, 38-33F, 38-35F & 38-60F)

MODEL 38-35B
Photo courtesy John Mielke

Identical in appearance to the new 38-33B, the "35" could operate on either 115 volts AC or, where no electricity was available, on a 6-volt storage battery. It received the AM band only.

Original selling price: $42.50
Number made: 36,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-33B as well as January 1938 Model 38-93B)

MODEL 38-35F
The console version of the 38-35.

Original selling price: $57.50
Number made: 31,300 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-10F, 38-33F, 38-34F & 38-60F)

MODEL 38-38T
For 1938, the "38" could now receive a higher band of shortwave frequencies (5.7 to 18 mc) as well as the standard AM band. It used six tubes and still operated on batteries.

Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 49,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-10T & 38-23T)

MODEL 38-38K
One of two console versions of Model 38-38; either of which could be nice additions to a farm home.

Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 28,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-9K, 38-23K, 38-39K, 38-40K, 38-89K, 38-623K, 38-624K, 38-630K & 38-2630K)

MODEL 38-38X
Original selling price: $69.95
Number made: 18,231 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-8X, 38-23X, 38-39X & 38-40X)

MODEL 38-39T
Three new Philco models (table model and two consoles) that operated on a six-volt storage battery, the 38-39 used six tubes and received AM and shortwave from 5.7 to 18 mc.

Original selling price: $55
Number made: 20,970 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-7T, 38-22T & 38-40T)

MODEL 38-39K
Original selling price: $69.95
Number made: 28,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-9K, 38-23K, 38-38K, 38-40K, 38-89K, 38-623K, 38-624K, 38-630K & 38-2630K)

MODEL 38-39X
Original selling price: $82.50
Number made: 18,231 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-8X, 38-23X, 38-38X & 38-40X)

MODEL 38-40T
This new Philco could operate on either 115 volts AC or a 6-volt storage battery. It used six tubes, and received both the AM band and shortwave from 5.7 to 18 mc.

Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 20,970 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-7T, 38-22T & 38-39T)

MODEL 38-40K
Original selling price: $75
Number made: 28,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-9K, 38-23K, 38-38K, 38-39K, 38-89K, 38-623K, 38-624K, 38-630K & 38-2630K)

MODEL 38-40X
Original selling price: $87.50
Number made: 18,231 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-8X, 38-23X, 38-38X & 38-39X)

MODEL 38-60B
NOTE: Grille cloth is incorrect; it should use the Philco "Ribbed" pattern.

A return of the mid-season 1937 Model 37-60, the 1938 version had a larger escutcheon. Five tubes, 115 volts AC, and reception of the AM band and shortwave from 2.3 to 7.4 mc.

Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 45,500 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models Models 38-34B & 38-89B as well as January 1937 Models 37-34B, 37-38B, 37-60B, 37-61B & 37-89B)

MODEL 38-60F
The "60" returned for 1938 in a new console cabinet.

Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 31,300 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-10F, 38-33F, 38-34F & 38-35F)

MODEL 38-62T
Photo courtesy Greg Armstrong

This was the late version Model 37-62T with a different model number (38 instead of 37, to indicate the 1938 model year). Like the 1937 model, it used five tubes and operated on 115 volts AC. It received AM and the "police" band (2.3 to 2.5 mc).

Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 56,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of both versions of Model 37-62T)

MODEL 38-62F
Photo courtesy Divine Antiques

The console version of Model 38-62 was, again, identical to the Spring 1937 Model 37-62F.

Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: Not available

MODEL 38-89B
Yet another recycled Philco model, the 38-89 used the same chassis as the previous year's 37-89 (six tubes, 115 volts AC, two bands); and the Baby Grand version even used the same cabinet as the mid-season 1937 model.

Original selling price: $45
Number made: 45,500 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models Models 38-34B & 38-60B as well as January 1937 Models 37-34B, 37-38B, 37-60B, 37-61B & 37-89B)

MODEL 38-89K
A new console cabinet for Model 38-89.

Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 28,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-9K, 38-23K, 38-38K, 38-39K, 38-40K, 38-623K, 38-624K, 38-630K & 38-2630K)

MODEL 38-93B
Photo courtesy Janelle Bichel

The new "93" was now in a tombstone cabinet, although its front panel had the same photofinish pattern as the previous cathedral-shaped 37-93. It operated on 115 volts AC, used five tubes and received the AM band.

Original selling price: $22.95
Number made: 5,300

MODEL 38-116XX
One of two High Fidelity Philcos for 1938, the new 116 received an updated 15-tube chassis and a completely new "No Squat, No Stoop, No Squint" cabinet. Like its predecessor, it covered 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), and operated on 115 volts AC.

During the 1938 season, Philco produced its ten millionth radio - a 38-116XX. To celebrate the milestone, a limited number of 38-116XX sets were produced with a small brass tag mounted under the bandswitch knob which read "Exact Replica of The Ten Millionth Philco, Built For" and then the original purchaser's name was engraved at the bottom of the tag.

Original selling price: $200
Number made: 25,600

MODEL 38-610B
Once again, Philco reissued a 1937 model as a 1938 model. The 38-610 was identical in every respect to the mid-season 1937 Model 37-610, including the use of the same cabinet on the Baby Grand model (shown here).

Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 12,500 (NOTE: Figure includes production of January 1937 Models 37-610B & 37-611B)

MODEL 38-610J
Like the 610 Baby Grand, the 610 console was left over from the 1937 season - only this one dated back to the beginning of the '37 season (June 1936)!

Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 48,200 (NOTE: Figure includes production of June 1936 Models 37-38J & 37-610J)

MODEL 38-620T
Photo courtesy Clifford R. Huff

The chassis of Model 38-620 came from the 1937 season (37-620). The cabinets were different; the "620" was now a table model, using the mid-season 1937 Model 37-610T's cabinet. Six tubes, 115 volts AC, three bands. Model 38-620 was not offered as a console or a Baby Grand model in the 1938 season.

Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 19,034 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-623T, 38-624T & 38-2620T as well as January 1937 Models 37-610T & 37-611T)

MODELS 38-623T & 38-624T
Illustration is representative of Models 38-623T & 38-624T, as both are identical in appearance.

Here are two more Philcos that were originally 1937 models: The 38-623 operated on batteries, while the 38-624 was powered by a 6-volt storage battery. Both used six tubes, and both could receive AM and two shortwave bands (2.3 to 7.4 & 7.35 to 22 mc).

Original selling price: $55 (38-623T), $65 (38-624T)
Number made: 19,034 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-620T, 38-623T, 38-624T & 38-2620T as well as January 1937 Models 37-610T & 37-611T)

MODELS 38-623K, 38-624K & 38-630K
Illustration is representative of Models 38-623K, 38-624K & 38-630K, as all three are identical in appearance.

Models 38-623 & 38-624 shared this "K" cabinet, as did Model 38-630 - which used the chassis of the 1937 Model 37-630, with minor revisions. The 38-630 operated on 115 volts AC, and had the same frequency coverage of Models 38-623 & 38-624. Model 38-630 also used a shadowmeter. The 38-630 was only available as a console in the 1938 season.

Original selling price: $69.95 (38-623K), $79.95 (38-624K, 38-630K)
Number made: 28,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-9K, 38-23K, 38-38K, 38-39K, 38-40K, 38-89K, 38-623K, 38-624K, 38-630K & 38-2630K)

MODEL 38-643B
Once again in 1938, the 38-643 was the best Philco you could buy if you needed a radio that operated on batteries. With its all-wave coverage and use of 7 tubes, it is easy to see why. Its tuning range included 530-1600 kc, 1.58-4.8 mc, 4.7-11.6 mc & 11.5-18.2 mc. Electronically, this set is identical to the 1937 model 37-643.

Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 6,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-5B, 38-665B & 38-2650B)

MODELS 38-643X & 38-665X
Illustration is representative of Models 38-643X & 38-665X, as both are identical in appearance.

Philco's best battery set shared an Inclined Sounding Board console cabinet with one of the company's better AC sets. Model 38-665 was a repeat of the 1937 Model 37-665, with the same frequency coverage: 530-1720 kc, 2.3-7.4 mc, 7.35-22 mc & 25-42 mc.

Original selling price: $105 (38-643X), $129.50 (38-665X)
Number made: 69,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-643X, 38-665X & 38-2650X as well as January 1937 Models 37-643X & 37-665X)

MODEL 38-665B
The Baby Grand version of Model 38-665 was, again, identical electronically to the 1937 Model 37-665.

Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 6,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-5B, 38-643B & 38-2650B)

MODEL 38-690XX
   Model 38-690XX, tambour door closed (left) and open (right)
Photos courtesy Bruce Sorensen

The finest radio Philco ever built, the 20-tube High Fidelity 38-690 has improved circuitry from its 1937 predecessor, producing a smoother sound. The new cabinet had a tambour door which hid its Automatic Tuning dial and controls, but allowed the set to operate even with the door pulled down.

Its frequency coverage included 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: $395
Number made: 3,000

MODEL 38-2620T
Similar to Model 38-620T, the 38-2620 had a different frequency coverage (150 to 350 kc longwave; 530 to 1720 kc AM; and 5.7 to 18 mc shortwave). It used six tubes and operated on 115 volts AC.

Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 19,034 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-620T, 38-623T & 38-624T as well as January 1937 Models 37-610T & 37-611T)

MODEL 38-2630K
This model was much like the 38-630K in that it used six tubes, operated on 115 volts AC, and had three band coverage and a shadowmeter; however, its frequency coverage was identical to the 38-2620 above.

Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 28,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 38-9K, 38-23K, 38-38K, 38-39K, 38-40K, 38-89K, 38-620K, 38-623K, 38-624K & 38-630K)

MODEL 38-2650B
An eight tube model that was a recycled 37-2650 in a new cabinet. It operated on 115 volts AC and had four bands: 150-350 kc, 530-1720 kc, 5.7-11.6 mc & 11.5-18.2 mc.

Original selling price: $89.95
Number made: 6,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-5B, 38-643B & 38-665B)

MODEL 38-2650X
Original selling price: $115
Number made: 69,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 38-643X & 38-665X as well as January 1937 Models 37-643X & 37-665X)

MODEL 38-2670B
   Common version of Model 38-2670B (left) and undocumented variation of the same model (right).
Photo at left courtesy Steve Chambers; photo at right used by permission.

Yet another 1938 model that was a recycled version of a 1937 model: in this case, the 37-2670; the chassis were identical, as was the Baby Grand cabinet shown above at left. The 38-2670 also offered five band coverage in an 11 tube package that operated on 115 volts AC.

Original selling price: $99.95
Number made: 9,500 (NOTE: Figure includes production of June 1937 Models 37-670B & 37-2670B)

MODEL 38-2670X
Original selling price: $139.50
Number made: Not available

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