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PHILCO PHORUM
|
Philco
for 1938 (introduced June 1937)
The new 1938 model line
was expanded from the 1937 line, and included several new models as well
as the return of some 1937 models, some 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.
| MODEL 38-1XX
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
Photo credit: Craig Tipton |
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MODEL 38-2XX
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
Photo credit: Claude Griffith
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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 |
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MODEL 38-4XX
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
Photo credit: Kim Bowers |
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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) |
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MODEL 38-5X
A console version of Model 38-5B.
Original selling price:$89.95
Number
made: 10,495
Photo credit: David Kasabo |
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MODEL 38-7T
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)
Photo credit: Clifford R. Huff |
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MODEL 38-7XX
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)
Photo credit: Ed Locker |
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MODEL 38-7CS
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)
Photo credit: Bob Atchison |
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MODEL 38-8X
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)
Photo credit: Tony Scales |
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MODEL 38-9T
Model 38-9 was, in reality, a 38-8
chassis with the shadowmeter removed.
Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 24,500 |
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MODEL 38-9K
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)
Photo credit: Paul Turney |
|
MODEL 38-10T
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)
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
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MODEL 38-10F
Original selling price: $55
Number made: 31,300 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models
38-33F, 38-34F, 38-35F & 38-60F)
Photo credit: Ryan Meldahl |
|
MODEL 38-12C
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
Photo credit: John Mielke |
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MODEL 38-12CI
A Model 38-12C that was painted
ivory, with black trim.
Original selling price: $25
Number made: 20,700 |
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MODEL 38-12T
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) |
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MODEL 38-14T
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)
Photo credit: Greg Armstrong |
|
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) |
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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)
Photo credit: George Kurtz |
|
MODEL 38-15CS
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)
Photo credit:
Bill Wheeler |
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MODEL 38-22T
If one needed a new 1938 Philco
which could operate on either AC or DC current, one's 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) |
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MODEL 38-22XX
Original selling price: $85
Number made: 84,518 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models
38-7XX)
Photo credit: Charles Farr
NOTE: Grille cloth should be the 1938 Philco "V" pattern. |
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MODEL 38-22CS
Original selling price: $95
Number made: 7,750 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models
38-22CS) |
|
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) |
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MODEL 38-23K
Original selling price: $69.95
Number made: 28,400 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model
38-9K, 38-38K, 38-39K, 38-40K, 38-89K, 38-623K, 38-624K,
38-630K & 38-2630K) |
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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) |
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MODEL 38-33B
Th3 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) |
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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) |
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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
Models 38-60B & 38-89B as well as January 1937 Models 37-34B,
37-38B, 37-60B, 37-61B & 37-89B) |
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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) |
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MODEL 38-35B
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)
Photo credit: John Mielke |
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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) |
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MODEL 38-38T
For 1938, the "38" could now receive
a real shortwave band (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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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MODEL 38-60B
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)
NOTE: Grille cloth is incorrect;
it should use the Philco "Ribbed" pattern. |
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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) |
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MODEL 38-62T
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) |
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MODEL 38-62F
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
Photo credit: Divine Antiques |
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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) |
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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) |
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MODEL 38-93B
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 |
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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 |
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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) |
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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) |
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MODEL 38-620T
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)
Photo credit: Clifford R. Huff |
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MODELS 38-623T - 38-624T
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)
Illustration is representative of
Models 38-623T & 38-624T, as both are identical in appearance. |
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MODELS 38-623K - 38-624K -
38-630K
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)
Illustration is representative of
Models 38-623K, 38-624K & 38-630K, as all three are identical in
appearance. However, please note that the knob layout on these
models differs from that shown in this factory illustration. |
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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.
I own two 38-643B sets; one is in
the 1937 cabinet (see the June 1936 page),
but is clearly labeled 38-643 on the inside of the cabinet.
Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 6,000 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models
38-5B, 38-665B & 38-2650B) |
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MODEL 38-643X - 38-665X
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) Illustration
is representative of Models 38-643X & 38-665X, as both are
identical in appearance. |
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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) |
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MODEL 38-690XX
The finest radio Philco ever built,
the 20-tube High Fidelity 38-690 has improved circuitry,
producing a smoother sound than its 1937 predecessor. 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
Photo credit: Bruce Sorensen |
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MODEL 38-690XX
A view of the 38-690 with its
tambour door open, showing the dial and control panel.
Photo credit: Bruce Sorensen |
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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) |
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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) |
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MODEL 38-2650B
An eight tube model that was a
recycled 37-2650 in new cabinets. 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) |
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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) |
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MODEL 38-2670B
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 this Baby Grand cabinet. The
38-2670 also offered five band coverage in an 11 tube package
that operated on 115 volts AC.
This view of the 38-2670 Baby Grand
should give you an idea of just how large this radio is (21-1/4"
tall, 16-1/8" wide, 14" deep).
Original selling price: $99.95
Number made: 9,500 (NOTE: Figure includes production of
June 1937 Models 37-670B & 37-2670B)
Photo credit: Steve Chambers |
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MODEL 38-2670B
An undocumented variant of the
38-2670 Baby Grand.
Photo used by permission. |
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MODEL 38-2670X
Original selling price: $139.50
Number made: Not available |
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© 1997-2006, Ron Ramirez. All
rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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