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PHILCO PHORUM

Philcoradio.com < Gallery Index

Philco for 1939 (introduced January 1939)

THE FOLLOWING MODELS CONTINUED IN THE PHILCO LINEUP: 39-6C, 39-6CI, 39-7C, 39-7T, 39-8T, 39-25T, 39-25XF, 39-30T, 39-30XX, 39-36XX, 39-40XX, 39-45XX, 39-55RX, 39-70B, 39-70F, 39-80B, 39-80XF, 39-85B, 39-85XF, 39-116RX, 39-711T, 39-720T, 39-744T, 39-744XX, 39-750T, 39-750XX, 39-751T, 39-751XX, 39-770T, 39-770XX.
THE FOLLOWING MODELS WERE DISCONTINUED: 39-7CS, 39-10TP, 39-12CB, 39-12CBI, 39-12T, 39-14CB, 39-14CBI, 39-14T, 39-15CB, 39-15CBI, 39-15T, 39-17T, 39-17F, 39-18T, 39-18F, 39-19T, 39-19F, 39-31XF, 39-35XX, 39-71T, 39-75T, 39-75F, TH-1, TH-3.

Only minor changes were made to the regular 1939 Philco line; the most dramatic changes were made to Models 39-17, 39-18, 39-19 & 39-75; these sets lost their mechanical pushbuttons, were given new electronic pushbuttons, and reissued as Models 39-117, 39-118, 39-119 & 39-175, respectively.

The two original Transitone models were dropped from the line, and were replaced with nine new models. The Transitone line would continue to expand over the next year or so.

Click on a thumbnail to see a larger photo below:

JANUARY 1939 PHILCO MODELS

JANUARY 1939 TRANSITONE MODELS

THE JANUARY 1939 PHILCO LINE

MODEL 39-31XK
A new cabinet for Model 39-31, a six tube set with received AM and shortwave from 4.9 to 18 mc and operated from 115 volts AC.

Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 129,076 (NOTE: Figure includes production of June 1939 Model 40-180XF)

MODEL 39-72T
This new portable was somewhat similar to the 39-71 that it replaced, except that it had individual brass trim rings surrounding each of the knobs.

Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 5,000

MODELS 39-117T, 39-118T & 39-175T
Model 39-117T shown. Models 39-118T & 39-175T are identical in appearance.

These new models replaced the 39-17, 39-18 and 39-75, respectively. They now used electronic pushbutton tuning instead of the mechanical pushbuttons used earlier in the season.

Model 39-117 used five tubes and operated from 115 volts AC; Model 39-118 also used five tubes but could operate on either AC or DC current; Model 39-175 used four tubes and operated on batteries. All three received the AM band only.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 40,305 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 39-117T, 39-118T, 39-119T & 39-175T as well as June 1938 Models 39-17T, 39-18T, 39-19T & 39-75T)

MODEL 39-119T
As with the lookalike models noted above, the new 39-119 was similar to the 39-19 that it replaced, except for the new electronic pushbutton tuning which it now used.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 40,305 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 39-117T, 39-118T & 39-175T as well as June 1938 Models 39-17T, 39-18T, 39-19T & 39-75T)

MODELS 39-117F, 39-118F, 39-119F & 39-175F
Illustration is representative of Models 39-117F, 39-118F, 39-119F & 39-175F, as all four are identical in appearance.

The console versions of these models now also had electronic pushbutton tuning.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 28,938 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 39-117F, 39-118F, 39-119F & 39-175F as well as June 1938 Models 39-17F, 39-18F, 39-19F, 39-70F & 39-75F)

JANUARY 1939 TRANSITONE MODELS

MODEL TH-4
The new basic five-tube Transitone was very small in size, yet surprisingly sensitive for such a small radio. It received the AM band only and, along with the remainder of the Transitone models on this page, operated from 115 volts, AC or DC current.

Original selling price: $9.95
Number made: 91,948 (NOTE: Figure includes production of June 1939 Models TP-4 & TH-18)

MODEL TP-4-I
An ivory painted Bakelite version of Model TH-4, the TP-4-I also received 2.3 to 2.5 mc shortwave in addition to the AM band.

Original selling price: $12.95
Number made: 5,136

MODEL TH-5
Basically, this is a TH-4 with the addition of electronic pushbutton tuning, in a slightly larger cabinet to accommodate the pushbutton assembly.

Original selling price: $15.95
Number made: 18,093

MODEL TP-5-I
Nearly identical to the TH-5 save for the ivory painted Bakelite cabinet and the addition of a 2.3 to 2.5 mc "police" band.

Original selling price: $18.50
Number made: 4,466

MODEL TP-10
Photo courtesy Mike Serafino

One of several Transitone models that is now highly sought after by collectors because of its unusual styling. It also receives the AM band and 2.3 to 2.5 mc shortwave with its five tubes.

Original selling price: $13.95
Number made: 5,610

MODEL TP-11
Another desirable model, the TP-11 is much like the TP-10, with the addition of pushbutton tuning.

Original selling price: $19.95
Number made: 5,445

MODEL TP-12
A TP-4 in a wooden cabinet.

Original selling price: $15
Number made: 9,020

MODEL TH-14
This model, while it has a carrying handle, is not a true portable since it requires 115 volts, AC or DC, to operate. The chassis is similar to Model TH-4.

Original selling price: $17.50
Number made: 9,020

MODEL TH-15
Another "portable" Philco that needs 115 volts AC or DC to operate. This set uses a chassis that is similar to Model TH-5. This was the most expensive Transitone of the 1939 season, yet it outsold all Transitone models except Models TH-4 & TH-5.

Original selling price: $22.50
Number made: 10,000

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