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ABOUT RON
CONTACT RON
PHILCO PHORUM
|
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
renamed 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.
THE MID-SEASON 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)
Photo credit: |
 |
 |
MODEL 39-72T
This new portable was somewhat
similar to the 39-71 that it replaced, except that it had a
fold-open door which covered the entire front panel when the set
was not in use.
Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 5,000
|
|
MODELS 39-117T - 39-118T -
39-175T
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 on 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
The console versions of these models
now also had electronic pushbutton tuning.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: (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)
Illustration is representative of
Models 39-117F, 39-118F, 39-119F & 39-175F, as all four are
identical in appearance. |
 |
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 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
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
Photo credit: Chris Hollingsworth |
 |
 |
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 |
© 1997-2006, Ron Ramirez. All
rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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