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ABOUT RON
CONTACT RON
PHILCO PHORUM
|
Philco
for 1940 (introduced June 1939)
THE FOLLOWING MODELS
CONTINUED IN THE PHILCO LINEUP: 39-711T (as 40-715T), RP-1, RP-2, RP-3,
RP-4, TH-4, TP-4-I, TH-5, TP-5-I, TP-10, TP-11, TP-12, TH-14, TH-15. ALL OTHER 1939 MODELS WERE DISCONTINUED.
The 1940 Philco line was,
in outward appearances, not much different from the 1939 models. Inside,
however, most of the new Philcos received built-in loop antennas,
eliminating the need for external longwire aerials (except in cases
where the set was situated far from any local broadcast stations).
Philco's two high-end sets
were now referred to by a more proper name - Wireless Remote Control.
Obviously there was no real "Mystery" about how these sets worked!
Philco's line of cheap
Transitone models was expanded for 1940. A further expansion of
Transitone models would occur only two months later (see the August 1939
page).
The Philco Tropic
line of export sets was expanded for 1940 and now included a number of
table model, console and radio-phonograph models.
THE 1940 PHILCO LINE
BATTERY (PORTABLE & FARM) SETS:
| MODEL 40-74T
Similar in size and performance to
the previous season's Model 39-71T, this new portable received
the AM band only.
Original selling price: $26.45
Number made: 11,065 |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-81T
A popular model, this new, compact,
four-tube portable was sort of a battery version of Model TH-4,
even using a similar dial scale (only it read PHILCO instead of
TRANSITONE).
Original selling price: $17.45
Number made: 49,100
Photo credit: Kim Bowers
|
|
MODEL 40-88T
This five-tube portable could
receive shortwave stations from 5.8 to 18 mc in addition to the
standard AM band.
Original selling price: $36.45
Number
made: 5,610 (NOTE: Figure includes production of January 1940
Model 40-88TL) |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-90CB
The Bakelite cabinet of this new
farm set was leftover from the old Model 38-12CB, and had also
been previously used to house the 1939 Model TH-3.
Original selling price: $24.95
Number made: Not available |
|
MODEL 40-95T
Model 40-95 was available as a table
model (right) and console (immediately below). Both models used
four tubes and received the AM band only.
Original selling price: 24.95
Number made: 58,432 |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-95F
This is the console version of Model
40-95.
Original selling price: $34.95
Number
made: 10,377 |
|
MODEL 40-100T
Another battery-operated Philco to
be issued in table model and console versions, the 40-100 used
four tubes and received the AM band only. These two models
featured pushbutton tuning.
Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 12,510
Photo credit: Jeffrey Goldstein |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-100F
A console version of Model 40-100.
It did not sell very well.
Original selling price: $47.50
Number made: 4,926 |
|
MODEL 40-105B
This set was one of the last Baby
Grand models to be produced by Philco (the other was Model
40-110B). It used four tubes and received the AM band only. It
was not a huge seller.
Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 5,408 |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-105K
Console version of Model 40-105,
using the same cabinet as Model 40-110K. Neither model sold very
well.
Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 2,030 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model
40-110K) |
|
MODEL 40-110B
This Philco model used four tubes,
but received shortwave from 5.4 to 18 mc in addition to the AM
band. Also, the 40-110 featured electric pushbutton tuning.
Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 1,600 |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-110K
The console version of Model 40-110.
Original selling price: $69.95
Number made: 2,030 (NOTE: Figure includes production of
Model 40-105K) |
ELECTRIC (AC & AC/DC) MODELS:
|
MODEL 40-115C
The lowest-priced Philco for home
use had two bands: standard AM and the "police" band (1.5 to 3.3
mc). It used six tubes and operated from 115 volts, AC or DC
current.
Original selling price: $20
Number made: 49,251 |
 |
 |
MODELS 40-120C - 40-120CI
These two models (40-120C, top;
40-120CI, bottom) were identical
except for the cabinets. The chassis in each is similar to Model
40-115C above.
Original selling price: $22.50
(40-120C), $23.50 (40-120CI)
Number made: 59,593 (40-120C), 13,855 (40-120CI) |
|
MODEL 40-124C
This set is, electronically speaking, a
40-115 with the addition of pushbutton tuning.
Original selling price: $25
Number made: 16,020 |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-125C
Take a 40-120 chassis, add six
pushbuttons, put it inside a different cabinet, and VOILA - you
have Model 40-125.
Original selling price: $27.50
Number made: 34,806 |
|
MODEL 40-130T
A six tube, AC-only table model,
this Philco received AM and the "police" band (1.5 to 3.3 mc).
Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 40,960
Photo credit: Jennifer Shade |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-135T
Essentially the same as the 40-130
above, with the addition of six electronic pushbuttons.
Original selling price: $35
Number made: 17,860
Photo credit: Paul Turney |
|
MODEL 40-140T
This table model was similar to
Model 40-130, but added a third band (shortwave, 5.7 to 18 mc).
It also used six tubes and operated on AC only.
Original selling price: $35
Number made: 16,591
Photo credit: Ryan Meldahl |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-145T
A 40-140 with the addition of six
electronic pushbuttons.
Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 19,555
NOTE: Grille cloth in this photo
is incorrect. |
|
MODEL 40-150T
One of two "slant front" table
models for the new 1940 season, the 40-150 used seven tubes and
had three band coverage: standard AM, "police" from 1.55 to 3.5
mc, and shortwave from 6 to 18 mc. Eight electronic pushbuttons
were also featured. It operated on 115 volts AC only.
Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 40,011
Photo credit:
John Mielke |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-155T
The 40-155 is nearly identical to
the 40-150 above, except for a different cabinet and an added
tube in the second detector circuit, making this set an eight
tube radio.
Both this and the 40-150 are
excellent performers.
Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 25,835 |
|
MODEL 40-158F
A console radio similar to the Model
40-130 shown above. It used six tubes and received standard AM
and the "police" band (1.5 to 3.3 mc). It operated on 115 volts
AC only. This model does NOT use electronic pushbuttons as shown
in the photo at right; the cabinet is identical to Models
40-160F & 40-165F.
Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 17.653 |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-160F
Essentially a 40-135 in a floor
model cabinet. This model also received standard AM and the 1.5
to 3.3 mc "police" band, used six tubes, and operated on 115
volts AC. It also featured six electronic pushbuttons.
Original selling price: $45
Number made: 26,513
Photo credit: Mike Moore
NOTE: Grille cloth is incorrect in this photo; it should be the
"large diamond" pattern as shown on Model 40-158F above. |
|
MODEL 40-165F
This console is similar in
electronics to Model 40-145 above, using six tubes and receiving
standard AM, the "police" band (1.5 to 3.3 mc) and shortwave (6
to 18 mc). It operated on 115 volts, AC only, and its cabinet is
identical to Models 40-158F and 40-160F.
Original selling price: $55
Number made: 5,506 |
|
 |
MODEL 40-165K
For the shopper who was considering
a new 40-165 in late 1939, he or she had two cabinets from which
to choose. This "K" cabinet is considerably different from the
"F" cabinet above, but the chassis is the same. This model also
outsold the 40-165F version by nearly 5 to 1.
Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 25,345
Photo credit: Ed Orcutt |
|
MODEL 40-180XF
The 1940 version of a classic Philco
cabinet that had been introduced at mid-season 1939 as Model
39-31XK. The new version used seven tubes and received standard
AM, the "police" band from 1.55 to 3.4 mc, and shortwave from 6
to 18 mc. Eight electronic pushbuttons were also featured. It
operated on 115 volts, AC only.
Original selling price: $69.95
Number made: 129,076 (NOTE: Figure includes production of
January 1939 Model
39-31XK)
Photo credit: Clifford R. Huff |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-185XX
Essentially a console version of
Model 40-155T, with only a slight change in the antenna circuit.
It used eight tubes and a large (12") speaker, and received AM,
the "police" band (1.55 to 3.4 mc) and shortwave from 6 to 18
mc.
Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 21,518 |
|
MODEL 40-190XF
This model used the same chassis as
Model 40-185XX above in an Art Deco "skyscraper" cabinet.
Original selling price: $89.95
Number made: 39,769 |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-195XX
This large ten-tube Philco could
receive AM, the "police" band (1.5 to 4 mc) and shortwave from 6
to 18 mc.
Original selling price: $100
Number made: 28,505 |
|
MODEL 40-200XX
This model used essentially the same
chassis as Model 40-195XX above. The 2nd detector circuit was
slightly changed in this model to use two tubes instead of one,
making this an eleven tube receiver.
The 40-200 sets used leftover
1939 Model 39-116XX cabinets. These can be distinguished from
the 39-116 by the addition of a loop antenna in back, eight
pushbuttons instead of only call letter windows, and the lack of
any Mystery Control functions.
Original selling price: $135
Number made: 22,330 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model
39-116XX) |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-205RX
The 1940 successor to the 1939 Model
39-55RX received a new cabinet for the 1940 model year. The
chassis remained basically the same as the previous year's
39-55RX, however. It used eleven tubes plus one in the wireless
remote unit, and received the AM band only.
Original selling price: $159.50
Number made: 5,050 (NOTE: Figure includes production of
January 1940 Model 40-215RX) |
|
MODEL 40-216RX
A three band receiver (AM, "police"
from 1.6-4.5 mc and shortwave from 6 to 18 mc) which also
featured wireless remote control. The radio used thirteen tubes
plus one tube in the remote unit.
Original selling price: $195
Number made: 3,449 (NOTE: Figure includes production of
January 1940 Model
40-217RX) |
 |
 |
MODEL A52CK
No information has been found on
this model or the similar A52CK1 below. The sets used a Philco
(Transitone TH-4) chassis and Sessions electric clock.
Original selling price & number
made: Not available
Photo credit: James S. Knapp |
|
MODEL A52CK-1
Very similar to the A52CK above,
this model has different speaker grille cutouts.
Original selling price & number
made: Not available
Photo credit: John Reynolds |
 |
PHONOGRAPH WITH PHILCO MODELS:
 |
MODEL 40-501P
By now Philco had bought out the
Radiobar Corporation of America, and were once again producing
radio-phonograph combinations in-house. This was Philco's entry
level radio-phonograph for the 1940 season; a basic Transitone
TH-4 chassis with an exposed 78 rpm single play phonograph built
into the top of the set.
Original selling price: $25
Number made: 3,015 |
|
MODEL 40-502P
This model was electronically
identical to the 40-501P above, but used a lid to hide the
phonograph when it was not in use.
Original selling price: $35
Number made: 3,000 |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-503P
The 40-503P used a 40-135 chassis in
combination with a single play phonograph which was under the
top lid.
Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 1,000 |
|
MODEL 40-504P
An unusual model designed to be
portable. The 40-504P used four tubes and ran on batteries, and
the phonograph mechanism used a mechanical hand-crank motor.
Original selling price: $46.45
Number made: Not available
|
 |
 |
MODEL 40-506P
A console version of Model 40-503P.
It also used a version of the 40-135 chassis (six tubes).
Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 1,500
Photo credit: Benny Kearns |
|
MODEL 40-507P
And this Phonograph with Philco
model used a version of the 40-145 chassis (also six tubes).
Original selling price: $119.95
Number made: 5,001 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 40-725PXX) |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-508P
This eight tube receiver used a
variation of the 40-180/185/190 chassis; the difference is that
it uses a phase inverter tube, two Type 42 power output tubes,
and a Type 80 rectifier. It also has a higher power output than
the 40-180/185/190. The phonograph is an automatic record
changer which was a forerunner of the 1941 Beam of Light
changer.
Original selling price: $139.95
Number made: 8,003 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model
40-755PXX) |
|
MODEL 40-509P
A larger, more impressive cabinet
than the 40-508P above; it housed the same radio chassis and
automatic record changer as the 508.
Original selling price: $185
Number made: 2,310 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 40-755PDXX) |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-510P
This model used a 40-205 wireless
remote control chassis with an automatic record changer.
Original selling price: $350
Number made: 1,167 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models
40-516P & 40-780PXX) |
|
MODEL 40-516P
Identical to Model 40-510P above in
appearance, the 40-516 used a 40-216 wireless remote chassis and
an automatic record changer.
Original selling price: $395
Number made: 1,167 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models
40-510P & 40-780PXX) |
|
TRANSITONE MODELS:
 |
MODEL TP-4
Identical in appearance to the
January 1939 Model TH-4, the TP-4 adds "police" band coverage
(2.3 to 2.5 mc). It is electronically identical with the January
1939 Model TP-4-I, which was housed in an ivory painted Bakelite
cabinet. It used five tubes and could run on either AC or DC
current.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 91,948 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model
TH-18 as well as January 1939 Model TH-4) |
|
MODEL TP-5
The plain brown Bakelite version of
the January 1939 TP-5-I, which had an ivory painted Bakelite
cabinet of the same style. Five tubes, AC/DC, AM and the
"police" band (2.3-2.5 mc).
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 18,093 (NOTE: Figure includes production of January
1939 Model TH-5)
Photo credit: Paul Turney |
 |
 |
MODEL TH-9
Nothing is known about this model at
present, but it is included in Philco service literature of the
period.
Original selling price: & number
made: Not available |
|
MODEL TP-10
These Transitone models featured a
Tenite grille and dial pointer. These parts tend to shrink and
warp over time. The set used five tubes, received AM and a 2.3
to 2.5 mc "police" band, and was available in colors other than
the standard bakelite/ivory (upper right).
Original selling price: & number
made: Not available
Photo credit (bottom photo): Mike
Serafino |
 |
 |
MODEL TH-16
Essentially a TH-4 with the addition
of a handle, a loop antenna, and a Bakelite back to conceal the
loop. This cabinet was molded differently from the TH-4, in
order for the Bakelite back to fit properly.
Original selling price: $11.95
Number made: 17,030 |
|
MODEL TH-17
Add a handle, loop antenna and a
Bakelite back to a TH-5, and you end up with a TH-17. Of course
the basic TH-5 cabinet was modified to accept the Bakelite back.
Original selling price: $17.95
Number made: 8,383 |
 |
 |
MODEL TH-18
This set's cabinet is identical to a TH-4 or TP-4,
and also uses five tubes and runs on either AC or DC household
current. The difference is the frequency coverage - the TH-18
has a real shortwave band (5.5 to 19 mc) in addition to AM
coverage. The dial scale is also different, as seen at left.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 91,948 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model
TP-4 as well as January 1939 Model TH-4) |
|
MODEL TP-20
Similar to Model TP-10, the TP-20
adds a loop antenna, Bakelite back cover and carrying handle.
Original selling price: $15.95
Number made: 4,000
Photo credit: Mike Serafino |
 |
 |
MODEL TP-21
Original selling price: $22.50
Number made: 2,000 |
|
MODEL TH-22
This model is listed in Philco
service literature, but so far no pictures of this model have
been found. It used five tubes and received AM and one shortwave
band (7 to 24 mc).
Original selling price & number
made: Not available |
|
 |
MODEL UA-52P (TP-52)
This very unusual model was marketed
under the SIMPLEX name as well as TRANSITONE. The cabinet is
made of white Beetle and black Bakelite.
Original selling price: $19.95
Number made: Not available
Photo credit: Mike Schultz |
TROPIC MODELS:
|
MODELS 40-710T - 40-2710T
These models used the old January
1938 Model 38-14CB/38-15CB Bakelite cabinets. Instead of the
dial illustrated here, however, a slide rule dial was used
instead.
Both models were designed to operate
on 115 or 230 volts, AC or DC current. The difference in the two
was in the frequency coverage of each.
40-710 - 530-1720 kc, 2.3-7.4 &
7.35-22 mc
40-2710 - 150-390 & 530-1720 kc; 7.2-24 mc
Original selling price & number
made: Not available
Illustration is representative of
Models 40-710T & 40-2710T, as both are identical in
appearance. |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-715T
A five tube set which operated on AC
current only, either 115 or 230 volts. It received three bands
(AM, 2.3-7.4 & 7.3-22 mc).
Original selling price & number made: Not available |
|
MODELS 40-725T - 40-2725T
Six tube Tropic models designed to
run on either 115 or 230 volts, AC current only. The 40-725
received AM and shortwave from 2.3-7.4 & 7.35-22 mc. The 40-2725
received longwave (150-390 kc), AM, and shortwave from 7.2 to 24
mc.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 4,537 (figure includes both versions)
Illustration is representative of
Models 40-725T & 40-2725T, as both are identical in
appearance. |
 |
|
|
MODEL 40-725PXX
A radio-phonograph version of Model
40-725T.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 5,001 (NOTE: Figure includes production of
Model 40-507P) |
|
MODEL 40-748T
This battery operated Philco Tropic
used seven tubes and covered three frequency ranges: 530-1720 kc
(AM), 2.3-7.4 & 7.3-22 mc.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 7,076 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models
40-755T & 40-756T) |
 |
 |
MODEL 40-748XX
Console version of Model 40-748.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 500 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models
40-755XX & 40-756XX) |
|
MODEL 40-755T
Made to operate on 115 or 230 volts,
AC current only, the 40-755 has the same frequency coverage as
Model 40-748T above, and was housed in an identical cabinet. It
uses eight tubes.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 7,076 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models
40-748T & 40-756T) |
|
|
|
MODEL 40-755XX
This is the console version of Model
40-755T.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 500 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models
40-748XX & 40-756XX) |
|
MODEL 40-755PXX
One of two console versions of Model
40-755, which includes an automatic record changer.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 8,003 (NOTE: Figure includes production of
Model 40-508P) |
 |
|
|
MODEL 40-755PDXX
This larger, more impressive cabinet
also housed a 40-755 chassis and an automatic record changer.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 2,310 (NOTE: Figure includes production of
Model 40-509P) |
|
MODEL 40-756T
This Tropic model had three bands
(530-1720 kc, 2.3-7.4 mc & 7.3-22 mc) and operated from either
115 or 230 volts, AC or DC. It used eight tubes, and was
identical in appearance to Models 40-748T & 40-755T.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 7,076 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models
40-748T & 40-755T) |
|
|
|
MODEL 40-756XX
Am AC/DC version of Model 40-755XX;
electrical specifications are the same as Model 40-756T above.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 500 (NOTE: Figure includes production of
Models 40-748XX & 40-755XX) |
|
MODELS 40-780T - 40-2780T
These Tropic model uses eleven tubes
and had three bands. The 40-780 covered 530-1720 kc, 2.3-7.4 mc & 7.4-22 mc;
the 40-2780 covered 150-390 kc & 530-1720 kc & 7.4-22 mc. Both
operated on 115 or 230 volts, AC current only.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 3,062 (figure includes both versions)
Illustration is representative of
Models 40-780T & 40-2780T, as both are identical in
appearance. |
 |
 |
MODELS 40-780XX - 40-2780XX
Console versions of Models 40-780T &
40-2780T, respectively.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 200 (figure includes both versions)
Illustration is representative of
Models 40-780XX & 40-2780XX, as both are identical in
appearance. |
|
MODEL 40-780PXX
A radio-phonograph version of Model
40-780, containing an automatic record changer.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: 1,167 (NOTE: Figure includes production of
Models 40-510P & 40-516P) |
|
© 1997-2006, Ron Ramirez. All
rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
 |
