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PHILCO PHORUM

Philcoradio.com < Gallery Index

Philco for 1940 (introduced June 1940)

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!

The Philco Tropic line of export sets was expanded for 1940 and now included a number of table model, console and radio-phonograph models.

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 1940 page).

Click on a thumbnail to see a larger photo below:
PORTABLE RADIOS

BATTERY-OPERATED FARM SETS

ELECTRIC (AC & AC/DC) MODELS

PHONOGRAPH WITH PHILCO

TROPIC MODELS

TRANSITONE MODELS

THE 1940 PHILCO LINE

PORTABLE RADIOS

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
Photo courtesy Kim Bowers

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

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 40-504P
Model 40-504P, closed (left) and open (right)

An unusual radio-phonograph which was 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

BATTERY-OPERATED FARM SETS

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 January 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 (above) 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
Photo courtesy Jeffrey Goldstein

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

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
The 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

MODEL 40-120C
Original selling price: $22.50
Number made: 59,593

MODEL 40-120CI
This model is electrically identical to Model 40-120C, but the cabinet was painted off-white.

Original selling price: $23.50
Number made: 13,855

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
Photo courtesy Clifford R. Huff

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

MODEL 40-135T
Photo courtesy Art Hoch

Essentially the same as the 40-130 above, with the addition of six electronic pushbuttons.

Original selling price: $35
Number made: 17,860

MODEL 40-140T
Photo courtesy Ryan Meldahl

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

MODEL 40-145T
NOTE: Grille cloth in this photo is incorrect.

A 40-140 with the addition of six electronic pushbuttons.

Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 19,555

MODEL 40-150T
Photo courtesy John Mielke

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

MODEL 40-155T
The 40-155 is nearly identical to the 40-150 above. The cabinet is slightly different; and this model added one 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 which is electronically 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. The cabinet is identical to Models 40-160F & 40-165F except for the fact the Model 40-158F does not have pushbuttons.

Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 17.653

MODEL 40-160F
Grille cloth is incorrect in this photo; it should be the "large diamond" pattern as shown on Model 40-158F above.
Photo courtesy Mike Moore

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

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
Photo credit: Ed Orcutt

For the shopper who was considering a new 40-165 in late 1940, 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

MODEL 40-180XF
Photo courtesy Clifford R. Huff

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 1940 Model 39-31XK)

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 1940 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 1940 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
Photo courtesy Tom Genova

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
Photo courtesy James S. Knapp

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

MODEL A52CK1
Photo credit: John Reynolds

Very similar to the A52CK above, this model has different speaker grille cutouts.

Original selling price & number made: Not available

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 40-506P
Photos courtesy Benny Kearns

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

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
Model 40-508P, closed (left); showing inner components (right).

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)

TROPIC MODELS

MODELS 40-710T & 40-2710T
January 1938 Model 38-14CB shown. Models 40-710T & 40-2710T are identical in appearance except for the dial scale.

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

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).

The cabinet is identical to the 1939 Model 39-711T.

Original selling price & number made: Not available

MODELS 40-725T & 40-2725T
Illustration is representative of Models 40-725T & 40-2725T, as both are identical in appearance.

These were six tube Tropic models which were 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)

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
The 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
An 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
Illustration is representative of Models 40-780T & 40-2780T, as both are identical in appearance.

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)

MODELS 40-780XX & 40-2780XX
Illustration is representative of Models 40-780XX & 40-2780XX, as both are identical in appearance.

Console versions of Models 40-780T & 40-2780T, respectively.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 200 (figure includes both versions)

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)

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
Photo courtesy Paul Turney

The plain brown Bakelite version of the January 1940 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)

MODEL TH-9
A small five tube AC/DC set which received the broadcast band plus shortwave from 3 to 10 mc. No photo of this set has yet been found.

Original selling price: & number made: Not available

MODEL TP-10
Model TP-10, brown/tan

Model TP-10, blue/yellow
Photo courtesy Mike Serafino

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 two examples shown above.

Original selling price: & number made: Not available

MODEL TH-16
Photo courtesy Greg Armstrong

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.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 91,948 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model TP-4 as well as January 1940 Model TH-4)

MODEL TP-20
Photo courtesy Mike Serafino

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

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)
Model UA-52P, white beetle/black Bakelite
Photo courtesy Mike Schultz

Model UA-52P variant, red/black
Photo courtesy William Thornton

This very unusual model was marketed under the SIMPLEX name as well as TRANSITONE.

Original selling price: $19.95
Number made: Not available

UNKNOWN TRANSITONE MODEL
So far, no documentation has been found on this plain, unusual Transitone model. It does use a five-tube TH-4 AC/DC chassis.

Original selling price & number made: Not available

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