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PHILCO PHORUM

Philcoradio.com < Gallery Index

Philco for 1940 (introduced August 1939)

ALL 1940 (JUNE 1939) MODELS CONTINUED IN THE PHILCO LINEUP, EXCEPT FOR THE FOLLOWING WHICH WERE DISCONTINUED: A52CK, A52CK1, TH-4, TP-4, TP-4-I, TH-5, TP-5, TP-5-I, TH-9, TP-10, TP-11, TP-12, TH-14, TH-15, TH-16, TH-17, TH-18, TP-20, TP-21, TH-22, UA-52P (TP-52).

Two months into the new 1940 season, Philco added a portable, a chairside set and a console model to its regular lineup. But they also completely revamped their lower-priced Transitone models by eliminating every June 1939 model and introducing 21 new models, which now carried the PHILCO trademark as well as the TRANSITONE name. Many of the new Transitones were simply older models with new dial scales and the new Philco-Transitone designations, but several new models were also added to the line at this time.

All of the new Transitones (except the portable PT-63) used the same basic five-tube, AC.DC chassis; there were variations in frequency coverage through the various models.

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

ELECTRIC (AC & AC/DC) MODELS

PHILCO-TRANSITONE MODELS

THE 1940 (AUGUST 1939) PHILCO LINE

PORTABLE RADIOS

MODEL 40-82T
Essentially a 40-81T with a hinged lid to cover the front panel when the set was not in use. Four tubes, AM only.

Original selling price: $19.95
Number made: 5,025

MODEL PT-63
A new Transitone designed for portable use, it uses four tubes and runs on batteries. It receives 540 to 1550 kc (AM) and has a built-in loop antenna.

Original selling price: $19.95
Number made: 7,025

ELECTRIC (AC & AC/DC) MODELS

MODEL 40-170CS
This new chairside model used a chassis similar to Model 40-135. It had six tubes and covered AM and shortwave from 1.5 to 3.3 mc.

Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 3,500

PHONOGRAPH WITH PHILCO
MODEL 40-525P
Another new Philco to use the six-tube 40-135 chassis.

Original selling price: $100
Number made: 6,500 (NOTE: Figure includes production of January 1940 Model 40-526P)

PHILCO-TRANSITONE MODELS

MODEL PT-25
Model PT-29 shown. Model PT-25 is identical in appearance except for the dial scale.

Successor to the January 1939 TH-4, the only difference between the PT-25 and the TH-4 was the new dial scale. It received the AM band (540-1720 kc), used five tubes, and operated from 115 volts, AC or DC current.

Original selling price: $9.95
Number made: 114,160 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models PT-27, PT-29, PT-31 & PT-37)

MODEL PT-27
Model PT-31 shown. Model PT-27 is identical in appearance except for the dial scale.

Identical to the PT-25 except for the ivory painted Bakelite cabinet.

Original selling price: $10.95
Number made: 114,160 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models PT-25, PT-29, PT-31 & PT-37)

MODEL PT-29
This model replaced the June 1939 TP-4 and is identical with it except for the new dial scale. In addition to AM, the PT-29 also received the "police" band (2.3 to 2.5 mc).

Original selling price: $11.95
Number made: 114,160 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models PT-25, PT-27, PT-31 & PT-37)

MODEL PT-31
And this model was identical with the June 1939 TP-4-I which it replaced. Like the PT-29 above, it also received AM and 2.3 to 2.5 mc shortwave.

Original selling price: $12.95
Number made: 114,160 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models PT-25, PT-27, PT-29 & PT-37)

MODEL PT-33
Photo courtesy Paul Turney

This model replaced the June 1939 TH-16. It receives the AM band (540-1580 kc).

Original selling price: $13.50
Number made: 3,000

MODEL PT-35
Model PT-35, brown/ivory

Model PT-35, two-tone brown
Photo courtesy Tom Fiori

A replacement for Model TP-10, the only thing new about the PT-35 was the "PHILCO Transitone" decal on the front of the cabinet. As with the TP-10, there are color variations in the PT-35 cabinets; one such variation is shown in the lower photo above. It received AM from 540 to 1720 kc and the "police" band from 2.3 to 2.5 mc.

Original selling price: $17.95
Number made: 8,383

MODEL PT-37
Model PT-29 shown. Model PT-37 is identical in appearance except for the dial scale.

This set replaced Model TH-18, and was capable of receiving shortwave from 5.5 to 19 mc as well as AM from 540 to 1720 kc.

Original selling price: $14.95
Number made: 114,160 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models PT-25, PT-27, PT-29 & PT-31)

MODEL PT-39
This model (and the PT-41 below) featured a completely new cabinet. The chassis is identical to the PT-25/TH-4. It received the AM band (540-1720 kc).

Original selling price: $15.95
Number made: 27,142 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model PT-41)

MODEL PT-41
The difference between this model and the PT-39 above is the smaller coverage of the AM band - this model only received 540 to 1580 kc.

Original selling price: $15.95
Number made: 27,142 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model PT-41)

MODEL PT-43
Model PT-43-A, ivory trim

Model PT-43-C, red trim
Photo used by permission.

Model PT-43-F, brown trim
Photo courtesy Cheryle Starkweather

Another all-new cabinet for this Transitone model. It was capable of receiving AM from 540 to 1580 kc and shortwave up to 2.5 mc.

It was made in five versions:

PT-43-A - ivory trim - 24,677 made (upper photo)
PT-43-C - red trim - 1,036 made (middle photo)
PT-43-D - blue trim - 793 made
PT-43-E - green trim - 784 made
PT-43-F - brown trim - 1,297 made (lower photo)

Original selling price (all versions): $16.95

MODEL PT-45
This set was the successor to the January 1939 lookalike TH-5. It receives the AM band from 540 to 1720 kc and features pushbutton tuning.

Original selling price: $16.95
Number made: 3,920 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models PT-47 & PT-51)

MODEL PT-47
Similar to the PT-45 above, its cabinet was ivory painted Bakelite.

Original selling price: $17.95
Number made: 3,920 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models PT-45 & PT-51)

MODEL PT-51
This model was the replacement for the older TP-5-I (January 1939). It received AM from 540 to 1720 kc and the "police" band from 2.3 to 2.5 mc. The cabinet is identical in appearancfe to Model PT-47.

Original selling price: $18.95
Number made: 3,920 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models PT-45 & PT-47)

MODEL PT-55
Model PT-55, brown/ivory

Model PT-55, black/green
Photo courtesy Dave Mitchell

The new PT-55 replaced the lookalike TP-20. It was available in several different colors besides the standard brown Bakelite with ivory Tenite trim; one color variation is shown above.

Original selling price: $13.95
Number made: Not available

MODEL PT-57
This new Transitone was identical to the June 1939 Model TH-17 which it replaced except for the dial scale. Like the TH-17, it received the AM band from 540 to 1580 kc and also had electronic pushbutton tuning and a built-in loop antenna.

Original selling price: $18.95
Number made: Not available

MODEL PT-59
The frequency coverage of this model is 540 to 1720 kc (AM) and 2.3 to 2.5 mc. It replaced the January 1939 TP-11. The case is brown Bakelite with swirled ivory Tenite trim.

Original selling price: $19.95
Number made: Not available

MODEL PT-61
Also known among collectors as the "Jewel Case," this all-new Transitone has become very desirable in recent years because of its unique cabinet. It receives the AM band from 540 to 1580 kc.

Original selling price: $19.95
Number made: 12,510

MODEL PT-65
Photo used by permission.
NOTE: Knobs on this set are incorrect; they should be a dark brown version of the knobs used on the PT-67 below.

Electronic pushbutton tuning and a frequency coverage from 540 to 1580 kc are the features of this all-new Transitone model.

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

MODEL PT-67
Photo used by permission.

This model replaces the June 1939 Model TP-21. It receives the AM band (540-1580 kc) and the "police" band (2.3-2.5 mc).

Original selling price: $22.50
Number made: Not available

MODEL PT-69
This model, which replaced the June 1939 A52CK and A52CK1, included a Sessions electric clock with a five-tube Transitone chassis. AM only.

Original selling price: $24.95
Number made: 11,010

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