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PHILCO PHORUM
|
Philco
for 1941 (introduced June 1940)
THE FOLLOWING MODELS
CONTINUED IN THE PHILCO LINEUP: PT-25, PT-26, PT-27, PT-28, RP-1 (as
41-RP1). ALL OTHER 1940 MODELS WERE DISCONTINUED.
The 1941 Philco line was
somewhat more stylish than their 1940 models. Many of the new models
adopted either escutcheons or combination escutcheons/grilles made with Tenite, which shrinks
over time and has caused many 1941 (and 1942) models to become less than
attractive as a result. Fortunately, there is a reproduction escutcheon
available for some of the more popular models (see the
Resources page for details).
The portable models became
lighter and more efficient. Nearly all models now included a more
efficient loop antenna inside the cabinet.
Philco's
radio-phonograph models no longer carried the "Phonograph with
Philco" name. In addition, the higher priced models contained a new
Philco innovation; a tone arm with a light bulb, a mirror mounted on top
of the sapphire stylus, and a photocell. The Beam of Light pickup was
only used in 1941 and 1942 Philco models.
A few new
Transitone models were introduced for 1941, along
with four models carried over from 1940. Nevertheless, Philco offered
far fewer Transitone models than they did in
the previous season.
Philco offered ten models
in its Tropic
line of export sets for 1941, which were now mostly table models.
THE 1941 PHILCO LINE
BATTERY (PORTABLE) SETS:
| MODEL 41-81T
This four tube portable received the
AM band only (540-1600 kc).
Original selling price: $17.45
Number made: 8,050
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-83T
Similar to the 41-81T above, this
set used five tubes instead of four. It also received the AM
band only, as above.
Original selling price: $19.95
Number made: 4,525
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark
|
|
MODEL 41-84T
This five-tube portable was known as
a "three-way" portable, because it could operate on 115 volts AC
or DC, or on batteries. It also received the AM band only.
Original selling price: $26.45
Number
made: 34,351 (NOTE: Figure includes production of January 1941
Model 41-841T)
NOTE: Leather carrying handle is
missing from set shown at right. |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-85T
Another "three-way" portable for
1941 (115 volts AC or DC, or battery power), the new 41-85
received shortwave from 6 to 15 mc as well as the AM band.
Original selling price: $36.45
Number made: 10,411 (NOTE: Figure includes production of January
1941 Model 41-851T)
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
BATTERY (FARM) SETS:
|
MODEL 41-90CB
The successor to the previous year's
40-90CB received a new cabinet and chassis for 1941. It used
four tubes and received the AM band only (540-1720 kc).
Original selling price: $18.50
Number made: 32,618 (NOTE: Figure includes production of June
1941 Model 42-121CB) |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-95T
A new wooden cabinet which housed a
five-tube chassis which also received the AM band from 540 to
1720 kc.
Original selling price: $24.95
Number
made: 57,980 |
|
MODEL 41-95F
The chassis of this new 1941 farm
console is the same as Model 41-95T above.
Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 8,526
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-100T
This five tube, table model, farm
set added electronic pushbutton tuning to a chassis which is
otherwise very similar to the 41-95T above.
Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 8,011 |
|
MODEL 41-100F
This set was the console equivalent
to Model 41-100T above.
Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 2,525
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-105T
Yet another five tube farm set, the
41-105 added shortwave coverage (6 to 12 mc) to its AM band
coverage.
Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 4,761
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
MODEL 41-110K
This Philco model used six tubes and received shortwave from
6 to 12 mc in addition to the AM
band. The 41-110K also featured electronic pushbutton tuning.
Philco's most expensive farm set for
1941, it sold poorly.
Original selling price: $77.95
Number made: 520
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
ELECTRIC (AC & AC/DC) MODELS:
 |
MODELS 41-220C - 41-220CI
Two different versions of the same
radio - one had a walnut finish with dark trim (41-220C), and
the other had an ivory finish with dark trim (41-220CI). Both
received AM from 540 to 1600 kc and the "police" band from 1.6
to 3.3 mc. The chassis of each used six tubes and operated on
115 volts, AC or DC.
Original selling price: $20
(41-220C), $21.50 (41-220CI)
Number made: 37,526 (41-220C), 9,051 (41-220CI)
Photo credit (lower left): Chuck
Schwark |
|
MODELS 41-221C - 41-221CI
Here are two more new Philco models
that were available in different trim colors. Both the 41-221C
and 41-221CI had walnut finishes overall; the 41-221C had dark
trim, and the 41-221CI had ivory trim.
The two sets shared the same six
tube chassis that could receive AM from 540 to 1720 kc and
shortwave from 9 to 12 mc. Both operated on 115 volts, AC or DC.
Like many 1941 Philco models, the
combination escutcheon/speaker grille was made of Tenite, which
shrinks and warps over time.
Original selling price: $23.50
(41-221C), $25 (41-221CI)
Number made: 37,116 (41-221C), 19,300 (41-221CI)
Photo credit (upper right): Chuck
Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-225C
The 41-225 used a similar chassis to
the 41-220 models above, with the addition of electronic
pushbutton tuning. It also received AM and the "police" band
(1.6-3.3 mc), and operated on 115 volts, AC or DC power.
Original selling price: $26
Number made: 12,525
Photo credit: Bob Atchison |
|
MODEL 41-226C
Also known as "The Sled" due to its
unusual yet attractive cabinet design, it is
electrically similar to the 41-221 models above, but adds
electronic pushbutton tuning. Shortwave coverage from 9 to 12 mc
as well as AM reception are its other features. It also was
designed for 115 volt AC or DC power.
Original selling price: $27.50
Number made: 23,443
Photo credit: Robert Barr |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-230T
The successor to the 1940 Model
40-130, the new 1941 model was housed in a Bakelite cabinet that
was basically identical to the 41-90CB farm set above, with the
addition of two more controls for tone and band selection.
It operated on 115 volts AC only and
received AM and the "police" band (1.5 to 3.5 mc) with its seven
tubes.
Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 17,489
Photo credit: Chris Hollingsworth |
|
MODEL 41-235T
A seven tube, AC-only table model,
this Philco received AM and the "police" band (1.5 to 3.5 mc).
Basically a 41-230 in a wooden cabinet.
Original selling price: $32.50
Number made: 18,595
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-240T
This two band, seven tube model
received shortwave (9 to 12 mc) in addition to AM broadcasts.
Original selling price: $35
Number made: 20,141
Photo credit: Clifford R. Huff |
|
MODEL 41-245T
Another seven tube model, the 245T
featured electronic pushbutton tuning and three band reception
(540-1550 kc, 2-7 mc & 9-12 mc).
Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 22,566 |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-250T
An attractive new "slant front"
table model that has been called the "Log Cabin" by some
collectors because of the unusual wood pattern on the front of
the set. It receives AM and shortwave from 2.2 to 7 mc and 9 to
12 mc and includes electronic pushbutton tuning. It uses 8 tubes
and operates on 115 volts AC only.
Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 25,151 |
|
MODEL 41-255T
Another new "slant front" table
models for the 1941 season, the 41-255 is very similar to the
41-250 above, except that it uses nine tubes instead of eight.
Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 22,742 (NOTE: Figure includes production of January
1941 Model 41-256T)
Photo credit:
Terry Judkins |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-258F
Similar in design to the table model
41-221 sets, the 258F received AM from 540 to 1720 kc and
shortwave from 8.8 to 12 mc. It operated on 115 volts AC or DC.
This "entry-level" console did not
sell well.
Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 8,511
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
MODEL 41-260F
A console radio based on the 41-240
chassis, the 260F added electronic pushbutton tuning and a
larger speaker housed in a floor model cabinet. It operated on
115 volts AC only and received the AM band and shortwave from 9
to 12 mc.
Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 19,201
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-265K
Essentially a 41-245 in a floor
model cabinet. This model also received standard AM and two
shortwave bands (2 to 7 and 9 to 12 mc). It used seven tubes, and operated on 115
volts AC. It also featured six electronic pushbuttons.
Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 17,245 |
|
MODEL 41-280X
A slight refinement to the previous
year's 40-180 cabinet, which housed a new eight tube chassis
which is nearly identical to the 41-250T pictured above. It was
one of Philco's top sellers for 1941, and examples are easy to
find today.
Original selling price: $69.95
Number made: 81,561
Photo credit: Kim Bowers |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-285X
This was the console version of
Model 41-255T. It used nine tubes and covered the same bands as
the 255T.
Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 30,422
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
MODEL 41-287X
The 41-287 used the same chassis as
the 41-285, but was housed in an even more ornate cabinet.
Operating on 115 volts AC only, it received the AM band and
shortwave from 2.3 to 7 mc & 9 to 12 mc. This model was
available in either Walnut or Mahogany.
Original selling price: $85
Number made: 8,010 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Walnut
and Mahogany versions) |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-290X
The new 290X, which looks much like
a streamlined "skyscraper" of the time, contained a ten tube
chassis which was similar to that used in the 41-285 & 41-287
above.
Original selling price: $89.95
Number made: 47,621
Photo credit: Jo Ann Wright |
|
MODEL 41-295X
This model used eleven tubes and
received AM as well as shortwave from 2.3 to 7 mc, 9 to 12 mc
and 13.5 to 18 mc. It includes eight pushbuttons; seven for
preset AM stations and one for off-on control. It operated on
115 volts, AC only.
Original selling price: $100
Number made: 19,025 (NOTE: Figure includes production of
January
1941 Model 41-296X)
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-300X
An even fancier and more expensive
set than the 41-295 above, it was nevertheless very similar to
the 295X; the difference being an additional tube in the 2nd
detector circuit, making this one a 12 tube radio.
Original selling price: $135
Number made: 10,015 |
|
MODEL 41-316X
One of only two wireless remote
control models for the new 1941 season (the other was Model
41-616P, see below), the all-new 316 now allowed the set owner
to use mechanical pushbuttons mounted below the dial to select
preset AM stations, or select them using the wireless remote.
This model used fourteen tubes,
plus an additional tube in the remote unit. It operated on 115
volts, AC only, and had the same frequency coverage as Models
41-295 and 41-300 above.
Original selling price: $200
Number made: 4,053 (NOTE: Figure includes production of
January 1941 Model 41-315X) |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-KR
A new radio-clock combination, with
a curved bottom that was designed to sit on top of the Philco
refrigerators of the day. The radio used a five-tube chassis
much like the Philco Transitone PT-26, and tuned 540 to 1600 kc.
Because of the electric clock, however, it could only operate on
AC current, 115 volts.
Original selling price: Sold only
with Philco Refrigerators, not sold separately
Number made: 15,720 |
RADIO-PHONOGRAPH MODELS:
|
MODEL 41-602P
A Philco Transitone PT-26 chassis
(AM only, 540-1580 kc) and a single play 78 rpm phonograph made
up Philco's entry level 1941 radio-phono combination.
Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 12,052 |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-603P
This classy table model features
reception of the standard AM band and shortwave from 9 to 12 mc.
It uses six tubes and operates on 115 volts, AC only due to the
phonograph motor which cannot run on DC current.
Original selling price: $39.95
Number
made: 8,761 |
|
MODEL 41-604P
Philco's lowest priced console
radio-phonograph used the same radio chassis as Model 41-603P
above, coupled with a single play 78 rpm phonograph.
Original selling price: $59.95
Number
made: 14,282 |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-605P
This model also used the 41-603
radio chassis with an automatic record changer using a crystal
pickup.
Original selling price: $89.95
Number made: 22,940 (NOTE: Figure includes production of
January 1941 Model 41-625P)
Photo credit: Leslie Del Ponte |
|
MODEL 41-607P
Yet another Philco radio-phonograph
to use the 41-603 chassis, along with the same automatic record
changer as used in Model 41-605.
Original selling price: $109.50
Number made: 4,013
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-608P
Production figures for this set are
not available, but the 41-608 was clearly Philco's top selling
radio-phonograph of the 1941 season as many examples survive and
are not difficult to find.
The set features Philco's new Beam
of Light phonograph pickup, used with an automatic record
changer. The radio uses nine tubes and receives the standard AM
band and shortwave from 9 to 12 mc.
Some models may be found with the
optional record cutter unit; an extra tone arm with a crystal
cartridge, used to make 78 rpm recordings with the blank discs
that were available at the time for the purpose.
Original selling price: $129.95
Number made: Not available
Photo credit: Joseph Balitza, Jr. |
|
MODEL 41-609P
A much fancier cabinet houses the
same electronics and Beam of Light changer as the 41-608P above.
Original selling price: $150
Number made: 6,607
Photo credit: Lee Holmes
|
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MODEL 41-610P
A ten tube Philco which received AM
and shortwave from 2 to 7 mc and 9 to 12 mc. The large cabinet
also housed a Beam of Light automatic record changer.
Original selling price: $179.95
Number made: 6,358 |
|
MODEL 41-611P
The electronic equivalent of the
41-610P above, this model utilized a much more ornate cabinet.
Original selling price: $225
Number made: 4,272
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-616P
Philco's best radio-phonograph for
1941 utilized a modified 41-316 chassis, adding one tube for the
Beam of Light phonograph preamplifier. Like the 41-316, this
model featured wireless remote control; with this model, the
user could control the phonograph as well as select from preset
AM stations with the wireless remote.
Original selling price: $395
Number made: Not available
Photo credit: Bob Snively |
|
MODEL 41-695P
A floor model radio-phonograph for
the rural market, the 41-695 featured a battery operated radio
which received the AM band only. The single play phonograph had
a crystal pickup and used a windup motor.
Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 1,533
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-RP2
The RP-2 two-tube wireless
phonograph received a new cabinet for the 1941 season, but was
otherwise unchanged from earlier versions.
Original selling price: $19.95
Number made: 15,111 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model
41-RP15)
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
MODEL 41-RP5
Made for the export market, the
large cabinet could support a table model radio. The pull-out
front drawer contained the single play phonograph.
Original selling price & number made:
Not available |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-RP15
A battery operated version of the
41-RP2, for rural areas. The phonograph uses a windup motor. It
operates on one tube.
Original selling price: $19.95
Number
made: 15,111 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model
41-RP2) |
TRANSITONE MODELS:
|
MODEL PT-30
The cabinet of this model is yet
another incarnation of the set first introduced as Model 38-12CB
in January 1938. This model, however, utilized a chassis
designed to operate on 115 volts, AC or DC. Using five tubes, it
receives the AM band only. It has a larger speaker than its
lookalike models, and is a good performer when properly
restored.
Original selling price: $13.95
Number
made: 46,116 |
 |
 |
MODEL PT-42
This new Transitone contains a
5-tube AC/DC chassis which receives 540 to 1600 kc AM only.
Original selling price: $15.95
Number made: 12,383 |
|
MODEL PT-44
Inside this attractive walnut
cabinet is a chassis which is identical to Model PT-42 above.
Original selling price: $18.75
Number made: 11,303
Photo used by permission. |
 |
 |
MODEL PT-49
A PT-30 chassis in a decorative
wooden cabinet.
Original selling price: $19.95
Number made: 5,700 |
|
MODEL PT-87
This portable Transitone used five
tubes and could operate on 115 volts, AC or DC power, or on
batteries. It received the AM band only.
Original selling price: $17.45
Number made: 32,300
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL PT-89
This unusual compact portable
operated on batteries and featured an antenna built into the
carrying strap. It received the AM band and used four tubes.
Original selling price: $15
Number made: 11,100
Photo credit: Steve Perrault |
TROPIC MODELS:
|
MODEL 41-705T
A reissue of the previous year's
40-710T, this model also received three bands: 540-1600 kc,
2.3-7.2 mc & 7.0-24 mc. It used five tubes and operated on 115
volts, AC or DC current.
As with Model 40-710, the 41-705
used a slide rule dial instead of the 38-12 type dial
illustrated at right.
Original selling price & number
made: Not available |
 |
 |
MODELS 41-708T - 41-712T -
41-713T
These three band Tropic models
differ in the power supplies used in each. The 41-708 operates
from a single 6-volt storage battery. The 41-712 runs on 115 or
230 volts AC only. And the 41-713 will operate on 115 or 230
volts, AC or DC.
All three models receive the
following bands: 540-1600 kc, 2.3-7.2 mc & 7-24 mc. The three
use the Bakelite cabinet as shown at left, which is identical in
appearance to domestic models 41-90CB & 41-230T.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number made: Not available (41-708T), 11,350 (NOTE: Figure
includes production of Models 41-712T & 41-713T)
Model 41-712T shown at left.
Photo credit: Greg Armstrong
Photo is representative of
Models 41-708T. 41-712T & 41-713T, as all three are identical in
appearance. |
|
MODEL 41-714T
A six tube Tropic model designed to
run on either 115 or 230 volts, AC current only. The 41-714
received AM and shortwave from 2.3-7.2 & 7-24 mc.
Original selling price: $75
Number made: 4,051 |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-722T
This Tropic model used six tubes and
received 540 to 1720 kc, 2.3 to 7.1 mc & 7 to 22 mc. It was
designed to operate on either 115 or 230 volt, AC only.
Original selling price: $100
Number made: 2,902 |
|
MODEL 41-745
A three band (540-1720 kc, 2.3-7.1 & 7-22 mc)
receiver, this model operated on a 6-volt storage battery and
used seven tubes. The type of cabinet used is not known at this
time.
Original selling price & number made: Not
available |
 |
 |
MODEL 41-758T
The 41-758 had the same frequency
coverage as the 41-745, but used eight tubes and operated on 115
or 230 volts, AC only.
Original selling price: $125
Number made: 6,276 |
|
MODEL 41-759
This Tropic model also had three
tuning bands (same frequency coverage as Model 41-745 above),
and operated on 115 or 230 volts, AC or DC. It
uses eight tubes. The type of cabinet used is not known at this
time.
Original selling price & number made: Not
available |
|
 |
MODEL 41-788T
A very large table model, this was
Philco's first Tropic to include individual tuning ranges for
five major shortwave bands in addition to three conventional
tuning bands. In all, the 41-788 could tune from 540 kc to 22
mc. Using eleven tubes, this model operated on115 or 230 volts,
AC only.
Original selling price: $150
Number made: Not available
Photo credit: Mike Masar |
© 1997-2006, Ron Ramirez. All
rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
 |
