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PHILCO PHORUM

Philcoradio.com < Gallery Index

Philco for 1942 (introduced June 1941)

THE FOLLOWING MODELS CONTINUED IN THE PHILCO LINEUP: 41-22CL (as 42-22CL), 41-90CB (as 42-121CB), 41-601P (as 42-1001P), 41-620P (as 42-620P), PT-2 (as 42-PT2), PT-4 (as 42-PT4), PT-10 (as 42-PT10), PT-25 (as 42-PT25), PT-26 (as 42-PT26), PT-87 (as 42-PT87), RP-6 (as 42-RP6). ALL OTHER 1941 MODELS WERE DISCONTINUED.

The new 1942 Philco line was made up of mostly mild facelifts and small changes to sets, plus the addition of new model numbers.

Frequency Modulation (FM) had been available since 1940, but Philco did not make any radios capable of receiving FM until the start of their 1942 selling season. The FM feature was included in many of their higher-end radios. Philco's FM circuit was designed to circumvent the Armstrong patents, and did not receive FM with the full fidelity that Armstrong's circuits did. Like all prewar FM radios, the Philco FM sets received a band that became obsolete during the war: 42 to 50 mc. Since World War II, FM has operated in the 88 to 108 mc band.

Philco's higher-end phonographs continued to use their exclusive "Beam of Light" pickup head. Their automatic record changers added a slower speed - 39 rpm. These two speed changers proved troublesome, and after the war, Philco marketed a conversion kit to change the two-speed 1942 changers into single speed (78 rpm) rim drive.

Click on a thumbnail to see a larger photo below:
BATTERY-OPERATED FARM SETS

ELECTRIC (AC & AC-DC) MODELS

TROPIC MODELS

PORTABLE SETS

RADIO-PHONOGRAPHS

PHILCO TRANSITONE MODELS

THE 1942 PHILCO LINE

BATTERY-OPERATED FARM SETS

MODEL 42-121CB
The new entry level farm set for 1942 was identical in appearance to the previous season's 41-90CB. Four tubes, AM only.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 32,618 (NOTE: Figure includes production of June 1940 Model 41-90CB)

MODEL 42-122T
Photo credit: Dennis Olheiser

A five tube farm set which received the AM band from 540 to 1720 kc.

Original selling price: $24.95
Number made: 56,861

MODEL 42-123F
The console version of Model 42-122T above.

Original selling price: $42.50
Number made: 7,210

MODEL 42-124T
A very large table model with room inside to store the batteries needed to make it operate, the 42-124 received AM and shortwave from 5.7 to 15.5 mc. It used five tubes.

Original selling price: $34.95
Number made: 4,025

MODEL 42-125K
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

This set was the console equivalent to Model 42-124T above. The extra (lower center) knob was used to rotate the set's loop antenna without having to reach behind the cabinet.

Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 2,000

MODEL 42-126T
Photo courtesy Chuck Braun

A six tube farm set, this model also received AM and shortwave from 5.7 to 15.5 mc. Electronic pushbutton tuning was another feature of this model.

Original selling price: $44.95
Number made: 2,525

ELECTRIC (AC & AC-DC) MODELS

MODEL 42-22CL
Photo courtesy Frank Smith

Philco's January 1941 Model 41-22CL remained in the lineup for 1942, being given a new model number (42-22CL instead of 41-22CL). It received AM and shortwave from 1.6 to 3.3 mc, and used six tubes.

Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 8,525 (NOTE: Figure includes production of January 1941 Model 41-22CL)

MODEL 42-321T
Two different versions of the same radio - this one had a walnut finish with dark trim, and the other had a walnut finish with ivory trim including ivory paint around the dial scale (see below). Both received AM from 540 to 1600 kc. The chassis of each used six tubes and operated on 115 volts, AC or DC.

Original selling price: $20
Number made: 62,051 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 42-321T & 42-321TI)

MODEL 42-321TI
Photo courtesy Jeffrey L. Gardner, M.D.

Electrically identical to Model 42-321T above, this set used a cabinet with ivory trim.

Original selling price: $21.50
Number made: 62,051 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 42-321T & 42-321TI)

MODEL 42-322T
Philco's entry level two band radio for 1942 receives shortwave from 8.7 to 15.5 mc in addition to standard AM broadcasts. It uses six tubes and operates on 115 volts, AC or DC.

Original selling price: $25
Number made: 62,051

MODEL 42-323T
Electrically identical to the 42-322T above, the 323T's cabinet used a combination of walnut veneer, leatherette and a Tenite grille/escutcheon that seems to hold up much better than most of Philco's Tenite escutcheons of the period.

Original selling price: $28
Number made: 10,044

MODEL 42-327T
Take a 42-322T chassis, add electronic pushbutton tuning, install it in a different cabinet, and VOILA - you have Model 42-327T.

Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 40,875

MODEL 42-335T
A neatly designed seven tube Philco, the 42-335T was capable of receiving AM and the "police" band (1.6 to 3.3 mc). It operated on 115 volts, either AC or DC current.

Original selling price: $32.50
Number made: 9,725

MODEL 42-340T
A step up from the 335T, the 340T featured a true shortwave band (9 to 15 mc) in addition to standard AM broadcasts. Using seven tubes, it operated on 115 volts, AC only.

Original selling price: $35
Number made: 26,750

MODEL 42-345T
Similar to the 340T above, the 345T added electronic pushbutton tuning and could receive AM and two shortwave bands (2.3 to 7 and 9 to 15.5 mc). It also used seven tubes and was powered by 115 volts, AC only.

Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 25,025

MODEL 42-350T
Another seven tube model, the 350T added FM reception (42-50 mc) to its AM and shortwave (9 to 15 mc) capability. 115 volts, AC only.

Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 41,750

MODEL 42-355T
The final version of Philco's "slant front" tables models the company had produced since the 1939 season - these compact "consoles in table model cabinets" would not return after the war. The 42-355T included reception of standard AM, shortwave from 9 to 15 mc, and FM from 42 to 50 mc. As with many of Philco's high end consoles, the 355 included pushbuttons not only for preset AM stations, but also for selecting the desired tuning band. 115 volts, AC only, eight tubes.

Original selling price: $49.95
Number made: 25,151

MODEL 42-358F
Philco's entry level console (floor model) for 1942 featured AM reception only, used six tubes, and could operate on 115 volts, AC or DC.

Original selling price: $45
Number made: 7,011

MODEL 42-360F
Photo courtesy Dennis Sprague

The successor to the 1941 Model 41-260F still used seven tubes and received the AM band. Its shortwave coverage increased to 9 to 15.5 mc.

Original selling price: $55
Number made: 21,661

MODEL 42-365K
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

There was some similarity between this new model and the 41-265K it replaced. Both had seven tubes and three tuning bands - the 365K received AM and shortwave from 2.3 to 6.7 and 9 to 15.5 mc. The new model received a new Tenite escutcheon, which the 1941 model did not have.

Original selling price: $65
Number made: 7,010

MODEL 42-380X
Photo courtesy David Kasabo

The cabinet of the 380X was identical to the 41-280X which it replaced. It used eight tubes and featured pushbutton selection of the desired tuning band as well as preset AM stations. It received AM and shortwave from 2.3 to 7 and 9 to 15.5 mc. This was a very popular model in the 1942 season.

Original selling price: $75
Number made: 103,225

MODEL 42-390X
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

A console version of the 42-355T shown above, installed in a floor model cabinet and utilizing a larger speaker.

Original selling price: $89.95
Number made: 56,265

MODEL 42-395X
Photo courtesy Paul Turney

This nine tube Philco received AM, shortwave from 9 to 15.5 mc and FM from 42 to 50 mc.

Original selling price: $100
Number made: 20,665

MODEL 42-400X
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

Philco's largest radio for 1942 used eleven tubes and had four-band coverage: 540-1720 kc (AM), 9 to 12 mc, 14.4 to 18 mc, and 42 to 50 mc (FM).

Original selling price: $135
Number made: 5,505

MODEL 42-KR3
Photo courtesy Paul Turney

This year, purchasers of a new Philco refrigerator could choose from two different kitchen radios designed to sit on top of their new appliance. The 42-KR3 was a radio with no clock, using the 42-PT26 chassis; it received the AM band only and used five tubes.

Original selling price: Sold only with Philco Refrigerators, not sold separately
Number made: 18,175

MODEL 42-KR5
Photo courtesy John Wynne

The other choice for a kitchen radio which sat on the curved top of a new Philco refrigerator, the 42-KR5 added a clock to its five-tube AM radio.

Original selling price: Sold only with Philco Refrigerators, not sold separately
Number made: 14,550

TROPIC MODELS

MODEL 42-706C
A five tube, three band receiver, the 42-706 received AM and shortwave from 2.3 to 7.5 and 7 to 22 mc.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 10,081

MODELS 42-716T, 42-717T & 42-718T
NOTE: Illustration is representative of Models 42-716T, 42-717T & 42-718T, as all three are identical in appearance.

These three Tropics were replacements for 1941 models 41-712T, 41-713T and 41-708, respectively. The new models now received four bands (540 to 1600 kc, 3 to 9.5 mc, 9.4 to 12 mc and 11.8 to 22 mc).

Brief specifications of each:
42-716T - 5 tubes, 115/230 volts AC only
42-717T - 5 tubes plus ballast, 115/230 volts AC or DC
42-718T - 4 tubes, operates from 6-volt storage battery.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 10,100 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 42-716T, 42-717T & 42-718T)

MODEL 42-724T
Photo courtesy Livio Gasparini

A six tube Tropic that had the same frequency coverage of Model 42-716T above. It operated from 115 or 230 volts, AC only.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 3,600

MODEL 42-730T
This seven tube, all-wave model covered 540 kc to 22 mc in five bands.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 4,000

MODEL 42-760T
This model, identical to the Canadian Model 55T, has eight bands and can receive from 540 kc to 22 mc. Five of its eight bands are "spread" bands which allows for much slower tuning of popular short wave bands. Eight tubes, 115 or 230 volts, AC only.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 11,382 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 42-761T & 42-762T)

MODEL 42-761T
Offering the same frequency coverage as Model 42-760T, the 42-761T differed in tube count and type of power required.

Model 42-761T uses eight tubes plus a ballast, and operates on 115 or 230 volts, AC or DC.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 11,382 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 42-761T & 42-762T)

MODEL 42-762T
Model 42-762T uses seven tubes and operates on a 6-volt storage battery. The cabinet is identical to Models 42-760T & 42-761T.

Original selling price: Not available
Number made: 11,382 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 42-761T & 42-762T)

MODEL 42-788T
Photo courtesy Dave Doughty

Philco's largest Tropic for 1942 is nearly identical to the 41-788T which it replaced. It adds an extra tuning band, making it a nine band receiver; capable of receiving frequencies between 540 kc and 22 mc. It uses eleven tubes.

Original selling price & number made: Not available

PORTABLE RADIOS (PHILCO & PHILCO TRANSITONE MODELS)

NOTE: ALL SEVEN OF THESE SETS ARE "THREE-WAY" PORTABLES (115 VOLTS AC, 115 VOLTS DC OR BATTERY OPERATED)

MODEL 42-842T
The successor to the 1941 Model 41-842T received a new dial scale but is otherwise unchanged from its 1941 counterpart. The set used seven tubes and received the AM band only.

Note the example shown above is suffering from "Incredible Shrinking Escutcheon" syndrome. Nearly all of the Tenite plastic 1941-41 Philco escutcheons suffer from this problem to a greater or less extent; the 42-323T being the exception so far.

Original selling price: $26.35
Number made: 47,590

MODEL 42-843T
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

A new dial scale also graced this model, which replaced the previous season's 41-843T.

Original selling price: $31.40
Number made: 2,525

MODEL 42-844T
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

Yet another minor change to a 1941 model - only the dial scale is different. This AM-only set is otherwise identical to the 41-844T.

Original selling price: $36.35
Number made: 1,500

MODEL 42-853T
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

Nearly identical to Model 42-843, this model added shortwave coverage (5.7 to 15.5 mc) and used seven tubes.

Original selling price: $38.90
Number made: 4,025

MODEL 42-854T
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

This set was similar to Model 42-844, but also added a shortwave band (5.7 to 15.5 mc).

Original selling price: $46.35
Number made: 2,515

MODEL 42-PT87
The replacement for the 1941 Model PT-87 received a new leatherette cover to its cabinet. It used five tubes, received the AM band only, and could be operated on 115 volts AC or DC, or on batteries for true portability.

Original selling price: $17.45
Number made: 85,600

MODEL 42-PT88
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

A new Transitone for 1942, the 42-PT88 was similar to the 42-PT87 except for the added lid on front of the cabinet.

Original selling price: $22.50
Number made: 23,100

RADIO-PHONOGRAPH MODELS

MODEL 42-620P
This five-tube phonograph (no radio) was identical to the 1941 Model 41-620P in every aspect except the model number, which changed from 41-620 to 42-620. Even the price remained the same.

Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: Not available

MODEL 42-1001P
Photo credit: Byrd A. Bowser

Another 1941 leftover, the 42-1001P was the successor (and identical to) Model 41-601P. The price did increase by five dollars, though. AM only, five tubes.

Original selling price: $34.95
Number made: Not available

MODEL 42-1002P
Model 42-1002P, lid closed

Model 42-1002P, lid open

A new tabletop radio-phonograph, the 1002 used the chassis of a 42-PT10 combined with a single play 78 rpm phonograph. Six tubes, AM only.

Original selling price: $39.95
Number made: 17,760

MODEL 42-1003P
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

This model could receive AM and shortwave broadcasts from 540 to 1720 kc and 9 to 15.5 mc. It also featured a manual 78 rpm phonograph with a Beam of Light pickup.

Some versions (Code 121) used seven tubes, while others (Code 122) used eight.

Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 5,010

MODEL 42-1004P
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

Basically a console version of Model 42-1002.

Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: 12,015

MODEL 42-1005P
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

Like the table model 42-1003P above, the 1005P used a manually operated phonograph with a Beam of Light pickup, along with a radio capable of receiving the AM band and shortwave from 9 to 15.5 mc. Code 121 uses seven tubes; Code 122 uses eight.

Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 3,015

MODEL 42-1006P
Photo by Geoff Estabrooks, courtesy John Young

This seven tube, AM only radio was coupled with an automatic record changer with the Beam of Light pickup.

Original selling price: $100
Number made: 20,016

MODEL 42-1008P
Photo courtesy Clifford R. Huff

The successor to the popular 1941 Model 41-608P, the new 1008P received some refinements in styling and its shortwave band was increased to 9 to 15.5 mc. It also received the AM band, and retained an automatic record changer with the Beam of Light pickup. It used nine tubes.

Original selling price: $135
Number made: 86,193

MODEL 42-1009P
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

This model was electronically identical to the 42-1008 above. The difference was a more elegant cabinet. It was available in either walnut or mahogany.

Original selling price: $150 (walnut), $155 (mahogany)
Number made: 4,007 (NOTE: Figure includes production of both walnut and mahogany versions)

MODEL 42-1010P
A larger model, the 42-1010 used ten tubes and had three tuning bands: 540-1720 kc, 2.3 to 6.7 mc and 9 to 15.5 mc. The phonograph was an automatic record changer with Beam of Light pickup.

Original selling price: $159.95
Number made: 26,515

MODEL 42-1011P
The 42-1011P uses the same radio chassis and record changer as the 42-1010P above. The cabinet (which was available in the walnut shown here, or in mahogany) is much better looking, however.

Original selling price: $179.95 (walnut), $184.95 (mahogany)
Number made: 6,990 (walnut), 1,755 (mahogany)

MODEL 42-1012P
Photo courtesy Clifford R. Huff

This model used a cabinet left over from 1941 (41-610P). The radio inside was quite different, however; the new 1012P covered the AM band (540-1720 kc), shortwave (9.0-16.5 mc) and FM (42-50 mc). The set also uses an automatic record changer with Beam of Light pickup.

Original selling price: $189.95
Number made: 12,995

MODEL 42-1013P
   Model 42-1013P, walnut (left) and mahogany (right)
Photo at right courtesy Matt Fumich

A large, elegant unit that uses the same electronics and record changer as the 42-1012P above. It was available in either walnut or mahogany.

Original selling price: $225 (walnut), $230 (mahogany)
Number made: 3,986 (walnut), 1,755 (mahogany)

MODEL 42-1015P
   Model 42-1015P, closed (left) and open (right)
Illustration at left courtesy Chuck Schwark

This radio-phonograph model used twelve tubes and featured an automatic record changer with the Beam of Light pickup and a four-band radio (540-1720 kc, 9-12 mc, 13.3-18 mc & 42-50 mc). It was also available in either walnut or mahogany.

The lower picture illustrates how the set looked with the large front doors open.

Original selling price: $300 (walnut), $305 (mahogany)
Number made: 1,255 (walnut), 1,004 (mahogany)

MODEL 42-1016P
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

Philco's largest and most expensive radio-phonograph for 1942 and the only 1942 model to feature wireless remote control, the 42-1016P used the same cabinet as the previous season's 41-616P. Its frequency coverage included the AM band, shortwave from 9 to 12 and 14.4 to 18 mc, and FM from 42 to 50 mc. The set used fifteen tubes plus one tube in its wireless remote.

Original selling price: $500
Number made: Not available

MODEL 42-RP1
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

The low-priced way to play your records through a nearby radio utilizing the two-tube AM transmitter inside the unit.

Original selling price: $17.50
Number made: 9,015

MODEL 42-RP2
   Model 42-RP2, lid closed (left) and open (right)
Photo courtesy Bob Timms

Similar to the 42-RP1, the 42-RP2 was housed in a better cabinet with a lid.

Original selling price: $22.50
Number made: 9,065

PHILCO TRANSITONE MODELS

MODEL 42-PT2
Identical to the January 1941 Model PT-2, except for the model number.

Original selling price: $13.95
Number made: 101,721 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 42-PT4 & 42-PT10 as well as January 1941 Models PT-2, PT-4 & PT-10)

MODEL 42-PT4
This new Transitone is electronically identical to the January 1941 Model PT-4.

Original selling price: $14.95
Number made: 101,721 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 42-PT2 & 42-PT10 as well as January 1941 Models PT-2, PT-4 & PT-10)

MODEL 42-PT7
Photo courtesy Richard Lackie

A new wooden cabinet for this Transitone model, which uses the same chassis as the 42-PT2 above.

Original selling price: $19.50
Number made: 22,600

MODEL 42-PT10
Illustration courtesy Chuck Schwark

The successor to, and identical with, the January 1941 Model PT-10.

Original selling price: $16.50
Number made: 101,721 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 42-PT2 & 42-PT4 as well as January 1941 Models PT-2, PT-4 & PT-10)

MODEL 42-PT25
Photo courtesy Jeffrey Goldstein

The PT-25 from January 1940 received a new dial scale and became the 42-PT25. It used five tubes and received the AM band only (540-1720 kc).

Original selling price & number made: Not available

MODEL 42-PT26
Photo courtesy Jesse Crowder

Similar to Model 42-PT25 above, the 42-PT26 had a somewhat reduced tuning range (540 to 1580 kc).

Original selling price & number made: Not available

MODEL 42-PT91
Another new Transitone model which would continue in production after the war (with different model numbers). It used five tubes and received the AM band only.

Original selling price: $11.95
Number made: 50,606 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 42-PT92)

MODEL 42-PT92
Photo courtesy Ed Locker

Identical to Model 42-PT91 above except for its ivory painted Bakelite cabinet.

Original selling price: $13.50
Number made: 50,606 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Model 42-PT91)

MODEL 42-PT93
Photo courtesy John Mielke

The stylish wooden cabinet of the 42-PT93 housed the same chassis as Model 42-PT91.

Original selling price: $16.50
Number made: 22,091

MODEL 42-PT94
Photo courtesy Clifford R. Huff

A five tube set, it received the AM band only.

Original selling price: $17.95
Number made: 39,125

MODEL 42-PT95
Photo courtesy Jeremy Schotter

The cabinet of this model was somewhat different from the 42-PT94 above, but both shared the same five tube chassis.

Original selling price: $18.50
Number made: 30,625

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