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ABOUT RON
CONTACT RON
PHILCO PHORUM
|
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 now. 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.
THE 1942 PHILCO LINE
BATTERY (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
A five tube farm set which received the AM band from 540 to
1720 kc.
Original selling price: $24.95
Number
made: 56,861
Photo credit: Dennis Olheiser |
|
MODEL 42-123F
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
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-126T
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
Photo credit: Chuck Braun |
ELECTRIC (AC & AC/DC) MODELS:
|
MODEL 42-22CL
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)
Photo credit: Art Hoch |
 |
 |
MODELS 42-321T - 42-321TI
Two different versions of the same
radio - one had a walnut finish with dark trim (42-321T), and
the other had a walnut finish with ivory trim including ivory
paint around the dial scale (42-321TI). 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
(42-321T), $21.50 (42-321TI)
Number made: 62,051 (NOTE: Figure includes production of
Models 42-321T & 42-321TI)
Photo credit (lower left):
Jeffrey L. Gardner, M.D. |
|
MODELS 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
Photo credit: Paul Turney |
|
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
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
Photo credit: Steve Dymale |
 |
 |
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 a table model" 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
Photo credit: John Mielke |
|
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
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
Photo credit: Dennis Sprague |
|
MODEL 42-365K
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-380X
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
MODEL 42-390X
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
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 |
MODEL 42-395X
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
MODEL 42-400X
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
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 |
MODEL 42-KR3
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
Photo credit: Paul Turney |
|
MODEL 42-KR5
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
Photo credit: John Wynne |
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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 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)
Illustration is representative of
Models 42-716T, 42-717T & 42-718T, as all three are identical in
appearance. |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-724T
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) |
|
MODELS 42-761T - 42-762T
Lookalikes to Model 42-760T above
and offering the same frequency coverage, these two models
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; while
Model 42-762T uses seven tubes and operates on a 6-volt storage
battery.
Original selling price: Not
available
Number
made: 11,382 (NOTE: Figure includes production of Models 42-761T
& 42-762T)
Photo is representative of
Models 42-761T & 42-762T, as both are identical in
appearance. |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-788T
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. Uses eleven
tubes.
Original selling price & number
made: Not available
Photo credit: Dave Doughty |
PORTABLE MODELS:
NOTE: ALL FIVE 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 at right is
suffering from "Incredible Shrinking Escutcheon" syndrome. All
of the 1941-41 Philco escutcheons suffer from this problem to a
greater or less extent.
Original selling price: $26.35
Number made: 47,590
|
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 |
MODEL 42-843T
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
MODEL 42-844T
Yet another minor change to a 1941
model - yes, you guessed it, the dial scale. This AM-only set is
otherwise identical to the 41-844T.
Original selling price: $36.35
Number made: 1,500
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark
|
 |
 |
MODEL 42-853T
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
MODEL 42-854T
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
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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 stayed the same.
Original selling price: $59.95
Number made: Not available
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
MODEL 42-1001P
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
Photo credit: Byrd A. Bowser |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-1002P
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
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-1004P
Basically a console version of Model
42-1002.
Original selling price: $59.95
Number
made: 12,015
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
MODEL 42-1005P
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-1006P
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
Photo by Geoff Estabrooks,
courtesy John Young |
|
MODEL 42-1008P
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
Photo credit: Clifford R. Huff |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-1009P
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)
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
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
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
Photo credit: Clifford R. Huff |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-1013P
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)
Photo credit (lower left): Matt
Fumich |
|
MODEL 42-1015P
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)
Photo credit (upper right): Chuck
Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-1016P
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
MODEL 42-RP1
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-RP2
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
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 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
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-PT10
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)
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
MODEL 42-PT25
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
Photo credit: Jeffrey Goldstein |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-PT26
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
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
Photo by Jim Kennedy, courtesy
Rod Lawrence |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-PT88
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
Photo credit: Chuck Schwark |
|
MODEL 42-PT91
Another new Transitone model which
would continue in production after the war (with different model
numbers). It ised 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
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)
Photo credit: Ed Locker |
|
MODEL 42-PT93
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
Photo credit: John Mielke |
 |
 |
MODEL 42-PT94
A five tube set, it received the AM
band only.
Original selling price: $17.95
Number made: 39,125
Photo credit: Clifford R. Huff |
|
MODEL 42-PT95
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
Photo credit: Jeremy Schotter |
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© 1997-2006, Ron Ramirez. All
rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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