06-30-2020, 08:47 PM
The radio was a 32v battery which has been converted to AC. The black box does its "magic." It seems like a period conversion of the 1930's or 40's. There's just no writing or logo on the black box.
Did Philco make it, or is it an after-market. It fits the radio in its own tray as if it were designed by Philco.
It is a surprisingly strong player - great volume, selectivity, and sensitivity. Very clear and with little noise. I couldn't be happier.
I've only seen a few of these for sale over the years. Since I didn't have one in my collection, I thought I would go for it. It was in a consigment store. I made a few offers a while ago, and was rudely rejected. So, I dismissed it. Until last week when it showed up again for sale at a reduced price. I made the same offer as before (under the listed price) and this time the offer was quickly accepted.
The cabinet isn't perfect, but it's an original finish - a survivor. I'll keep it that way. IAll I know aobut its history is that it came from the farmland in Indiana.
I have a 118 and several 144's with the clamshell design like this one. It may be my new favorite because of how well it works. It is a big radio and the eliminator/converter makes it heavy too! As a bonus, it had a small bundle of original antenna wire stuck up front in the cabinet. Woohoo!
What's the old adage - I rather be lucky then good? I was certainly blessed and in the right place.
That's the story and I'm sticking to it!
Did Philco make it, or is it an after-market. It fits the radio in its own tray as if it were designed by Philco.
It is a surprisingly strong player - great volume, selectivity, and sensitivity. Very clear and with little noise. I couldn't be happier.
I've only seen a few of these for sale over the years. Since I didn't have one in my collection, I thought I would go for it. It was in a consigment store. I made a few offers a while ago, and was rudely rejected. So, I dismissed it. Until last week when it showed up again for sale at a reduced price. I made the same offer as before (under the listed price) and this time the offer was quickly accepted.
The cabinet isn't perfect, but it's an original finish - a survivor. I'll keep it that way. IAll I know aobut its history is that it came from the farmland in Indiana.
I have a 118 and several 144's with the clamshell design like this one. It may be my new favorite because of how well it works. It is a big radio and the eliminator/converter makes it heavy too! As a bonus, it had a small bundle of original antenna wire stuck up front in the cabinet. Woohoo!
What's the old adage - I rather be lucky then good? I was certainly blessed and in the right place.
That's the story and I'm sticking to it!
