09-23-2019, 04:50 PM
Hello, I attended the Lincoln, CA ham swap meet this previous Saturday, and came across a 1935 Philco 29TX. If what I'm reading is correct, only about 500 of these were produced.
It looks very similar to the Model 45 "Butterfly" radio, which I am fortunate to also own an example of. You'll notice the back of the set includes the butterfly motif, so the set looks good if used as a chairside and is viewed from behind. Pretty neat little design feature. You'll also notice the toggle swtich and 4-pin socket for the optional remote speaker. Mine was missing the remote speaker, unfortunately, but is still a very nice example of a classic, untouched and rare Philco. You don't see them like this very often.
The radio has some minor veener lifting on the top, and some worn away areas around the knobs. There are some minor areas of tattyness on the speaker cloth, but still presenable. Otherwise is in excellent condition. The original power cord and bakelite plug are still in place. I have yet to remove the chassis and inspect beneath. From a quick look at the chassis I've had through the rear grill, it reminds me of the Model 45's chassis, the shadow meter and switch and socket for the remote speaker being the biggest outward differences.
From a style standpoint, I'm coming to like this set more than my Model 45. I thought that the light colored sections on the sides resembled the commonly-seen art-deco motif of sleek, slender, long hands holding up the radio, as if to present it to the world, and say "Behold this beautiful radio". See pictures for my attempt at reenacting this gesture.
I paid a mere $20 for it. Wooden radios don't get any love at ham swaps, as I've come to learn.
My 1991 price guide says it's worth $750 with the remote speaker. Would anybody care to speculate on a current value for just the radio?
It looks very similar to the Model 45 "Butterfly" radio, which I am fortunate to also own an example of. You'll notice the back of the set includes the butterfly motif, so the set looks good if used as a chairside and is viewed from behind. Pretty neat little design feature. You'll also notice the toggle swtich and 4-pin socket for the optional remote speaker. Mine was missing the remote speaker, unfortunately, but is still a very nice example of a classic, untouched and rare Philco. You don't see them like this very often.
The radio has some minor veener lifting on the top, and some worn away areas around the knobs. There are some minor areas of tattyness on the speaker cloth, but still presenable. Otherwise is in excellent condition. The original power cord and bakelite plug are still in place. I have yet to remove the chassis and inspect beneath. From a quick look at the chassis I've had through the rear grill, it reminds me of the Model 45's chassis, the shadow meter and switch and socket for the remote speaker being the biggest outward differences.
From a style standpoint, I'm coming to like this set more than my Model 45. I thought that the light colored sections on the sides resembled the commonly-seen art-deco motif of sleek, slender, long hands holding up the radio, as if to present it to the world, and say "Behold this beautiful radio". See pictures for my attempt at reenacting this gesture.
I paid a mere $20 for it. Wooden radios don't get any love at ham swaps, as I've come to learn.
My 1991 price guide says it's worth $750 with the remote speaker. Would anybody care to speculate on a current value for just the radio?
