Philco for 1939 (introduced January 1939)
Overview
Only minor changes were made to the regular 1939 Philco line; the most dramatic changes were made to Models 39-17, 39-18, 39-19 & 39-75; these sets lost their mechanical pushbuttons, were given new electronic pushbuttons, and reissued as Models 39-117, 39-118, 39-119 & 39-175, respectively.
The two original Transitone models were dropped from the line, and were replaced with nine new models. The Transitone line would continue to expand over the next year or so.
Model Index
The following models continued in the Philco lineup: 39-6C, 39-6CI, 39-7C, 39-7T, 39-8T, 39-25T, 39-25XF, 39-30T, 39-30XX, 39-36XX, 39-40XX, 39-45XX, 39-55RX, 39-70B, 39-70F, 39-80B, 39-80XF, 39-85B, 39-85XF, 39-116RX, 39-711T, 39-720T, 39-744T, 39-744XX, 39-750T, 39-750XX, 39-751T, 39-751XX, 39-770T, 39-770XX.
The following models were discontinued: 39-7CS, 39-10TP, 39-12CB, 39-12CBI, 39-12T, 39-14CB, 39-14CBI, 39-14T, 39-15CB, 39-15CBI, 39-15T, 39-17T, 39-17F, 39-18T, 39-18F, 39-19T, 39-19F, 39-31XF, 39-35XX, 39-71T, 39-75T, 39-75F, TH-1, TH-3.
Click on a thumbnail to see information and photos for each model:
The January 1939 Philco Line
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| 39-31XK | 39-72T | 39-117T, 39-118T & 39-175T | 39-119T | 39-117F, 39-118F, 39-119F & 39-175F |
January 1939 Transitone Models
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| TH-4 | TP-4-I | TH-5 | TP-5-I | TP-10 | TP-11 | TP-12 |
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| TH-14 | TH-15 |
Models
The January 1939 Philco Line
Model 39-31XK
A new cabinet for Model 39-31, a six tube set with received AM and shortwave from 4.9 to 18 mc and operated from 115 volts AC.
Original selling price: $79.95
Number made: 129,076 (Note: Figure includes production of June 1939 Model 40-180XF)
Model 39-72T
This new portable was somewhat similar to the 39-71 that it replaced, except that it had individual brass trim rings surrounding each of the knobs.
Original selling price: $29.95
Number made: 5,000
Models 39-117T, 39-118T & 39-175T
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These new models replaced the 39-17, 39-18 and 39-75, respectively. They now used electronic pushbutton tuning instead of the mechanical pushbuttons used earlier in the season.
Model 39-117 used five tubes and operated from 115 volts AC; Model 39-118 also used five tubes but could operate on either AC or DC current; Model 39-175 used four tubes and operated on batteries. All three received the AM band only.
Original selling price: Unknown
Number made: 40,305 (Note: Figure includes production of Models 39-117T, 39-118T, 39-119T & 39-175T as well as June 1938 models 39-17T, 39-18T, 39-19T & 39-75T)
Model 39-119T
As with the lookalike models noted above, the new 39-119 was similar to the 39-19 that it replaced, except for the new electronic pushbutton tuning which it now used.
Original selling price: Unknown
Number made: 40,305 (Note: Figure includes production of Models 39-117T, 39-118T & 39-175T as well as June 1938 models 39-17T, 39-18T, 39-19T & 39-75T)
Models 39-117F, 39-118F, 39-119F & 39-175F
The console versions of these models now also had electronic pushbutton tuning.
Original selling price: Unknown
Number made: 28,938 (Note: Figure includes production of Models 39-117F, 39-118F, 39-119F & 39-175F as well as June 1938 models 39-17F, 39-18F, 39-19F, 39-70F & 39-75F)
January 1939 Transitone Models
Model TH-4
The new basic five-tube Transitone was very small in size, yet surprisingly sensitive for such a small radio. It received the AM band only and, along with the remainder of the Transitone models on this page, operated from 115 volts, AC or DC current.
Original selling price: $9.95
Number made: 91,948 (Note: Figure includes production of June 1939 Models TP-4 & TH-18)
Model TP-4-I
An ivory painted Bakelite version of Model TH-4, the TP-4-I also received 2.3 to 2.5 mc shortwave in addition to the AM band.
Original selling price: $12.95
Number made: 5,136
Model TH-5
Basically, this is a TH-4 with the addition of electronic pushbutton tuning, in a slightly larger cabinet to accommodate the pushbutton assembly.
Original selling price: $15.95
Number made: 18,093
Model TP-5-I
Nearly identical to the TH-5 except for the ivory painted Bakelite cabinet and the addition of a 2.3 to 2.5 mc "police" band.
Original selling price: $18.50
Number made: 4,466
Model TP-10
One of several Transitone models that is now highly sought after by collectors because of its unusual styling. It also receives the AM band and 2.3 to 2.5 mc shortwave with its five tubes.
Original selling price: $13.95
Number made: 5,610
Model TP-11
Another desirable model, the TP-11 is much like the TP-10, with the addition of pushbutton tuning.
Original selling price: $19.95
Number made: 5,445
Model TP-12
A TP-4 in a wooden cabinet.
Original selling price: $15
Number made: 9,020
Model TH-14
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This model, while it has a carrying handle, is not a true portable since it requires 115 volts, AC or DC, to operate. The chassis is similar to Model TH-4.
Original selling price: $17.50
Number made: 9,020
Model TH-15
Another "portable" Philco that needs 115 volts AC or DC to operate. This set uses a chassis that is similar to Model TH-5. This was the most expensive Transitone of the 1939 season, yet it outsold all Transitone models except Models TH-4 & TH-5.
Original selling price: $22.50
Number made: 10,000