Philco for 1932 (introduced Fall 1932)
Overview
Two Philco models were replaced with new versions, while ten more models were added to the Philco lineup in the Fall of 1932. One became a runaway best seller because of its low price - Model 80B.
Model Index
The following models were discontinued: 36L, 43X. All other June 1932 models remained in the Philco lineup.
Click on a thumbnail to see information and photos for each model:
36L | 37C | 37L | 43X | 48B | 48C | 48L |
71X | 80B | 80C | 80P Portable | 80 Colonial Clock |
Models
Model 36L
This new lowboy cabinet for the battery-operated Model 36 was very similar to the June 1932 Model 52L.
Original selling price: $69.95
Number made: 300
Model 37C
One of two new battery-operated Philcos for fall 1932. This set, while similar to Model 52C, featured a unique grille.
Original selling price: Unknown
Number made: Unknown
Model 37L
The other new battery set which, like the 37C, used a five-tube chassis.
Original selling price: Unknown
Number made: 13,196 (Note: Figure includes Model 48L as well as June 1932 Model 52L)
Model 43X
The new 43X was now in a cabinet which was very similar to Model 15X. It was a very poor seller.
Original selling price: $100
Number made: 100
Model 48B
Model 48, a 110 volt DC version of Model 52, made its debut in the Fall of 1932. It was available as a Baby Grand, a compact table model, or as a lowboy (see below).
Original selling price: Unknown
Number made: 28,420 (Note: Figure includes production of June 1932 Model 52B)
Model 48C
A compact version of Model 48, made to run on direct current only.
Original selling price: Unknown
Number made: 6,200 (Note: Figure includes production of June 1932 Model 52C)
Model 48L
This lowboy, which was outwardly identical to Models 37L & 52L, was designed for use on 110 volts D.C. (direct current) only.
Original selling price: Unknown
Number made: 13,196 (Note: Figure includes Model 37L as well as June 1932 Model 52L)
Model 71X
A new "Inclined Sounding Board" model, the 71X is identical in outward appearance to Model 91X.
Original selling price: $80
Number made: 7,000
Model 80B
A new "price leader" set, this little four-tube regenerative superheterodyne does not work as well as its larger cousins.
This radio was intended to get people into the showrooms, where it was the job of the salesmen to sell a customer "up" to a higher-priced model. As 1932 was the worst year of the depression, however, the strategy backfired on Philco - and Model 80B became a runaway success.
Original selling price: $18.75
Number made: 196,175 (Note: Figure includes production of January 1933 Model 81B)
Model 80C
The compact table model version of the Model 80. The cabinets look somewhat rough, almost "homemade" in appearance.
Original selling price: Unknown
Number made: Unknown
Model 80P Portable
Philco's first portable radio featured black leatherette covering and a carrying handle. However, like all other versions of Model 80, it required 110 volts, 60 cycle AC to operate.
Original selling price: Unknown
Number made: 1,490
Model 80 Colonial Clock
Original selling price: Unknown
Number made: 8,000 (Note: Figure includes production of January 1932 Model 551 as well as June 1932 Model 52 Colonial Clock)