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Questions about a 1937 Philco 610 - Printable Version

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Questions about a 1937 Philco 610 - RadioMikey - 09-19-2014

Hello everybody, my name is Mike, for the past 6 years I have lived with my grandma, and she just passed away in July at the ripe old age of 96, and now it is time for me to start clearing out the house.

This old radio was bought new by her parents back when they lived in the coal mining town of Renton, PA. Grandma would tell me that when they got this, they were the envy of everyone on their block, and all the kids would come over to listen to it.

She swore it still worked; I haven't tried plugging it in yet, I'm a bit scared to do so, lol, is there any reason I shouldn't just plug it in and try it out?

Could I get some opinions as to the value of this thing?

I appreciate any input, thank you. Here is a link to pics of it:

http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/MrTypemetal/library/1937%20Philco%20610

RE: Questions about a 1937 Philco 610 - KCMike - 09-19-2014

I would not just plug it in as tempting as it may be. If the old filter capacitors and other caps are bad it could damage the transformer or burn out the rectifier tube.

RE: Questions about a 1937 Philco 610 - RadioMikey - 09-19-2014

Ah, thanks Mike, I'm glad I asked! I thought it was a silly question actually, like, yeah of course plug it in to see if it works!

RE: Questions about a 1937 Philco 610 - morzh - 09-19-2014

No plugging in before recap.

It seems to be in great shape cosmetically, obviously was not kept in some wet moldy rat-infested place, so the restoration should not take long, especially considering it only got 5 tubes.

Are you planning on doing it yourself or do you have someone who can?
If you are not into this of course you could sell it, but this is not a high value piece, possibly 50 bucks, but for you as a family heirloom and history it might have value that cannot really be expressed in dollar amount, so I would keep it.

(seems like there are juts us Mikes talking here Icon_smile )

RE: Questions about a 1937 Philco 610 - RadioMikey - 09-19-2014

Haha yeah Mike was the most popular name for a boy for how many years running?

I appreciate your input. If this was a table top model I might hang onto it, but this thing is just too big. Now don't get me wrong I think the thing is really cool and I'd love to play with it, but also I know that I'd use it for like two days and then the same thing would happen, it would be relegated to an unused corner of a bedroom. My whole life I've been something of a collector, and frankly I am ready to try something new... I don't want to be surrounded by so much stuff, weighing me down, anymore. I'll be keeping enough family portraits and knick knacks to remember her by... this thing just sat unused in one dusty bedroom for as long as I can remember, so I don't really have any memories attached to it.

I will say I am amazed that the tag has survived, that to me shows it was a dear possession at one point.