Proud new owner of a 37-690 - Printable Version

Proud new owner of a 37-690 - Printable Version

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Proud new owner of a 37-690 - Bob Andersen - 04-27-2012

Over the past few years I've seen a few lucky collectors pick up this amazing set - never thought I'd be one of them though.

A little background first. I work from home as a programmer. Mostly developing websites and smart phone apps. Well, a couple weeks ago I found myself committed to a full week of online remote training via skype. So I was pretty much chained to my desk 8 hrs a day. However, while I could see them, they couldn't see what I was doing so I couldn't resist poking around on craigslist. Imagine my surprise when I saw a 37-690 for sale just a few miles away! Just one problem - I can't go get it Icon_sad

I put the mic on mute and made a quick call to another local collector and good friend. Turns out he has the day off but is elbow deep swapping parts between a couple vintage Coronados with his brother. I finally convinced (bribed) them to drop what they were doing and go get it - if it was even still available. Hours went by and finally I got a call back. They were waiting outside with the radio Icon_biggrin

I thought they'd use their pickup, but it was out of commission so they had to use an old caddy. They had carefully wrapped it in a blanket and it actually sort fit in the trunk.

Even more amazing, my buddy, whose pretty good at negotiating, got it for half the asking price Icon_eek

They helped me carry it up two flights of stairs to my back porch and here it finally is!

The finish on the outside is flaking off at the slightest touch, but the veneer is very sound as are all the joints.
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/7078828103_6f59239400_z.jpg]

The insides look like no one has messed with anything Icon_smile

[Image: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5192/6932753034_7a69db7fcf_z.jpg] [Image: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/6932753218_87b3509388_z.jpg]

[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/6932753566_f9b450403a_z.jpg] [Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/6932754254_8b38de7ac4_z.jpg]

RE: Proud new owner of a 37-690 - LASJayhawk - 04-27-2012

OK make us all sick, How much?

RE: Proud new owner of a 37-690 - Bob Andersen - 04-27-2012

I knew someone was gonna ask. Are you really, really sure you want to know ?

RE: Proud new owner of a 37-690 - Arran - 04-27-2012

Well one thing I do know, regardless of what it cost it will be restored to a much higher standard then a 38-690 belonging to another collector on the other forum.
Regards
Arran

RE: Proud new owner of a 37-690 - TA Forbes - 04-27-2012

Man, that is fantastic!!! Great job getting your 37-690 !!!

It looks to be in good, un-molested shape! I will second the belief that you will make it a showpiece!

RE: Proud new owner of a 37-690 - TA Forbes - 04-27-2012

Reckon it might be a candidate for an application of a resto-finish product?

RE: Proud new owner of a 37-690 - Michael Dennis - 04-27-2012

Wow, nice find!

RE: Proud new owner of a 37-690 - Bob Andersen - 04-27-2012

Thanks guys. I feel kinda sad in a way because the only good spot to put it is where my prized 15DX has resided for the last few years. So for now, it's in a corner of the kitchen. Hopefully, I'll move to a bigger place before long and can display these sets more appropriately.

As for the finish, the top was so bad I wanted to protect it ASAP. I was able to just use a scrapper and take all the old finish off very easily. Only downside was the little flakes of old lacquer went everywhere - especially into my hair!
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7120257005_8ab88a1ff9_z.jpg] [Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/7120257607_2a1bd0207e_z.jpg]

That revealed some real purdy veneer Icon_smile

I can't wait to see what the doors have in store. I recall my friend said the previous owner made of point of highlighting the patterns hidden in the doors.
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/6974176778_67f78b9218_z.jpg]

I'll just slap on some lacquer for protection for now. Eventually, I'll tackle the rest of the cabinet.

RE: Proud new owner of a 37-690 - ipwizard - 04-28-2012

(04-27-2012, 10:02 PM)bandersen Wrote: I knew someone was gonna ask. Are you really, really sure you want to know ?

Ok Bob spill it. how much did you get it for? I'm really curious cause they usually go for around 1-2k online. If you don't want to post it you can PM it. Icon_wink

RE: Proud new owner of a 37-690 - Arran - 04-28-2012

(04-28-2012, 12:25 AM)ipwizard Wrote:
(04-27-2012, 10:02 PM)bandersen Wrote: I knew someone was gonna ask. Are you really, really sure you want to know ?

Ok Bob spill it. how much did you get it for? I'm really curious cause they usually go for around 1-2k online. If you don't want to post it you can PM it.

Actually they don't unless they are restored or in really good original shape surprisingly, I don't think I've heard of anyone paying $2000 for one. The last time I remember someone buying one on fleabay it was a 38-690, the finish was about average, and I think they had about $850 into total after they had it shipped West from the East coast. Everyone else I know of bought one through a private sale either regionally or locally.
Regards
Arran

RE: Proud new owner of a 37-690 - Arran - 04-28-2012

(04-27-2012, 11:18 PM)bandersen Wrote: Thanks guys. I feel kinda sad in a way because the only good spot to put it is where my prized 15DX has resided for the last few years. So for now, it's in a corner of the kitchen. Hopefully, I'll move to a bigger place before long and can display these sets more appropriately.

As for the finish, the top was so bad I wanted to protect it ASAP. I was able to just use a scrapper and take all the old finish off very easily. Only downside was the little flakes of old lacquer went everywhere - especially into my hair!
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7120257005_8ab88a1ff9_z.jpg] [Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/7120257607_2a1bd0207e_z.jpg]

That revealed some real purdy veneer I can't wait to see what the doors have in store. I recall my friend said the previous owner made of point of highlighting the patterns hidden in the doors.
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/6974176778_67f78b9218_z.jpg]

I'll just slap on some lacquer for protection for now. Eventually, I'll tackle the rest of the cabinet.

It looks like that cabinet spent time in the same sort of environment as the Brunswick and the 1930 G.E console. I wonder if it's moist air or the temperature that causes the finish to flake off?
Regards
Arran

RE: Proud new owner of a 37-690 - Bob Andersen - 04-28-2012

(04-28-2012, 12:25 AM)ipwizard Wrote: Ok Bob spill it. how much did you get it for? I'm really curious cause they usually go for around 1-2k online. If you don't want to post it you can PM it.

That's what I figured. This one seems to have sold for $1,275 very recently. http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=186877

And this for $,1000: http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=190740

PM sent.

RE: Proud new owner of a 37-690 - Bob Andersen - 04-28-2012

(04-28-2012, 12:39 AM)Arran Wrote: It looks like that cabinet spent time in the same sort of environment as the Brunswick and the 1930 G.E console. I wonder if it's moist air or the temperature that causes the finish to flake off?
Regards
Arran

Good question. My Brunswick definitely spent time in a humid environment as evidenced by the rust and veneer separation. This set however has little if any rust and no veneer damage. It's my understanding it did spend a lot of time out in the garage though so I suspect it's a victim of the big temperature variations we experience in the Midwest.

RE: Proud new owner of a 37-690 - w4rtc - 04-28-2012

Hi Bob
That is a nice radio, glad you got it. Put it on YouTube as you restore it, I enjoy your shows on YouTube. Icon_thumbup

congrats. Joe

RE: Proud new owner of a 37-690 - Jayce - 04-28-2012

Very nice find. Just shows that the Philcos are still out there and even the top of the line models are still being found in the 'wild'.