The PHILCO Phorum
Identification - Printable Version

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Identification - Lane - 07-25-2012

I am trying to identify a philco radio to determine age. The label indicates it is a chassis type 44, code 121. Superheterodyne. I have a picture as well.

I have been to numerous sites. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Rita

RE: Identification - codefox1 - 07-25-2012

Here's a link to technical information for your Philco. It is an AM and (now obsolete) police band and two additional shortwave bands that are still actively used. Revised description my bad!

http://www.nostalgiaair.org/PagesByModel/581/M0013581.pdf

Sets of this vintage need to be gone through by a knowledgable technician or hobbiest and some parts will certainly need to be replaced before it is safe to plug it in. Good news is that most parts can be repaired or replaced even after all those years.

Good Luck.

RE: Identification - Chuck Schwark - 07-25-2012

That would be a Model 44, Code 121.

Chuck

RE: Identification - Ron Ramirez - 07-25-2012

Haven't been here, have you?
http://www.philcoradio.com/gallery/1933d.htm#g
http://www.philcoradio.com/gallery/1933d.htm#h
http://www.philcoradio.com/gallery/1933d.htm#i
http://www.philcoradio.com/gallery/1934.htm#i
http://www.philcoradio.com/gallery/1934.htm#j

RE: Identification - TA Forbes - 07-25-2012

For a six-tube set, the Model 44 is an excellent performer in broadcast and shortwave bands.

Also, there is actually a LOT on shortwave!!!!

RE: Identification - Steve Davis - 07-25-2012

This is one of Philco's "All-Wave" sets. Nice radio

Steve

RE: Identification - Radioroslyn - 07-25-2012

Hi Rita and Welcome to the Phourm!
To answer your question it was produced in 1933 and 34 according to Ron's gallery. After looking at the pics/links Ron posted which one do you have? What some of plans do you have for it?
Agree with TA that it's good performer and has Good SW coverage as it tunes form the AM broadcast band to 18 MC. There's a lot of foreign broadcast from about 5MC up to the 18MC.
As CF sez if it hasn't been serviced in the last 10 or 15yrs it's probably due for a good going over. Without this if you try to use it you could easily damage the set and make it harder and more costly to repair.
Good Luck
Terry
ps Never clean a Philco dial (the orange/yellow part with the printing on it) with ANYTHING but odorless mineral spirits (OMS). Anything any WILL take the printing right off GONE FOREVER! Don't ask me how I know

RE: Identification - TA Forbes - 07-25-2012

Yes, good advice, Terry!

Don't ask me how I know about how not to clean Philco dials too......

RE: Identification - Lane - 07-27-2012

Thanks for all the information. In looking at it, looks like the model I have is the 44h (variant).

Now trying to determine what the purchase price was and if it has any value.

RE: Identification - Arran - 07-28-2012

Quote:Thanks for all the information. In looking at it, looks like the model I have is the 44h (variant).

Now trying to determine what the purchase price was and if it has any value.

It's only a six tube set and floor model so it was what I would call an upper lower end set since it had standard broadcast and three shortwave bands, no idea what the original retail price was but given that the 118H was a $100 set I would guess it was priced less then a 118H originally since the 118 had eight tubes verses six for the 44H, but the 118H had two bands and the 44H had four bands. However the 118's had a push pull power output stage, the 44s had a single ended power output stage, it's hard to figure out but my guess is that the higher audio output power was a higher cost feature then two extra bands. Without a photo, and not knowing it's condition, it's hard to pin down a value, but it would not normally be considered a high dollar set. Like most old radios they are generally worth whatever someone is willing to pay. Electrically restored it is likely a fairly decent performing radio so if you like it there is something there worth restoring for your own use.
Regards
Arran

RE: Identification - codefox1 - 07-28-2012

+1 Try to do it yourself, it's enjoyable take your time and hands off when power is applied. In the end you should wind up with a nice radio that will play for many decades.

Believe us, unless a super rare model in original museum condition, you will not be able to make a dime on it, even if you got if for free.

RE: Identification - Radioroslyn - 07-28-2012

Hi Rita,
Agree with Codefox. I think most of us here enjoy the fixing up of an old set as much or more than listening and looking at it. If you have the desire to do it your self you've come to the right place. There are lots of folks that can help you out with repairing the innards of your set and the outside too!

If you are looking to try to make quick buck a lot of times it is hard to do. Even if you do the work yourself I think you would be lucky to break even. This is a guess on my behalf but a set like yours with a nice looking cabinet and the chassis repaired you maybe looking at something worth $100 -$150. If you have someone do the chassis work you maybe looking at $75-$100 just for that, provided that it doesn't need any major parts like reconing the speaker or a power transformer.

Doing it yourself you can figure about $20-$30 worth of small parts like resistors, line cord,dial lamp,and condensers. Maybe a used tube or two another $10 or so. So with nothing major to replace you might have $40-$50 tied up in it plus your labor.

What sort of shape is the cabinet in? Can you post a few pictures of the set so we can see what you are working with?? It doesn't have to be here on the Phourm just post a link to it. I use Flicker. It's free and I'm cheap.
Good Luck
Terry

RE: Identification - Lane - 07-28-2012

Haven't figured out how to attach photo

RE: Identification - Ron Ramirez - 07-29-2012

I have posted instructions on how to add photos here:

http://www.philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=29
http://www.philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=4371