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Chevron grille cloth in Philcos - Printable Version

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Chevron grille cloth in Philcos - Art Hoch - 03-19-2013

This may be primarily a question for Ron but others are welcome to chime in.

I have noticed several Philcos pictured in this forum lately with some variation in the design of the chevron patterned grillecloth.

When did Philco start using chevron patterns and did variations depend on the size of the cabinet or something else (availability perhaps)?

Also, when did they stop using chevron patterns? I had a 1948 model 48-1274 console once (pic attached) and it did not have a chevron cloth (as you can see). I'm sure it was all original---including a BEAUTIFUL original wood finish.

Art

RE: Chevron grille cloth in Philcos - Ron Ramirez - 03-19-2013

Philco began using chevron or V cloth at the beginning of the 1935 season (June 1934) in such sets as the 16B, 16X, 200X and 500/501X. This pattern continued to be used in various Philco models through the 1937 season, after which it was discontinued.

The only real variations I've seen in this pattern are in 16B tombstone sets, where the chevron patterns seem a bit narrower. But there is a caveat, which I'll get to in a moment.

At the beginning of the 1938 season, Philco switched to an entirely different type of chevron pattern, such as the cloth you put in your 16B tombstone. Examples include the 38-1, 38-3, 38-4, 38-116. This pattern carried over into the 1939 season where it was used in some console models. This pattern was discontinued after the 1939 season.

Now the caveat: There is a variant of the V cloth used in certain 1935 models, including the 18H, 118D and 118H:

https://philcoradio.com/gallery2/1935a/#Model_118D

These models used a modified V that repeats itself horizontally, unlike the other chevron or V patterns.

RE: Chevron grille cloth in Philcos - y2kbruce - 03-19-2013

The word chevron is derived from an old world word for boomerang, hence the V shape. I learned this recently after staying in a Holiday Inn Express.

RE: Chevron grille cloth in Philcos - Art Hoch - 03-19-2013

I have owned two 37-84s. One has the chevron pattern in its cloth; one does not. I'm fairly certain both are original but can't say with 100% certainty. Anyway, here they are:

RE: Chevron grille cloth in Philcos - Art Hoch - 03-19-2013

Ooops! Big file...my bad...sorry. The reason I have had 2 37-84s is that I think that was the model in our house when I was a little kid. This picture in our farmhouse kitchen was taken of my grandmother about 1950 and you can see the radio to her side. It's a very poor view but that's the model I think it is. I remember the dial was like the 84s. Except the numbers on our dial were all gone, replaced by pencil marks to denote the location of the stations. What do you think? Am I correct>? Wish I had a better pic but I don't.