[AI2V]

Do the 4-band 640 and 650 Philcos have a dial mask that moves behind the dial to show which band it is on? It doesn't seem to be present in two 650's and one 640 in my collection; oddly enough, the 3-band 645 DOES have this mask, changing the brilliance of the indicating "Y".

I just bought a junker 650 with the idea of transplanting this mask- but the junker doesn't have one either. At least I now have a cabinet for the 640 chassis that's been collecting dust.

[Ron Ramirez]

Just went downstairs and checked my 650B plus a 650RX chassis I have in the archives; neither have the shadow mask.

Apparently this idea was not fully implemented throughout most of the Philco lineup until mid-season 1936. Models 116 and 660 had shadow masks in the first half of the season, while Models 650, 643, 640, 630, 623, 620, 611 & 610 did not.

[AI2V]

Thanks, Ron.

I won't be looking for something that doesn't exist any more.