[flyer92]

Greetings and hope all is well! I just purchased a Philco 38-12 that works well, but is missing the tube shield on the third tube from the right (please see photo below of what it should look like). Until I can find the right part, I'm just curious if the lack of shielding will negatively affect the adjacent tubes/components. I'm certain it was installed there for a reason, so just concerned about long-term operation of the unit if I can't find it. I'm still a newbie to these nice old radios, so appreciate any advice or recommendations from the experts! Many thanks.

[morzh]

If when listening you do not have howling, you could keep listening.
No, it won't damage anything.
If howls, make a makeshift one from sheet metal 'till you find the original.

[flyer92]

Thanks morzh!  Luckily, the radio sounds fine, but just wanted to make sure I wasn't damaging anything by routinely using it.  Glad that's not the case, but will still probably continue searching for the part to get the radio as close to original as possible. It's a sick obsession, but I'm sure many here can relate!