[Bruce]

Looking for as correct as can find the right Ac plug an the correct colored cloth line. Ive seen many old photos but most had i presume been changed over the years? Or if "supposed" to be original still looked different in many cases. Im looking specifically for the 1934 built model 84. I know its like finding gold in your pocket change,but worth asking. Thank you all who respond.

[radiorich]

Hello Bruce,
I mostly use brown far as my cloth powercords go !
Here is the plug that I have used bakelite Acorn style


Sincerely Richard

[MrFixr55]

Hi Bruce,

I have not worked on an 84, but in general, power cords for almost any radio prior to 1938 was cloth covered. The only question is what color cloth. I can tell you that on a 1931-1932 Model 20, Black may have been appropriate. I just worked on one where the new cord was spliced onto the original under the chassis. Other common colors of the period were brown or gold. Cloth covered wire of the exact construction is no longer available, as it likely does not meet current UL standards. There is non- UL listed cloth covered wire of somewhat similar construction from China. There is also reproduction wire that is common 18 gauge Type SPT lamp cord with a cloth jacket woven over it. This type is safer.

Plugs for the power cord were hard rubber either assembled onto the cord or molded onto its cord. I do not believe that the screw-on replacement type plug illustrated by RadioRich was original equipment but is a most appropriate replacement. These may have been used on earlier radios, but I have 2 non-Philco radios, a 1933 Zenith 705 and a 1934 RCA R-17, both with plugs factory assembled onto the cords (soldered pins, metal case swaged on or hard rubber with pins press fit), but not molded to the cable. In fact, the RCA R-17 has the original "Curtain Burner" Cordohm power cord.

These cords are original to these 2 radios. Let me know if you want me to take pictures.

Searching Amazon, eBay, etc. will yield several products. Some are close, but unfortunately, none are exact replicas.

[Arran]

From what I read Philco went to using brown rubber power cords in 1936, so cloth was used in the 1935 and earlier models. So a cloth cord, a brown one, would have been correct for the 1934 edition of a model 84, as for the plug I don't know, my model 60L from 1933 had a plug much like the one Rich posted, a cap style, I can't remember what my model 3118 had. In terms of vintage style plugs I like the style that is shaped like a lamp shade as it has a shank you can pull on, but there was a style made by the Viceroy Rubber Company that I also like, but most of those have chips out of the rubber by now.
Regards
Arran

[radiorich]

Hello Arran
Yes, I also like the lampshade style plug !
Sincerely Richard

[MrFixr55]

I remember a bakelite "lampshade" (a fancy lampshade) style plug being available in the hardware store when I was a kid. I remember several rubber style replacement plugs also. I did use the plug that rich posted, along with cloth covered cord on Radiola 60 and I will eventually do the same on my Model 20 when I get around to finishing the cabinet.

BTW, a "ham restored" Model 20 with a nice deluxe front but deteriorated side 'arch" went for only $45.00 on the Bay last week.