[Fred Taylor]

I was fortunate to get my paws on this very restorable Philco . I really don't see this model come up for auction or for sale to much, very good price. I will post pictures and progress when I get going on the restore.  If you see this Post  Ron can you post a picture of the correct colors of cabinet and cloth that would be factory.

[Arran]

Fred;
  It looks like the front panel is still original, but that someone stripped and clear coated the top and sides. This isn't too surprising since the original shading lacquer has a habit of flaking off, I believe that the top, sides, front moldings, and the base were originally extra dark walnut, or something similar, if the 1936 model 116B is anything to go by. There is a picture of a 1935 model 16B, Ron's set, that is in the banner above this page actually.
Regards
Arran

[Fred Taylor]

Thank,s Arran, I was thinking that the sides were supposed to be extra dark walnut along with the base molding. In the header banner for Rons radio looks good but dosen,t look like extra dark walnut, looks black but could be the lighting in picture. The raw looking wood on mine wont cut it, the front control panel seems to be correct with out hardly any clear on it yes it had been stripped at some point and not finished. The wood veneer on this set is tight and perfect. Will look fantastic wen refinished properly. Chassis will go thru my normal cleaning and service to get it up and playing safely.

[Ron Ramirez]

Correct - it was the (poor) lighting in the picture; the trim and sides are Extra Dark Walnut.

Another example is here, although the trim on this one is too light. It should be Extra Dark Walnut, but applied light enough that the grain still shows yet dark enough to make it very dark brown.

Now this 118B is not the same cabinet obviously, but has the same toning. You can tell the finish on this 118B is original as it is flaking. You can clearly see the contrast between the dark trim and the Medium Walnut front panel.

[Fred Taylor]

Thanks Ron, I have refinished two early and late 16b,s using the extra dark walnut applying just enough toner to still see the grain. The diamond cloth or the chevron on my model? I have seen both cloth designs that seem to be factory on this model Philco.

[Ron Ramirez]

Chevron, not diamond, cloth is correct for the late version 16B.

[Scott D]

Great radio! It seems this version may be the hardest to find... at least for me!

[WallaceRoger]

That switch on the side doesn't seem original

[EdHolland]

Greg,

It might be - some of the 16 series have an "Interstation Noise Suppressor" (old fashioned for squelch) and the switch allows this feature to be active or not. Typically, there will be a pot/rheostat to adjust the cut off point, accessible at the back of the chassis.

Cheers

Ed

[KCMike]

I believe it's a bass compensation switch.

[morzh]

Ed Holland is correct.

[KCMike]

Wonder why they called it a bass compensation switch on the schematic? Just trying to learn.

[Ron Ramirez]

In the case of this model (the later 4-band 16), KCMike is correct.

It is my belief that Philco decided they needed a switch to fill a hole in already-produced 16 cabinets when they introduced the 4-band 16 in late 1934 (after the 1935 season had begun), so they stuck an SPST toggle switch in the bass compensation section of the volume control circuit. I can't prove it because there is no supporting (or refuting) evidence that I know of, but it is a logical assumption.

The 4-band 16 does not have the QAVC (squelch or "Quiet Automatic Volume Control") that the 5-band 16 had...but it does add an RF amp, which is better than having QAVC.

Study a 4-band 16 schematic to learn more and see how the switch is placed in the circuit.

[WyTex]

   

Hello all -

The side switch on my 16b turns the set on/off.

Regards,
Paul

[Nathan Slingerland]

Beautiful set Paul!

Your set was likely modified later on in its life - perhaps to compensate for the power switch on the back of the volume control potentiometer no longer working (very common).