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Model 29TX Find this weekend
#1

Hello, I attended the Lincoln, CA ham swap meet this previous Saturday, and came across a 1935 Philco 29TX. If what I'm reading is correct, only about 500 of these were produced.
It looks very similar to the Model 45 "Butterfly" radio, which I am fortunate to also own an example of. You'll notice the back of the set includes the butterfly motif, so the set looks good if used as a chairside and is viewed from behind. Pretty neat little design feature. You'll also notice the toggle swtich and 4-pin socket for the optional remote speaker. Mine was missing the remote speaker, unfortunately, but is still a very nice example of a classic, untouched and rare Philco. You don't see them like this very often. 

The radio has some minor veener lifting on the top, and some worn away areas around the knobs. There are some minor areas of tattyness on the speaker cloth, but still presenable. Otherwise is in excellent condition. The original power cord and bakelite plug are still in place. I have yet to remove the chassis and inspect beneath. From a quick look at the chassis I've had through the rear grill, it reminds me of the Model 45's chassis, the shadow meter and switch and socket for the remote speaker being the biggest outward differences.

From a style standpoint, I'm coming to like this set more than my Model 45. I thought that the light colored sections on the sides resembled the commonly-seen art-deco motif of sleek, slender, long hands holding up the radio, as if to present it to the world, and say "Behold this beautiful radio". See pictures for my attempt at reenacting this gesture. 

   

I paid a mere $20 for it. Wooden radios don't get any love at ham swaps, as I've come to learn.
My 1991 price guide says it's worth $750 with the remote speaker. Would anybody care to speculate on a current value for just the radio?

   
   
#2

Nice find!
#3

Somehow recently quite a few butterfly radios have popped up.

People who do not drink, do not smoke, do not eat red meat will one day feel really stupid lying there and dying from nothing.
#4

Very nice Jason...
$700.00 is a dream price...
They sell from $150.00-$300.00 and thats in good working order and with good cosmetics.
I bought mine from Ron last year for $75.00 but that was a deal...
Welcome!
Kirk

Times I have been electrocuted in 2021
As of 1/01/2021
AC: 4 DC: 1
Last year: 6
#5

Yeah... I really doubt 700.

People who do not drink, do not smoke, do not eat red meat will one day feel really stupid lying there and dying from nothing.
#6

...and the one I sold to Kirk has a rough cabinet and is missing the back.

Congratulations on your find, N6MKC! $700 for the entire set with speaker is mere conjecture by someone living in dreamland. Kirk's quotes are more realistic.

Perhaps you could make a tracing of the back for your set and send to Kirk? I'm sure he would appreciate it. Icon_smile

--
Ron Ramirez
Ferdinand IN
#7

Thank Ron,
I don't need a tracing. Just send me your back Icon_twisted

Icon_smile

Times I have been electrocuted in 2021
As of 1/01/2021
AC: 4 DC: 1
Last year: 6




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