[rsearfoss]

I am new and I found an old philco special services radio I think that is what it has on the dial and it still works kind of all I can get is static but I see the tubes lighting up in the back. can you help me as the site does not talk about the radios from 43-45. I can find nothing anywhere about them. thank you for your help, Rosalie Searfoss

[Ron Ramirez]

Hello and welcome.

Philco did not build any radios for civilian use (i.e. the general public) from March 1942 until very late 1945 or the beginning of 1946, after World War II had ended. (For that matter, neither did any other domestic radio manufacturer.)

Philco began to tout its "Special Services" band during the 1953 selling season. This may have continued into the 1954 season; I am not sure at present.

Does your radio have a label with a model number on it? (It probably starts with "53".)

If not, can you post a photo of it please?

[klondike98]

Welcome to the Phorum!

[rsearfoss]

Do I have to open up the back to see the model number and would it be made of bakelite material ? I would love to send a pic but don't know how to do it!

[rsearfoss]

I found it 53-561

[Ron Ramirez]

Ok.

For those watching this thread, here is the 53-561 in the Philco Gallery:

https://philcoradio.com/gallery2/1953a/#Model_53-561

It is a 1953 model. From the 1937 through 1953 model years, Phillco used a two digit prefix for the model year in its radio model numbers followed by the actual model number of the set. "53" indicates 1953 model year.

I looked...Philco made radios with what they called a "Special Services" band in the 1953 and 1954 model years, but had dropped the concept by the 1955 model year.

Finally - how to post photos here in the Phorum:

https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=29
https://philcoradio.com/phorum/showthread.php?tid=4407

[rsearfoss]

thanks for the info about my radio. it does look like the one you posted the address for the 53-561. I do want to sell it but don't know what to price it at do you have any suggestions?            

[Paul Philco322]

You can place an ad in the "sell" Phorum and see what offers you get....

Paul

[klondike98]

One recently sold on ebay for about $50. You do need to state a price when placing a For Sale ad but can also take offers.