Proud new owner of a 37-690
Posts: 797
Threads: 42
Joined: Dec 2008
City: Chicago, IL
Over the past few years I've seen a few lucky collectors pick up this amazing set - never thought I'd be one of them though.
A little background first. I work from home as a programmer. Mostly developing websites and smart phone apps. Well, a couple weeks ago I found myself committed to a full week of online remote training via skype. So I was pretty much chained to my desk 8 hrs a day. However, while I could see them, they couldn't see what I was doing so I couldn't resist poking around on craigslist. Imagine my surprise when I saw a 37-690 for sale just a few miles away! Just one problem - I can't go get it 
I put the mic on mute and made a quick call to another local collector and good friend. Turns out he has the day off but is elbow deep swapping parts between a couple vintage Coronados with his brother. I finally convinced (bribed) them to drop what they were doing and go get it - if it was even still available. Hours went by and finally I got a call back. They were waiting outside with the radio  I thought they'd use their pickup, but it was out of commission so they had to use an old caddy. They had carefully wrapped it in a blanket and it actually sort fit in the trunk.
Even more amazing, my buddy, whose pretty good at negotiating, got it for half the asking price 
They helped me carry it up two flights of stairs to my back porch and here it finally is!
The finish on the outside is flaking off at the slightest touch, but the veneer is very sound as are all the joints.
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/70788...9400_z.jpg]
The insides look like no one has messed with anything 
[Image: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5192/69327...7fcf_z.jpg] [Image: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/69327...9388_z.jpg]
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/69327...403a_z.jpg] [Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/69327...7ac4_z.jpg]
(This post was last modified: 11-24-2014, 03:34 PM by Bob Andersen.)
Posts: 289
Threads: 40
Joined: Oct 2011
City: Las Vegas, NV
OK make us all sick, How much?
John
Las Vegas, NV USA
Posts: 797
Threads: 42
Joined: Dec 2008
City: Chicago, IL
I knew someone was gonna ask. Are you really, really sure you want to know ?
Posts: 4,706
Threads: 51
Joined: Sep 2008
City: Sandwick, BC, CA
Well one thing I do know, regardless of what it cost it will be restored to a much higher standard then a 38-690 belonging to another collector on the other forum.
Regards
Arran
Posts: 2,353
Threads: 92
Joined: May 2010
City: Clayton, NC
Man, that is fantastic!!! Great job getting your 37-690 !!!
It looks to be in good, un-molested shape! I will second the belief that you will make it a showpiece!
Posts: 2,353
Threads: 92
Joined: May 2010
City: Clayton, NC
Reckon it might be a candidate for an application of a resto-finish product?
Posts: 717
Threads: 30
Joined: Feb 2008
City: Grand Rapids, MI
Wow, nice find!
(This post was last modified: 09-18-2012, 12:01 PM by Michael Dennis.)
Posts: 797
Threads: 42
Joined: Dec 2008
City: Chicago, IL
Thanks guys. I feel kinda sad in a way because the only good spot to put it is where my prized 15DX has resided for the last few years. So for now, it's in a corner of the kitchen. Hopefully, I'll move to a bigger place before long and can display these sets more appropriately.
As for the finish, the top was so bad I wanted to protect it ASAP. I was able to just use a scrapper and take all the old finish off very easily. Only downside was the little flakes of old lacquer went everywhere - especially into my hair!
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/71202...1ff9_z.jpg] [Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/71202...207e_z.jpg]
That revealed some real purdy veneer I can't wait to see what the doors have in store. I recall my friend said the previous owner made of point of highlighting the patterns hidden in the doors.
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/69741...9218_z.jpg]
I'll just slap on some lacquer for protection for now. Eventually, I'll tackle the rest of the cabinet.
(This post was last modified: 04-27-2012, 11:24 PM by Bob Andersen.)
Posts: 335
Threads: 50
Joined: Apr 2011
City: Apple Creek
State, Province, Country: Ohio
(04-27-2012, 10:02 PM)bandersen Wrote: I knew someone was gonna ask. Are you really, really sure you want to know ?
Ok Bob spill it. how much did you get it for? I'm really curious cause they usually go for around 1-2k online. If you don't want to post it you can PM it. 
Posts: 4,706
Threads: 51
Joined: Sep 2008
City: Sandwick, BC, CA
(04-28-2012, 12:25 AM)ipwizard Wrote: (04-27-2012, 10:02 PM)bandersen Wrote: I knew someone was gonna ask. Are you really, really sure you want to know ?
Ok Bob spill it. how much did you get it for? I'm really curious cause they usually go for around 1-2k online. If you don't want to post it you can PM it.
Actually they don't unless they are restored or in really good original shape surprisingly, I don't think I've heard of anyone paying $2000 for one. The last time I remember someone buying one on fleabay it was a 38-690, the finish was about average, and I think they had about $850 into total after they had it shipped West from the East coast. Everyone else I know of bought one through a private sale either regionally or locally.
Regards
Arran
Posts: 4,706
Threads: 51
Joined: Sep 2008
City: Sandwick, BC, CA
(04-27-2012, 11:18 PM)bandersen Wrote: Thanks guys. I feel kinda sad in a way because the only good spot to put it is where my prized 15DX has resided for the last few years. So for now, it's in a corner of the kitchen. Hopefully, I'll move to a bigger place before long and can display these sets more appropriately.
As for the finish, the top was so bad I wanted to protect it ASAP. I was able to just use a scrapper and take all the old finish off very easily. Only downside was the little flakes of old lacquer went everywhere - especially into my hair!
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/71202...1ff9_z.jpg] [Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/71202...207e_z.jpg]
That revealed some real purdy veneer I can't wait to see what the doors have in store. I recall my friend said the previous owner made of point of highlighting the patterns hidden in the doors.
[Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/69741...9218_z.jpg]
I'll just slap on some lacquer for protection for now. Eventually, I'll tackle the rest of the cabinet.
It looks like that cabinet spent time in the same sort of environment as the Brunswick and the 1930 G.E console. I wonder if it's moist air or the temperature that causes the finish to flake off?
Regards
Arran
Posts: 797
Threads: 42
Joined: Dec 2008
City: Chicago, IL
(04-28-2012, 12:25 AM)ipwizard Wrote: Ok Bob spill it. how much did you get it for? I'm really curious cause they usually go for around 1-2k online. If you don't want to post it you can PM it.
That's what I figured. This one seems to have sold for $1,275 very recently. http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopi...1&t=186877
And this for $,1000: http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/view...1&t=190740
PM sent.
Posts: 797
Threads: 42
Joined: Dec 2008
City: Chicago, IL
(04-28-2012, 12:39 AM)Arran Wrote: It looks like that cabinet spent time in the same sort of environment as the Brunswick and the 1930 G.E console. I wonder if it's moist air or the temperature that causes the finish to flake off?
Regards
Arran
Good question. My Brunswick definitely spent time in a humid environment as evidenced by the rust and veneer separation. This set however has little if any rust and no veneer damage. It's my understanding it did spend a lot of time out in the garage though so I suspect it's a victim of the big temperature variations we experience in the Midwest.
Posts: 594
Threads: 41
Joined: Aug 2010
City: Shepherdsville, KY
Hi Bob
That is a nice radio, glad you got it. Put it on YouTube as you restore it, I enjoy your shows on YouTube.  congrats. Joe
Joe Bratcher near Louisville, KY
Posts: 2,026
Threads: 367
Joined: Jun 2010
City: Dover, OH
Very nice find. Just shows that the Philcos are still out there and even the top of the line models are still being found in the 'wild'.
No matter where you go, there you are.
Users browsing this thread: 5 Guest(s)
|
|
Recent Posts
|
|
trying to identify this wire type
|
| Thanks to all for the feedback. As Arran said, it is probably an older replacement and yes it has a grid cap so I will ...georgetownjohn — 09:32 PM |
|
trying to identify this wire type
|
| It's possible that the red wire, actually a grid cap lead, is a very old replacement, I can't remember seeing a pre 1939...Arran — 09:18 PM |
|
Gilfillan Brothers Car Radio?
|
| Hi everyone,
Special thanks to Joe Rossi for tracking down this obscure radio and thanks to others who took up the hun...Antipodal — 08:15 PM |
|
trying to identify this wire type
|
| Here's one source for your wire of many.
Take care and BE HEALTHY! Gary
P.S. Can't get the right color you need? I ...GarySP — 06:40 PM |
|
trying to identify this wire type
|
| ...and modern wire of the appropriate gauges and insulation V-rating (300V minimum, usually shown right on the wire) is ...morzh — 05:47 PM |
|
1930s Stromberg-Carlson Tombstone Radio need help identifying model number
|
| I have a question about this radio, is there anyone that has access to this radio that has an intact unmolested speaker ...captainclock1988 — 04:28 PM |
|
1930s Stromberg-Carlson Tombstone Radio need help identifying model number
|
| Well what makes me confuse all of those companies is that all three of those companies (Setchell-Carlson, Stromberg-Carl...captainclock1988 — 04:21 PM |
|
trying to identify this wire type
|
| The red wire is rubber covered wire.
The others are cotton braid over rubber often in colors or a tracer, also strand...Chas — 02:43 PM |
|
trying to identify this wire type
|
| Greetings Phorum members,
Hope you can help me identify this type of wire in the photo I have attached. I am not sure ...georgetownjohn — 01:53 PM |
|
Philco 60 Squealing
|
| All correct shields must be in place, all tubes correct no subs of any kind.
Check any soldered, riveted ground conne...Chas — 01:24 PM |
|
Who's Online
|
| There are currently no members online. |
|
 
|
![[-]](https://philcoradio.com/phorum/images/bootbb/collapse.png "[-]")
