[Arran]

It was most likely painted because the shading lacquer on the top and sides was flaking off, this seems to have been a common problem with Philco cabinets from the 1936 model year, and possibly earlier. I don't think I have seen a shouldered 1936 Philco cabinet, with original finish, without at least some flaking lacquer. At least whomever painted this example tried to do a decent job of it, rather then just slobbing it on with a tar brush, they removed the grill cloth, knobs, and escutcheon first, half the time they can't even be bothered, there is a Rogers on fleabay where someone did that.
Regards
Arran