[Prange]

First post here.

I was looking for a Hippo and I've seen 2 different knob styles. One with gold embellishment at the base of the knobs and one with plain brown knobs.

Did Philco make a change in production or did the plain ones have the gold removed?

Thanks.

[Arran]

I'm not sure exactly, I currently have three "Hippo" models, all Canadian versions, two white and one brown, and I didn't really notice the gold around the rim of the knobs. It's possible that either the white or the brown versions had the gold rings, but not the other, or the paint just wears off with use or maybe got washed away if someone wiped them down. Some of the knobs look like more of a Burgundy colour then brown, it should be mentioned that the 46-1201 and variants also used similar style knobs.
Regards
Arran

[OldRestorer]

Good question..
 I have never seen them with gold anywhere...

[Kenneth F. Besso Jr.]

Welcome aboard Mr. Prange--- HAPPY TRAILS,,,GREAT BUNCH OF MEMBERS HERE,,,full of knowledge----CHEERS

[Arran]

Getting back to the Hippo knobs, I think that if one of the hippo models had gold painted rings it's possible that someone may have used replacement knobs off of a 46-1201 or 48-1201 "Bing Crosby" as they are of the same design. I'm not sure about the hippo sets but the 'Bing Crosby's" originally came with gold rings painted around the perimeter of the knobs, though they are worn off on my Canadian built example.
Regards
Arran