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History of the manufacturer  

Philco, Philadelphia Stg. Batt. Co.; USA

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Name: Philco, Philadelphia Stg. Batt. Co.; USA    (USA)  
Brand:
Lincoln-Philco || Packard-Philco || Philco-Ford Corp.
Abbreviation: philco
Products: Model types Others Tube manufacturer
Summary:

Helios Electric Company
1306-8-10 Filbert Street, PA (1893)
1229 Callowhill Street, PA (1895)

Philco Corporation
Original factory; Ontario & C Streets Kensington District. (1909)Philco Headquarters, Corner C & Tioga Streets, Kensington District

 

Born in 1892 as Helios Electric, Philco's journey began with carbon-arc lamps and batteries. By 1926, they had become a radio giant, innovating with AC-powered models and exporting globally. UK operations flourished, producing TVs and more. Transistor technology and home appliances like air conditioners and foam-insulated refrigerators marked further progress. However, ownership changes in the 60s and 70s led to a decline. Though acquired by Philips in 1981, the independent Philco ceased to exist. Despite this, their legacy of innovation in radios, appliances, and TVs lives on in various brands worldwide.

For Philco’s UD Model number Codes, see Link

Founded: 1893
Production: 1926 -
History:

Company Timeline:

  • 1892: Founded as Helios Electric Company, producing carbon-arc lamps and batteries.
  • 1906: Philadelphia Battery Company starts manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles.
  • 1919: Philco brand name appears. (an acronym for Philadelphia Battery Company)
  • 1920s: Transitions to radio production, becoming a major player.
  • 1927: Introduces the world's first AC-powered radio.
  • 1930s: Starts exporting radios widely, establishes UK subsidiary, invents the "Socket Power Battery Eliminator."
  • 1940s: Contributes to WWII effort, acquires shares in Aero Engines Ltd.
  • 1946: UK subsidiary becomes "Radio and Television Trust Ltd." for export rights.
  • 1950s-60s: Enters TV market, expands to record players, acquired by Ford, renamed "Philco-Ford."
  • 1970s: Sold to GTE, then to Philips.
  • 1981: Brand ownership split geographically: Philips takes North America, Electrolux holds Philco International in other markets.
  • 2019: Last known use of the Philco brand in North America.

Early History

In 1892, Thomas Spencer and his brother Frank G. Spencer got together with Frank S. Marr and two business associates to start a small company at 1310 Filbert Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The business was created to manufacture carbon-arc light lamps.

The brothers originally decided to name the business ‘Spencer Company’. Later in the founding year, they purchased the rights to use patents and manufacturing methods from Helios Company, a German manufacturer. Spencer Company was then renamed Helios Electric Company. Frank S. Marr was made the firm’s President. Thomas Spencer was positioned as the factory plant Superintendent.

The first year for Helios Electric Company was financially unsuccessful. They had gained exceptional publicity in published articles in Electrical World but were unable to translate that into product sales. In August 1893, the company was forced to close factory floor operations for two weeks.

By 1895, they had made a turnaround. Advertisements in Electrical World claimed that Helios dominated the carbon arc lamp market. They stated that more Helios lamps were in use than all other makers combined. In the same year, they were able to move from their Filbert Street location to 1229 Callowhill Street.

Unfortunately, carbon arc light sales would begin to steadily decline until the market hit a standstill in 1899. The resulting turmoil of the economic downturn pressured the company to make survival decisions. They continued to change locations while refraining from liquidating the company. By 1905, Thomas Spencer was no longer involved in the company.

Helios finally reformed the company on July 25th, 1906. Helios Electric Company became the Philadelphia Storage Battery Company. The factories were refocused to produce storage batteries for automobiles.

Under the new name, Marr remained the company’s President. The new board of directors was made up of Edward Davis, the treasurer, E. Earle Everett, the new plant superintendent, Edward Yarnall, and Mr. Witmer. Philadelphia Storage Battery Company continued to produce car batteries and later car starting batteries for nearly two decades. During this time, they hired a new engineer, James M. Skinner.

Frank S. Marr died on December 1, 1916. Edward Davis succeeded him as president. Davis restructured the company with stock options available for company executives only. This new motivation pushed the company to further success. By 1919, James M. Skinner had become vice president and General Manager. He initiated a new marketing campaign using massive advertisements across publications like the National Geographic Magazine. This campaign also included a renaming of the company to Philco.

Philco: A Saga of Innovation, Expansion, and Evolution (1892-1970s)

Philco's story is more than just a brand name; it's a saga spanning decades, continents, and technological revolutions. In 1892, Helios Electric Company illuminated streets with carbon-arc lamps and powered early electric vehicles with batteries. The visionary James M. Skinner took the helm in 1906, transforming them into the Philadelphia Storage Battery Company and eventually, in 1919, into the iconic Philco.

The 1920s saw Philco's international ambitions blossom. Argentina, Canada, and Great Britain became manufacturing hubs, fueled by licensing agreements that disseminated American technology across the globe. This era cemented Philco's reputation as a global player, setting the stage for its revolutionary product diversification.

The 1930s marked Philco's rise to dominance in the radio industry. The "Socket Power Battery Eliminator" eliminated clunky batteries, capturing a staggering 30% of the American market. Driven by Skinner's leadership, Philco didn't stop there. They revolutionized home comfort with air conditioners, introduced the first foam-insulated refrigerator, and entered the burgeoning television market, forever changing the entertainment landscape. Their innovation continued with the first home freezer and the groundbreaking two-door refrigerator/freezer with automatic defrost. Even the transistor revolution saw Philco's contribution to the T7 Transistor radio

Through the 40s and 50s, Philco released:

  • First refrigerator with foam insulation
  • Home air-conditioning units
  • First home freezer
  • First TV receiver
  • First two-door refrigerator/freezer with automatic defrost
  • T7 Transistor radio
  • Combination Washer-Dryer

However, the 1960s and 70s witnessed a transition in Philco's ownership. Ford acquired the brand in 1961, leading to the "Philco-Ford" era. Further changes followed with GTE-Sylvania, White Consolidations Industry, and finally, Philips, who secured the US rights in 1981. While Philco International went to Electrolux, the independent Philco ceased to exist.

Though the independent journey ended, Philco's legacy lives on. Their impact on consumer electronics is undeniable. From early innovations like air conditioners to pioneering foam-insulated refrigerators, their mark on modern conveniences is profound. Today, the Philco brand may carry different owner names, but it serves as a constant reminder of the company's historical impact, reminding us of the spirit of innovation and global ambition that fueled its rise.

Pilco subsidiaries around the world

Main sources:
(1) Alan Douglas, "Radio Manufacturers of the 1920's," Vol. 2, The Vestal Press Ltd., New York, 1989.
(2) Ron Ramirez, "Philco Radio 1928-1942," Shiffer Publishing Ltd., Atglen, PA, 1993.
(3) Computer History Museum, Mountain View, CA. 
(4) Precis from History-Computer: The History of Philco: A Complete Guide


Some models:
Country Year Name 1st Tube Notes
USA  31/32 Komb. 290 35  80 [373146] Ch=90 
USA  33/34 16RX (16, 16A) [Early] 77  The model 16 series were high-end multiband radios. The early chassis used in 1933-34 h... 
USA  34/35 60B [Version 3] 6A7  The Philco model 60 series included nine versions over four years, all using similar 5-tub... 
USA  33 261 6A7  Export model 
USA  46 46-806 Tropic Radio 14J7E  This model uses a ballast resistor. The plastic cabinet has a walnut finish. 
USA  48 49-602 [battery-line operated] 1R5  Colors:Maroon,Ivory,Tan or Green; Selenium Rectifier CR100. 
USA  49 49-500 Transitone 7A8  Color: Walnut.  AM: 540-1620KC  
USA  31/32 112A Highboy [Early] 24  Models 112 and 112A were high end superheterodyne radios for the 1931-32 model year and... 
USA  31 211 Radio-Phonograph 24  Model 211 uses the chassis of model 111 (50-60 Hz). Models 211 and 211A are radio-phonogra... 
USA  31/32 Komb. 312   [373146-1208] Ch=112 
USA  31/32 m.Pl.-Wechsler 312   [373146-1208] Ch=112 
USA  31 50 Baby Grand [Common] 24  Model 50 was Philco's lowest price radio in late 1931, probably the last TRF model offered... 

[rmxhdet-en]

Further details for this manufacturer by the members (rmfiorg):

Western Electrician Sep 23, 1893, Page XII.tbn_us_philco_western_electrician_sep_23_1893_page_xii.jpg
Scanned from the Radio Retailing January 1942.tbn_philco_prom1_jan42.jpg
Scanned from the Radio Retailing January 1942.tbn_philco_prom2_jan42.jpg
Scanned from the Radio Retailing January 1942.tbn_philco_prom3_jan42.jpg
Scanned from the Radio Retailing January 1942.tbn_philco_prom4_jan42.jpg
Scanned from the Radio Retailing April 1941.tbn_philco_prom_rr_apr41_p7.jpg
Firmen-Logo: Philco - 1929tbn_usa_philco_1929_firmenlogo.jpg
philco tubetbn_philco_banner.jpg
tbn_us_philco_1933_logo.jpg
1932tbn_usa_philco_1932_anzeige.jpg
tbn_usa_philco_antenas.png
Philco service yearbooktbn_philco.jpg
Scanned from the Radio Retailing July 1941.tbn_philco_prom_rr_jul41.jpg
Scanned from the Radio Retailing August 1941.tbn_philco_prom_rr_aug41.jpg
Scanned from the Radio Retailing September 1941.tbn_philco_prom_rr_sep41_p19.jpg
Scanned from the Radio Retailing October 1941 page 27.tbn_philco_prom_rr_oct41_p27.jpg
Scanned from the Radio Retailing November 1941 page 33.tbn_philco_prom_rr_nov41_p33.jpg
Scanned from the Radio Retailing April 1946 page 45.tbn_philco_prom_rr_apr46_p45.jpg
Scanned from the Radio Retailing May 1946 page 59.tbn_philco_prom_rr_may46_p59.jpg
Scanned from the Radio Retailing June 1946 page 49.tbn_philco_prom_june46_p49.jpg
Werbung aus 1958tbn_philco_ad_1958.jpg
tbn_usa_philco_dealersign.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder PR-742, for 1940.tbn_philco_folder_pr742_p1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder PR-742, for 1940.tbn_philco_folder_pr742_p2.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder PR-739 for 1940.tbn_philco_folderpr_739.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder PR-738, 1938-1940.tbn_philco_folderpr_738_p1_half1.jpg
Advertise 1968tbn_usa_philco_ad_1968.jpg
Philco Advertise 1959tbn_usa_philco_ad_1959.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder No. PR 798 for 1941.tbn_philco_folderpr398_1941_p2_part2.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder No. PR 798 for 1941.tbn_philco_folderpr398_1941_p1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder No. PR 798 for 1941.tbn_philco_folderpr398_1941_p2_part1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder for 1949.tbn_philco_folder_1949_p1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder for 1949.tbn_philco_folder_1949_p2.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder for 1949.tbn_philco_folder_1949_p2_part2.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder PR-430 for 1937.tbn_philco_folder_pr430_1937_p1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder PR-430 for 1937.tbn_philco_folder_pr430_1937_p2.jpg
This is the Philco Radio Manufacturing Plant located in Sandusky Ohio, which produced the Chrysler Mopar 914HR all-transistor car radios, starting in the fall of 1955 for the "New" Chrysler and Imperial 1956 car models.tbn_philco_radio_manufacture_plant_sandusky_ohio.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder No. PR-340 for 1937.tbn_philco_folder_pr430_1937_p3.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder No. PR-340 for 1937.tbn_philco_folder_pr430_1937_p4.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder PR-799-A for 1941.tbn_philco_1941_pr_799a_p1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder PR-799-A for 1941.tbn_philco_1941_pr_799a_p2.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder AD-1793 for 1959.tbn_philco_folder_ad_1793_1959_p1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder AD-1793 for 1959.tbn_philco_folder_ad_1793_1959_p2.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder AD-1792 for 1959.tbn_philco_folder_ad_1792_for1959_p1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder AD-1792 for 1959.tbn_philco_folder_ad_1792_for1959_p1_rotate.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder AD-1792 for 1959.tbn_philco_folder_ad_1792_for1959_p2.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder 180-3436 for 1952.tbn_philco_folder_1952_p2_part1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder 180-3436 for 1952.tbn_philco_folder_1952_p2_part2.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder 2674.tbn_philco_folder_2674_1931_p1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder 2674.tbn_philco_folder_2674_p2_p1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder 2674.tbn_philco_folder_2674_p2_p4.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder for 1948.tbn_philco_folder_for_1948_p1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder PR671 for 1939.tbn_philco_folder_for_1939_pr671_p1jpg.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder PR671 for 1939.tbn_philco_folder_for_1939_pr671_p2jpg.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder for 1950.tbn_philco_folder_for_1950_p1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder for 1950.tbn_philco_folder_for_1950_p2.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder Form. 2952.tbn_philco_folder_2952_p1_p1_gross.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder Form. 2952.tbn_philco_folder_2952_p1_part2.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder Form. 2952.tbn_philco_folder_2952_p2_part1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder Form. 2952.tbn_philco_folder_2952_p2_part2.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder for 1933/34.tbn_philco_folder_1933_34_p1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder Form. 2120 for 1929.tbn_philco_folder_1929_form2120_p1_part1.jpg
Scanned from the Philco Folder Form. 2120 for 1929.tbn_philco_folder_1929_form2120_p1_part2.jpg
tbn_usa_philco_salesbrochure.jpg
tbn_usa_philco_batteryoperated_advertise.jpg
tbn_usa_philco_predicta_advertise.jpg
tbn_usa_philco_advertise_1967.jpg
tbn_usa_philco_batteries.jpg
tbn_usa_philco_advertise_1945.jpg
Scanned from the Radio Retailing January 1939 page 8.tbn_rr_january1939_ad_philco_p8.jpg
tbn_usa_philco_advertise.jpg
tbn_usa_philco_15x_ad.jpg
tbn_usa_philco_1951_ad.jpg
tbn_usa_philco_aerialsystem.jpg
tbn_usa_philco_print_ad.jpg
tbn_usa_philco_print_ad_1944.jpg
QD15STX manual with associated modelstbn_philco_qd15stx_1.jpg
Worthpoint phototbn_philco_outdoor_aerial_boxc._1945.jpg
RECONSTRUCTED UL SAFETY LABEL USED ON A LOT OF PHILCO RADIOS. WAS FIXED TO BACKBOARD.tbn_us_ul_guarantee_label.jpg
RECONSTRUCTED GUARANTEE LABEL USED ON VARIOUS SETS.tbn_us_philco_various_models_guarantee_label_brown_label_1.jpg
RECONSTRUCTED GUARANTEE LABEL USED ON VARIOUS SETS.tbn_us_philco_various_models_guarantee_label_yellow_label_2.jpg
UL LABEL USED ON VARIOUS MODELS WITH THE GUARANTEE/SAFETY LABELtbn_us_ul_various_models_red_yellow_label.jpg
Reconstructed Inspection Label for Printing. Used on various sets from 1946-1948.tbn_usa_philco_inspection_label_various_models_10524p.jpg
Reconstructed Inspection Label for Printing. Used on various sets from 1946-1948.tbn_usa_philco_inspection_label_various_models_10524r.jpg
Reconstructed Inspection Label for Printing. Used on various sets from 1946-1948.tbn_usa_philco_inspection_label_various_models_10618b.jpg
Reconstructed Inspection Label for Printing. Used on various sets from 1946-1948.tbn_usa_philco_inspection_label_various_models_10621.jpg
Reconstructed Inspection Label for Printing. Used on various sets from 1946-1948.tbn_usa_philco_inspection_label_various_models_10623.jpg
Reconstructed Inspection Label for Printing. Used on various sets from 1946-1948.tbn_usa_philco_inspection_label_various_models_10626.jpg
Reconstructed Inspection Label for Printing. Used on various sets from 1946-1948.tbn_usa_philco_inspection_label_various_models_10629.jpg
Reconstructed Inspection Label for Printing. Used on various sets from 1946-1948.tbn_usa_philco_inspection_label_various_models_10651.jpg
Reconstructed Inspection Label for Printing. Used on various sets from 1946-1948.tbn_usa_philco_inspection_label_various_models_10690.jpg
Reconstructed Inspection Label for Printing. Used on various sets from 1946-1948.tbn_usa_philco_inspection_label_various_models10629b.jpg
RECONSTRUCTED LABEL THAT WERE PLACED ON EARLY VALVES.tbn_us_philco_tube_model_various_label_1.jpg
RECONSTRUCTED LABEL THAT WERE PLACED ON EARLY VALVES.tbn_us_philco_tube_model_various_label_2.jpg
RECONSTRUCTED LABEL THAT WERE PLACED ON EARLY VALVES.tbn_us_philco_tube_model_various_label_3.jpg
RECONSTRUCTED SPEAKER LABELtbn_us_philco_model_360_speaker_label.jpg

Forum contributions about this manufacturer/brand
Philco, Philadelphia Stg. Batt. Co.; USA
Threads: 4 | Posts: 7
Hits: 178     Replies: 0
Philco Suffix-Letters (Cabinet styles)
Gary Cowans
02.Feb.24
  1

Philco Suffix-Letters (Cabinet styles): Reproduced from an original by Ernst Erb.

B - Baby Grand (cathedral or tombstone)

C - Compact (table model)

D - Console with doors

F - Console, no legs

H - Highboy

J - Console, no legs

K - Console, no legs - we don't know the difference to J

L - Lowboy

LZ - Lazyboy (chairside)

LZX - Lazyboy, separate speaker with Inclined Sounding Board (1933)

MB - Moderne Baby Grand (Model 60MB only)

P - Portable (Model 80P only)

PF - Radio-Phonograph

PX - Radio-Phonograph with Inclined Sounding Board

RX - Chairside, separate speaker with Inclined Sounding Board (1933-37)

RX - Console with Mystery Control (1939-42)

S - Model 66S Tombstone

T - Table model

X - Console with Inclined Sounding Board

XF - Console, inclined control panel, vertical sounding board (1938-40)

XX - Console, inclined control panel, Inclined Sounding Board (1938-40)

Philco used "run numbers" for minor changes and Codes for major chassis changes. Code 121 should never be marked because it is the first version, followed by 122.

 
Hits: 4457     Replies: 0
RMorg Model Number and Date System for Philco
Thomas Albrecht
20.Aug.08
  1
Recently there has been some renewed activity to make our database for Philco more complete.  Many new schematics have been uploaded, new models added, and missing information provided for existing models.  Our goal is to make the database as complete as possible for Philco models, since Philco was one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of radios, and Philco radios are widely collected -- both in the U.S. and internationally.
 
There are, however, some challenges with respect to dates and model numbers for Philco.  After discussion with Konrad Birkner and Ernst Erb, a decision has been made to adopt the following guidelines for Philco models:
 
1.  Dates:  Philco used a "model year" designation not unlike that used for automobiles.  In the June of a given year, Philco would introduce, ship, and sell the following year's models.  For example, in June of 1938, Philco started selling its "1939" models.  Furthermore, starting with the model year 1937, Philco included the model year in the model number.  For example, model 37-610 was part of Philco's 1937 "model year," which means that it was actually introduced in June 1936.  This practice of including the model year in the model number continued until the mid 1950s, when the numerical year was replaced with a single letter indicating the model year.
 
Although it would be particularly tempting to simply use the "model year" as the model date in RMorg, we have instead adopted a more historically accurate practice of showing a beginning date which is the actual year of introduction (the "model year" minus one year) and an end date which is the same as the "model year."  Most models were produced under a single model number for only about one year, so this approach correctly spans the actual time period a model was produced and sold.  In cases where we know a model was produced for a longer time period, the second date should be the actual final year of production.
 
As an example, under our system, model 37-610 would be shown as a 1936/37 model.  When entering or making changes, "1936" is entered in the first year box, and "1937" in the second.  Although most models currently listed for Philco do not yet show this system (most simply show the model year), an effort is now underway to update this for all Philco models.
 
2.  Model numbers Philco used model numbers that are often followed by a suffix of one or more letters to indicate cabinet style (and sometimes color).  In RMorg, we list radios with significantly different cabinet styles as separate models, even if the chassis inside is identical.  Therefore it is important to include the letter(s) of the suffix to distinguish different models in RMorg.
 
An unfortunate issue is that Philco often omits the suffix in its service literature.  Likewise, on the radio itself, the suffix might not be shown at all, or was added with a rubber stamp next to the tag or plate on which the model number is shown.  As a result, it is very common to find Philco radios with apparently identical model numbers (without suffix), but very different cabinets!
 
As a concrete example, consider Philco model 37-630T and 37-630X.  On the inside of the cabinet for these radios, you will commonly find a paper label with "37-630" shown as the model number, and possibly with a "T" or an "F" rubber stamped on the cabinet nearby.  It is easy not to notice the letter, and it is often missing altogether.
 
Understandably, a collector, having read the paper tag, is usually convinced that his model is simply "37-630" and will look for this model in RMorg.  In fact he has either the table model (-T suffix) or console (-X suffix).
 
Although one can come up with a variety of systems to address the situation, for RMorg, we have adopted the following approach:
 
a.)  If there are multiple cabinet styles for a given numerical model number, we will have a separate RMorg model for each one, with the model number suffix properly included.  In parentheses, the model number without suffix will also be included as an alternate.  The model number without suffix will not be shown as a separate standalone model.
 
As an example, we will list the following two models:
 
37-630T (37-630)
37-630X (37-630)
 
But we will not list a third model without suffix:
 
37-630
 
The above approach accomplishes two goals:  (i) the number of models listed accurately reflects the actual number of physically distinct models produced by Philco, and (ii) a search on the model number without the suffix will correctly bring up both candidate models which apply, with visual confirmation of the model number without suffix as it might appear on the radio.
 
b.)  In cases where there is only one cabinet style for a model number, the following applies:
  • If Philco does not show a suffix on the radio or anywhere in its service literature, no suffix is shown in RMorg.  This covers the vast majority of cases for which there is only one cabinet style for a model number.  An example is model 42-788 for which only one model, without suffix, is shown.
  • If Philco shows a suffix on the radio (even if rarely) and somewhere in its service literature (even if most references don't include the suffix), the model number with suffix is shown, and the model number without suffix is shown as an alternate. An example is model 39-8T, which is listed as just one model with model number 39-8T (39-8).
 
Correct field for model number:
 
The Philco model number should be placed in the first field, which is called "model name."  The second field ("model type") should usually be left blank.
 
Philco chassis codes:
 
Philco often includes a chassis code on its radios and in its service literature.  Code 121 is the most common, which simply refers to normal production or "first run."  Higher number codes like 122, 123, and 124 often refer to later runs with slight changes in component values or circuit design.  In other cases, higher number codes are used for chassis that are slightly modified for a different cabinet style (such as a change in speaker).
 
Chassis codes (especially code 121) do not normally need to be included in the RMorg model number or chassis number.  If the code has significance that should be documented, a comment in the "Notes" field is generally best.
 
Thank you for your attention to the above.  If we all make an effort to follow this system, we can have a highly consistent, complete, and accurate database for Philco models in RMorg.
 
Hits: 5246     Replies: 3
Status report updating and completing Philco models
Gidi Verheijen
19.Jun.06
  1

Enst Erb asked me to report about the status of updating and completing the Philco models in the radiomuseum database.

Like most USA brands, Philco needed a lot of updating and completing. Since August 2005 I have been working on this job. Reasons that I started with it are the fact that I like USA radios in general and Philco in particular (it was my first radio) and that I wanted to contribute to the Radiomuseum.
I got a lot of encouragement and help from Konrad Birkner and we agreed to present all Philco models according to the same policy with regard to model name and number, reflecting the specific way Philco named and coded its radios and chassis. Two other members (and maybe others as well) contributed to the Philco brand in recent times: Vitor Oliveira and Juan Antonio Pardo Alonsos.
I have access to the following literature sources:
Rider's Perpetual Manuals (on CD-ROM and DVD)
Rider's Index (copy)
Ron Ramirez' book: Philco Radio 1928-1942
Philco Year Books 1940, 1941, 1942, 1946/1947 (purchased at Ebay).
With all this literature the schematics of most Phico radios are at hand.

What has been done in the last 9 months ?
First most Philco models, not showing a year of origin, were dated. Thereafter I worked on those models where a year was mentioned, but wrong or inaccurate. In December 2005 Bernd Kieck dated all remaining models, based on the year they appeared for the first time in Rider's Manual. The result is that most Philco models show the right (or at least a pretty accurate) year of origin now. Some further updating is still necessary and will be done, as far as reliable information is available.
Together with the updating of the year of origin, the technical data were updated where and when possible.
A lot of models already show the name and number designation according to the adopted policy, but further work has to be done in this respect. This updating is mostly done when a model is being updated for other reasons.
Based on the Philco Year Books 1940 and 1942, I could update the models from these years to a very high degree of completeness. Now I am in the process of updating the year 1941 and once that is finished I hope to work on the years 1946/1947.

If I would have Year Books of other years available, I could improve the database even further. Offers for those books would be welcomed very much.

Gidi Verheijen

Thomas Bavis
20.Jun.06
  2 You may find the '30s-50s Philco Service information on my web page of interest. You will need the DjVu browser plug-in from Lizardtech.com to view or print them.

http://www.audiophool.cjb.net/Philco.html
Gidi Verheijen
20.Jun.06
  3 Dear Thomas,

This Philco Service Information is a great help. Thanks for your kind reply.

Gidi
Ernst Erb
05.Jul.06
  4 Interesting: If you type the term Philco models into Google-Search this article comes first of 500 thousand - but if you type the term Philco Radio or Philco Radios we are lost completely.

Philco Radios are quite well known and nice collecting items. therefore it is vital for us to list each Philco radio with its details if possible. Who can help us in this respect? If you can, please write to Gidi Verheijen.

Thank you, Thomas Bavis, that you offer some data to be looked up in your database for Philco Radios.

Hans Amberger is doing a wonderful job for Zenith in looking for pictures. If you like to do something similar for Philco Radios, please write to him. He can show you how he manages to get a lot of approvals to use pictures from eBay sellers or homepages. Please also don't forget to write a courtesy line if you use pictures from other source and that you have the approval.

Have you a Philco radio which is not yet in our data base or has no photo? Please change this. It is easy if you first click the blue info button.
 
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unknown model of PHILCO
Nikolai Koutcher
30.Jul.05
  1 Dear collegues!
I have the wood cabinet of radio with record player marked PHILCO Tropic. I ask you to help me to identify this model of radio. The necessary picture is implied.
Best regards,
Nikolai 
 
Philco, Philadelphia Stg. Batt. Co.; USA
End of forum contributions about this manufacturer/brand

  

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