philco: G e n e r a l R e m a r k s; 37-84

My first considerations to bring some light into the matter, found by investigation of following literature:

- Slusser, Coll.Guide to A.R.
- Ramirez, Philco
- Machine Age to Jet Age.
         all three are referring to cabinets (with suffix)

- Rider's Perpetual and Beitman
        do not use the suffixes, since the so called "Models" are represented by schematics and other service data. That allows the conclusion, that the "Model" in fact means a chassis, often being used in several different cabinets. The Code is clearly an alteration status in the course of production. It can cover few changes like tuning condenser, electrolytics, but also different tubes and their sockets (in the same circuitry).

From 1937 Philco introduced the system of leading year. For some years ist was applied rather consequently.

As it looks now: what Philco is calling "Model" seems to be in fact a chassis and "Code" is its version (called type). But we shall not ignore Philcos name"Model" ! My concern is to understand the system.
Without cabinet-suffix it means a family of models (in our understanding) embracing all cabinet styles defined by a cabinet suffix. (e.g. 37-89)

To cover all demands in search we must have pages for the "Models"(families, "Series", without cabinet-suffix) as well as those for the individual cabinet models.
Appropriate notes should go to all pages concerned.

Utmost care shall be taken by image-admins to get correct picture-model allocation.  This might become a main problem, since collectors in most cases do not find the cabinet suffix at the label. They would often upload to the family. There is not the correct place, since somebody else may search for the complete name(including the cabinet suffix, e.g. 37-89F, the console) and he will fail if the image is at 37-89. His search would be overdefined for the purpose 

Suffix A (followed by a cabinet suffix) appears to indicate 25 Hz power version (for Canada). Suffix E is for 230 Volt (e.g. Rider 3-40). These are not cabinet related and still to be followed by a cabinet suffix as below.

The suffix B means an upright cabinet (Cathedral or tombstone),
F, X, K, J stands for a console, C or T for a table model, CS a chairside model. (Ramirez, Slusser)

Example: 37-89B is a cathedral, 37-89F is a console.
Both models are using the same chassis/ Model 37-89 (Code 121 or other), and got the same sticker 37-89 (no suffix). Only sometimes an additional mark was made for cabinet style. 

The code is allocated individually. In case of the 37-84 code 121 has a different tube lineup than Code 122.  Thus two types. Unfortunately Philco put inside the cabinets labels which show the chassis only (but called "Model") and its type (= code), without reference to the cabinet.

Another example: the Model 91 series 121 and 221. In Riders the wording "91 Series" is used, which relates to chassis types, schematic, service data, parts. No cabinet mentioned, hence no relevant suffix.
Type 121 is using a single speaker, type 221 twin speaker. Called 12 and 221.

Employing a.m. "models" the following complete sets (in cabinets) are found:
- 91B = Cathedral
- 91L = Lowboy
- 91D = Highboy with doors
- 91X = Console

    Any further idea? Comments are welcome (first by mail please to avoid misunderstandings).
Photos of labels and  related sets would be valuable contribution to verify my theories.

KoBi

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Dear Konrad
I believe that it would be better to change some of your message.

You wrote:

"As it looks now: what Philco is calling "Model" seems to be in fact a chassis and "Code" is its version (called type)."

If I'm right you are refering to numbers like 37-84 or 37-89. Philco and I see that as part of the model "name" or model number - say a "model line", model series or model family. Together with a suffix it is the model itself. Therefore 37-89B is the cathedral of the family 37-89.

Philco Suffix-Letters (Cabinet styles):
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
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)

Philcoradio.com:
It should be noted that there is no indication that Philco used these letters prior to 1932. Therefore, calling a 1931 Model 70 cathedral a "70B" is incorrect. Philco advertising referred to it as a "Model 70 Baby Grand." The same applies to the Model 90 cathedral, Model 50 cathedral, Model 51 cathedral and Model 20 cathedral. Philco did NOT refer to them as 90B, 50B, 51B or 20B; they were called 90 Baby Grand, 50 Baby Grand, etc.

The first Philco models to use the letter suffix were Models 90X and 112X, introduced in January 1932. In June 1932, Philco began using the letters to identify all of their cabinets.

Code = Chassis-version

From Ron Ramirez, PhilcoRadio.com:
Philco began doing the code numbering in 1932 with their Models 71 and 91. Each of these had slight differences in the cathedral (Baby Grand) and console versions; chiefly, the addition of twin speakers in the consoles. The 71 and 91 Baby Grands were initially called "Code 121," while the 71 and 91 console versions were "Code 221." These codes changed during the 1932 season as production changes were made.

In SOME (not all, see explanation below) later models, i.e. Model 89, different code numbers indicated production changes, as noted above. A Model 89 Code 121 only has three knobs and is an AM-only set, while a Model 89 Code 123 has four knobs and receives AM and the old "police" band.

Philco was not consistent with this code numbering, however. Model 89 is a good example, again: in 1935, they changed the det-osc tube in the 89 from a Type 36 to a Type 77; yet even though a new Service Bulletin (schematic) was issued, it continued to be "Code 123."

Some Philco sets, such as Model 60, were all Code 121 even though changes were made to the circuitry over its three-year production run.

Very essential for us:
Code 121 sets are never marked with a code number; therefore, if no code mark is found on the chassis, the set may be assumed to be Code 121.
Consequently we should put the code into brackets (121)

By the way: We should not use the field "variant"  for such code since users may search for it and since it is a part of the official "model name". A different code can even mean 4 knobs instead of 3! "There are also "run" numbers for minor changes - but I did not dig into it becaues in this respect it is meaningless - until 1946:  - Philcorepairbench.com:  but 1946 and later, are identified by the last two digits of a numerical series on the back of the chassis. For instance, if the series is 0332016702, the set is Run 02." 

I think we should stick to the system Philco used for naming model and chassis. To make it easy, they printed stickers with the model name without the suffix because if there is a known system it is not necessary to print it.

One thing is clear: Philco is the most difficult task for getting a proper order - on the other hand there are good internet sites with lists of models, good books etc. Who is working on Philco please?

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