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Model 53-563
(1953)
From my long time collection,
referred to as the "Split Level". This stylish radio came in several
(solid) colors. The cabinet is not painted but solid black
plastic
(not Bakelite).
One of the last of the deco
styled cabinets which was the in thing during the 1930's. Philco
was a leader in styling as well as superior performance in the
consumer priced home electronics.
This model features a couple of
things not common in the typical radio of the day.
(1) The tubes had protection from the sudden in-rush current that was
a notorious tube destroyer. This was accomplished by means of a Glo-Bar
resistor (or varistor). This component was in series with the tubes
which allowed them to warm up gradually.
(2) This is a two frequency band
radio, a switch on the back allows for reception of the public service
band which covers 1700 Kc to 3.4 Mc.
All in all a neat and unusual radio
both in styling and performance. |
Since childhood, Philco has always been my favorite brand of
radio. From the age of about 12, I can't remember a time when I
did not own a Philco radio.
Philco was founded in the late 1800's as the Philadelphia
Storage Battery Company. They made batteries for the early
electric cars. In the 1920s, their production switched to making
batteries & home charging equipment for battery radios.
As the electric radios were fast fast becoming the new,
popular
technology, Philco built their first all electric radio (called
light socket powered then) in
1928.
With great promotional
venues and a quality product at much lower prices than their
competition, Philco became the industry leader in radio
manufacturing by 1930!
In 1939, they built their first television.
For the budget
minded, the Philco line of
radios where
among the best in quality and performance in my opinion.
The Philco line of radios,
TVs and other home appliances came to an end in the early 1960s
when the company was bought out by the Ford Motor Co. A sad
ending for a great American company.
Philco First's:
-
First in sales -
and in only two years after
introducing their first radio.
-
First in economy - by
1930,
they sold more radios than any other brand. Philco sets performed
as good as or better than other national brands, some costing much more.
-
First with Hi-Fidelity -
introduced in 1935
-
First wireless remote - with the "Mystery
Box"
1939
-
First with AFC in television -
1946, did not need a fine tuning control
that most TV's needed well into the 1960s.
-
First all transistor,
portable Television, - 1959 Battery operated, 100%
American designed, engineered and built with all American parts by
Philco!
Oblique view left |
Oblique view right |
backside |
dial close-up |
underside |
Now offered for sale, an
exceptional example of this fine and not often seen radio. Cosmetically
excellent and works perfect.
Year: 1953
Cabinet:
solid black plastic (not painted)
Back: original
Dial: slide-rule
Knobs: original
Chassis: very clean
Tuning type: capacitance, super-het
Power transformer: no
Speaker: original
Grille cloth: n/a
No. of tubes: 5
Electronic condition:
electronically restored
Cosmetic condition: no cracks, flaws or significant blems, near perfect!
Frequency coverage: AM, standard broadcast + public service
band
Antenna requirements: built-in loop
Measurements (approx): 13 x 6 x 5""
Estimated shipping weight: 14 lb
The
service manual and labels for the above can be purchased from the "manuals & Paper"
Section of my site.
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