Philco 46-431

[Motorola minion]

I just got a new repair job from a younger enthusiast all about the 1940s and WWII. My camera is not downloading but one can be seen here. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1338651345 ... ng_details

This follows up a 41-280 I had restored for the same customer, which needed a speaker rebuild, knobs, escutcheon thats $120 just in parts! I have put similar efforts into other makes of radios of the 40s and it seems this was the pinnacle of radio, as was the early 30s when tube count increased and features like phonographs, present tuning, better audio and remote/power tuning. Just before miniature 7-9 pin tubes, long before printed circuit boards, integrated silver-mica caps and as TV and High Fidelity was just beginning. These are solid if not always HiFi, restoring them is like working on a solid old car (my oldest car was a 1967 GP). video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2PEZoksC0o

With this radio newly purchased and visibly complete, its highly likely that very few parts will be needed. The main problem is a schematic. Riders and Sams did not list the 46-431 between the 427 and 480, but Steve Johnson site to the rescue with some original Philco service info.

[electra225]

Who did you use to rebuild the speaker, Dave? My old Temple needs its speaker reconed. I thought I had it sold, but I still have it and like using it. The speaker cone is largely paper towels and speaker glue now.....

The radio snoots turn their noses up at those old "horizontal consoles. I like them myself. They wring their hands when somebody turns one into a wine cabinet, but won't buy one and save it themselves.....

[Motorola minion]

My speaker guy is in NJ, which saves postage

Sound Remedy - Rich Stamer
331 Virginia Ave
Collingswood NJ 08108

Horizontals were found in basements, garages, attics and barns when I was kid in early 70s. And while most folks of even modest means had upgraded to a stereo if they like records enough. A few remained as a nice piece of furniture until moving day, which are those we see today. The tilt-out controls Zenith and RCA used seemed pretty neat. It was the 78-only record players that kept us from taking them seriously. It the last 10 years, I have rescued about a Dozen of them. I have a dry space for them.

The first one I need to restore is the one Motorola I found. There are three (!) Stromberg Carlsons, Two Capehart, One Zenith, RCA, Silvertone, Sparton, Westinghouse, Crosley, Philco and Templetone. The best features are P-P amps, 10-12" speakers and great radio receivers. Ones with both old and new FM bands were usually 1947 models. Most had shortwave in 47-48 but 49 models all had FM, no more SW. A time of changing tastes for sure.

[William]

Sounds like you have a Heinz 57 variety, Dave, kinda one of each brand. Which one would be your favorite to keep?

Bill

[TC Chris]

I've got a '46 Philco with AM, SW, and modern FM bands. It has a three-speed Philco changer that must have been a local dealer refit, as 45 and 33 discs were a later development.

Chris Campbell