Lot 216

1932-33 Philco Model 38-3XX Radio by Philco Corp.

Estimate: $800 - $1,600

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$25 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
For your consideration is this 1932-33 Philco Corporation Model 38-3XX radio. First established in 1892 as the Philadelphia Storage Battery Company, the Philco Corporation was a significant American electronics manufacturer. Initially, the business made batteries for electric cars and other uses, but it quickly branched out into other electronic fields, such as consumer electronics like radios and televisions. Philco rose to prominence as a radio manufacturer in the 1920s and 1930s as a result of its inventive designs, top-notch manufacturing, and aggressive marketing strategies. As a pioneer in the development of vacuum tubes and other electronic components, the company also contributed to the increased dependability and efficiency of its radios and other products. Philco produced a variety of military electronics for use during World War II, including radar systems, communication tools, and other cutting-edge devices. The business kept growing after the war, adding televisions, phonographs, and other consumer electronics to its product lineup. However, by the 1960s, Philco started to experience fierce competition from foreign firms, particularly those in Japan, who could produce comparable goods for less money. The Ford Motor Company bought the business in 1961 with the intention of using its knowledge of electronics to create new products for the automotive sector. However, this tactic was ineffective, and Philco struggled to continue turning a profit. NV Philips, a Dutch conglomerate, purchased Philco in the 1970s, and combined it with its Magnavox subsidiary. For a few more years, some products carried the Philco brand, but it eventually vanished from the shelves. The Philco Model 38-3XX was part of Philco's larger line of high quality and innovative radios which were known for their sleek designs, advanced technology, and excellent sound quality. The radio features a main knob in the center for seeking different radio frequencies and four smaller knobs below that. One for turning the radio on and off, one for magnetic tuning, one for volume and the last has an unknown function. The Model 38-3XX has "Magnetic Tuning" (automatic frequency control) for eliminating drift and pulling stations to properly centered tuning. The bottom of the radio features a clothe speaker cover and has four wood slats covering the center. Above the slats it reads, "Philco". The radio shows good condition overall despite its vintage age. IT shows some chipping and scuffing to the wood housing and the internal components appear to be missing some items. The radio has not been tested for functionality. The radio measures 16 1/2" L x 25 1/2" W x 42 1/2" H.

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