38-12 Bakelite Tube Radio. It is one of three different styles that were in production between 1937 and 1938 using the Code 121 chassis. The housing and dial bezel are in beautiful condition, and retain their original factory-fresh shine. All knobs and hardware are original, and the set plays as well as when it was originally manufactured. It’s difficult to find a specimen of this model in this good of a condition. Interesting notes about this radio: Like most other Philco models from the 1930′s, the 38-12 series were not made with a rear cover panel; however, we created one and included it with this radio. It just clips right into place on the back, and lifts back off. Instead of a loop antenna that later vintage radios featured, the 38-12 utilizes an external wire antenna – we’ve included a 20-foot wire with the radio that you can stretch out along the ceiling or baseboards and clip to the white alligator clip. The radio also has its original dual-coil electromagnet-type speaker (the precursor to permanent magnet speakers seen in later radios), which delivers robust room-filling sound. A great deal of time and detailed attention went into restoring this radio so that it provides you with years of listening and aesthetic enjoyment. For this radio , several of the key steps performed to create a quality and enduring restoration were. Bakelite housing, knobs, and bezel completely cleaned and polished to restore the original beauty of the set. Electrolytic capacitors replaced with brand new modern capacitors. All wax-paper capacitors were replaced with new modern equivalents. Bakelite capacitor block re-stuffed with new modern equivalents. Electrical contacts and tube sockets cleaned of oxidation and treated to remove and retard oxidation. Tuning assembly, wheel, and variable capacitor gangs cleaned and adjusted. Dial lamp and socket assembly replaced. Dial cord replaced and tensions adjusted. Tubes checked and under-performing tubes were replaced. Resistors markedly out-of-tolerance replaced. Performed tracking and alignment of all RF stages and antenna circuit to provide peak sensitivity and selectivity. Replaced wires with degraded insulation under chassis. Fuse added to AC power input for safety. Worn cord and power plug replaced for safety. New antenna and ground terminals installed. Rheostat and switch assemblies manually cleaned and treated for noise-free operation and protection from oxidation. Chassis cleaned and treated to remove and retard oxidation. Worn speaker grille cloth replaced with identical color and weave. Small fissure repaired with Bakelite-impregnated resin (lower-left side of housing). Radio tested for several hours over multiple weeks to ensure consistent operation. Custom rear cover created (though Model 38-12 series sets never came with a rear cover). We will also include a copy of the original Photofact service manual for the Philco 38-12 series, which includes all schematics, parts lists, and alignment procedures for this specific radio so you can maintain or repair the set yourself. This radio is sure to become a centerpiece for your collection, or a perfect accent to any room. Your radio will be double-boxed and carefully packed so that you safely receive it. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have – we answer every question in detail. Thank you for looking! Notes: We pack our radios very carefully (far too much work has been invested in each radio’s restoration to have a carrier damage it in transit). In the very rare instance your radio arrives damaged or in non-working order, we will work with you to troubleshoot or correct the problem to your satisfaction. In addition to the fragile nature of vintage electronics, they operate at higher voltages – user assumes all risks. We have integrated several safety implements into your set making it much safer for everyday use than when it originally came off the factory assembly line. The item “Restored 1938 PHILCO 38-12 Vintage Old Antique Bakelite Tube Radio WORKS GREAT” is in sale since Friday, September 22, 2017. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone\Radios\Tube Radios\1930-49″. The seller is “adeliepenguin” and is located in Buras, Louisiana. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Brand: Philco
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
- Tubes: 5
- Power Supply: 117V AC 50-60Hz
- Housing: Bakelite
- Dimensions: 12 x 8.25 x 7.25in (31 x 21 x 18cm)
- Weight: 10lbs (4.54kg)
- Year: 1937
- Added Accessories: Rear Cover, External Wire Antenna
- Model: 38-12
- Code: 121
- Frequency Band(s): AM (mediumwave) 530 – 1710kHz