Hello to all from a new antique radio enthusiast,

Hope I'm posting this in the correct forum...
I am new to this arena and am interested in tube radios of the 1930’s through the 1950’s. While perusing various sites, I came across a description of a Philco 38-12 that confused me. In describing the radio, the writer notes that: “… it was designed for a secondary room in the household and that's the reason why it has no back to it. It was to be put on a table or dresser with its back against the wall and there was no need to put it back on a radio that was in a private space.”

From what I’ve seen so far, I thought that all of the AC/DC table radios had a rear-mounted loop antenna which covered most of the exposed back of the cabinet, and that a cardboard(?) cover was then used to enclose the entire rear of the cabinet. Is my understanding correct or did some manufacturers neglect this? It seems strange in light of the shock hazard presented by not preventing stray fingers from contacting the chassis.

Any clarification greatly appreciated.

Ed

Ed

Some early radios didn't have back panels. Not sure about the designed statement. Probably more like cost saving until it was required.

Philco 38-12 has a power transformer so isn't AC/DC. A little less shock hazard.

http://www.nostalgiaair.org/PagesByMode ... 013236.pdf

Norm,

Thanks for the reply.

Silly me! I should have looked first before asking.
Live & learn.

Ed

The Philco 38-12 does not have a loop antenna. Instead it has two wires that are designed to be connected to a long wire antenna and a ground.

Steve Chambers

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the reply and the info. Appreciate your help.

Ed