I just got done re-capping and aligning a Philco 41-280 console for someone. I set the push-buttons for local stations, but the old labels are still in place. I'd like to print up new labels to correspond with the stations the presets are tuned to (the call-letters don't show up on the sheets of labels I already purchased from AES). Could somebody please give me advice on what font and size to use, as well as how to do white letters on a black background?

I printed labels once for a Philco similar to that one. I used a spreadsheet (Open Office is what I used, of course Excel can be used). I did it all by trial and error, mostly error. You can select the cell background color and font color separately and select the actual font that looks best from those in the program. You can also find free downloadable fonts on the web if your program doesn't have anything appropriate. The colors I used were pale yellow letters on a brown background printed on ordinary computer paper with an inkjet printer. The labels I ended up with looked better than the originals, they backlighted really nice. Somehow the file I saved got messed up (by me) and is now all out of whack so would have to be done over. Anyway if you have a spreadsheet program and can figure out how to use it or know someone who can, it is doable for sure.

Vince

Thanks! These don't need to be backlit, so I will use my laser printer on cheap photo paper and see how it works.

Hi Rich.
Here are tow horizontal sheets, and one vertical style sheet of call tabs.

If you don't see the station you want, a simple cut and paste of other letters on the sheet to make your station you want.

Links to full sized images:

http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/d/75369-1/Call2.jpg

http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/d/75366-1/Call1.jpg

http://antiqueradios.com/gallery/d/9739 ... versed.jpg

You can reverse the image to make black on white, etc. You can also 'tone' the image to make then like the original brownish color.

I also found that printing these (as well as cabinet labels) looks best on actual vintage paper salvaged from old books. Books from the 20s thru the 50s might yield some good aged paper to run through the printer.

Trying to 'age' with coffee of tea on standard modern bright white paper, never looks good to me.
Good luck!

Thanks for providing these. Anyone have something similar for the round call letters used in the teledials?
Thanks,
Joe

Follow the same directions as above to create the text on the background.

Purchase a round gasket (leather) punch, like those made by General Tool and others, better the quality the cleaner it will punch and can be re-sharpened. Place the printed sheet on a surface that is somewhat compressible like the end grain of maple block. Place the label on the block, punch on the label and firmly whack the punch with a suitable hammer, repeat as needed. A clear plastic liner can be made from a suitable bottle plastic. Certainly, it will take some practice to get.

GL

Chas