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Beautiful 1931 Philco 70 Baby Grand (early version) Cathedral Radio, Serviced and Working
In a Nutshell
Philco's first Superheterodyne Cathedral Radio, the Early Version in Walnut, Restored, Serviced and Working
Introduction:
The timeline of Philco radios is found in ref.1 below. Often Philco's first cathedral radio, the model 20 Baby Grand (August 1930) is referenced as the mother of all cathedrals - wrongfully since at least the Jackson Bell (sunburst-) cathedrals came out already in 1929. In June 1931 the two models 70 and 90 with 7 and 9 tubes, respectively, were introduced, both based on the new Superheterodyne principle released by RCA, and both housed in new cabinets designed by Edward Combs. The cabinet had already been used for the rare model 21 and is one of the most recognizable of all radio designs from the
tube era. The two 1931 models 70 and 90 have become Philco's most collectible cathedral radios. The model 70 covers the standard broadcast band
from 550-1500kc and features a "pentode output tube for extra power, tone control, electro-dynamic speaker and illuminated station-recording dial". The cabinet was available in walnut or mahogany veneer. The early version (before serial number B22000) used a tube lineup of 24 (RF), 24 (1st Det.), 27 (Osc.), 24 (IF), 24 (2nd Det.), 47 (Audio) and 80 (Rect.). It did not have the later "multiplex detector" and no automatic volume control (AVC). Here we have an early version (Serial number 727752) in walnut veneer.
Additional information:
ref.1: http://www.philcoradio.com
ref.2: http://www.tuberadioland.com/philco70_main.html
ref.3: http://www.nostalgiaair.org
About my radio:
The cabinet has no cracks, chips, scratches, loose veneer or similar defects. It has been refinished in the original pattern, avoiding an often seen obtrusively too glaring arch and/or too dark columns, and avoiding a too glossy appearance. I tried to take many pictures under varying lightings. The knobs are the original set (I asked both Philco gurus, Chuck Schwark and Ron Ramirez). The speaker cloth is original too, it has a little repair on the right side. The chassis has been electronically serviced, all tubes tested above average, all original Philco bakelite capacitors were ok, the filter condensors have been replaced by NOS types and mounted underfloor. Inactive Philco condensor shells have been installed on the chassis' top. All contacts and pots have been treated with contact spray. The radio plays very well with good selectivity and sensitivity with a regular extended wire antenna (click on last thumbnail).
For the techies only:
There are no techies this time, the radio plays just fine. May be one short note: The radio has been made in Canada. As usual Canadians make things differently, mostly they outdo their American mother companies. Look at the type plate (pict.32). It's not paper, it's metal! Look at the backside arch (pict.s 2,4,6,8). It has a finger hole to carry the 30 pounds.
Here are the specifications:
| Technical Description of Item |
| Manufacturer |
Philco Products Ltd., Toronto Canada |
| Model |
70 |
| Type |
7-tube AM/BC cathedral radio |
| Production Year |
1931 |
| Serial Number |
727752 |
| Cabinet |
6-tone wood |
| Dials and knobs |
4 original bakelite knobs |
| Frequency Range |
AM 550-1500 kc |
| Controls |
On/off , volume, tuning, tone |
| Tube line-up |
24 (RF), 24 (1stDet.), 27 (Osc.), 24 (IF), 24 (2ndDet.), 47 (Audio), 80 (Rect.) |
| Size (WxDxH) |
16½" x 11 " x 18", speaker 8" |
| Weight |
30 lbs |
| Comment |
The small Baby Grand in exceptional condition, serviced and perfectly working |
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