Philco Model A Radio Clock (1931)
The Philco Model A Radio Clock is in fact not a radio but a clock designed to turn a radio or other device on and off at
preset times. Two knobs, one at either side, are used to adjust the on and off times and two rear knobs to set the time
and start the clock's motor following an interrutpion to the power. There are two small openings near the center of the
face, one of which indicates AM or PM and the other whether or not the clock is running. The latter is necessary as,
according to an original ad, "it's impossible to tell otherwise as the clock is absolutely silent".
The advertisement continues "The face is silverplated in two shades, giving a pleasing contrast to the oxidized black figures and
graduations. Case is solid walnut with special hand-rubbed finish". The styling is attributed to the industrial designer Norman Bel
Geddes who was retained by Philco at the time for some of their industrial design. The original purchase price was $17.50.
This may be considered a forerunner of the combination clock radios that became so popular in the fifties and of course
continue in widespread use today.
preset times. Two knobs, one at either side, are used to adjust the on and off times and two rear knobs to set the time
and start the clock's motor following an interrutpion to the power. There are two small openings near the center of the
face, one of which indicates AM or PM and the other whether or not the clock is running. The latter is necessary as,
according to an original ad, "it's impossible to tell otherwise as the clock is absolutely silent".
The advertisement continues "The face is silverplated in two shades, giving a pleasing contrast to the oxidized black figures and
graduations. Case is solid walnut with special hand-rubbed finish". The styling is attributed to the industrial designer Norman Bel
Geddes who was retained by Philco at the time for some of their industrial design. The original purchase price was $17.50.
This may be considered a forerunner of the combination clock radios that became so popular in the fifties and of course
continue in widespread use today.
Semi-modernistic design by Norman Bel Geddes....matches all Philco cabinets.
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