Arvin Model 840T Painted Metal Table Radio (1954)
This small AC/DC powered radio measures 8" wide by 5" high by 4" deep and came in a number of different
colors. It is a 4-tube superheterodyne (12BE6, 12AT6, 50C5, 35W4) covering the standard broadcast band.
With no IF stage, it's not a hot performer and needs a good antenna. They are often found with a long tangle
of antenna wire attached to the back. Curiously, the tube diagram on the base of this unit indicates it to be a
model 842T, but the 842 has been crossed out and 840 pencilled above it; the 842T has a latticed grille, like
the 540T, rather than one with vertical bars.
There were numerous metal-cased models produced by Arvin (see radioattic archives) and also by several
other manufacturers, including Silvertone. All are somewhat popular amongst collectors.
I don't think these metal case radios were some of the safest radios ever manufactured. Although the 117V
line is isolated from the chassis, it wouldn't take much of a fault for a connection to be established, with a
nasty surprise in store for anyone then operating it!
colors. It is a 4-tube superheterodyne (12BE6, 12AT6, 50C5, 35W4) covering the standard broadcast band.
With no IF stage, it's not a hot performer and needs a good antenna. They are often found with a long tangle
of antenna wire attached to the back. Curiously, the tube diagram on the base of this unit indicates it to be a
model 842T, but the 842 has been crossed out and 840 pencilled above it; the 842T has a latticed grille, like
the 540T, rather than one with vertical bars.
There were numerous metal-cased models produced by Arvin (see radioattic archives) and also by several
other manufacturers, including Silvertone. All are somewhat popular amongst collectors.
I don't think these metal case radios were some of the safest radios ever manufactured. Although the 117V
line is isolated from the chassis, it wouldn't take much of a fault for a connection to be established, with a
nasty surprise in store for anyone then operating it!
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