Detrola Model 197 Pee Wee Midget Radio in Ivory Plaskon (1938)
The Detrola "Pee Wee" Model 197 is
a gem of a radio that came not only
in ivory plaskon as seen here, but
also brown, green, red, beetle and
possibly other colors of plastic too. It
is truly a midget amongst tube radios,
measuring barely 6.5" wide by 4"
top-to-bottom by 4" front-to-back. It
originally sold for around $11.95.
The cabinet was designed for Detrola
by George W. Walker of Michigan
and is covered by design patent
114,651, filed on March 29th 1938.
a gem of a radio that came not only
in ivory plaskon as seen here, but
also brown, green, red, beetle and
possibly other colors of plastic too. It
is truly a midget amongst tube radios,
measuring barely 6.5" wide by 4"
top-to-bottom by 4" front-to-back. It
originally sold for around $11.95.
The cabinet was designed for Detrola
by George W. Walker of Michigan
and is covered by design patent
114,651, filed on March 29th 1938.
Within the confines of this tiny enclosure is contained a 4-tube TRF
chassis covering the standard broadcast band. Tubes used are 6K7
(RF amp), 6J7 (detector), 25L6 (AF amp) and 25Z6 (rectifier). The
filaments are supplied via a resistance line cord, though it is cut from
my model, as seen to the right. I actually prefer it this way, since I
don't plan on using this radio and a cord can be a nuisance on a
radio this small, especially if it gets snagged and results in the radio
being damaged when an attempt is made to move it. Schematic.
chassis covering the standard broadcast band. Tubes used are 6K7
(RF amp), 6J7 (detector), 25L6 (AF amp) and 25Z6 (rectifier). The
filaments are supplied via a resistance line cord, though it is cut from
my model, as seen to the right. I actually prefer it this way, since I
don't plan on using this radio and a cord can be a nuisance on a
radio this small, especially if it gets snagged and results in the radio
being damaged when an attempt is made to move it. Schematic.
As mentioned, the Pee Wee 197 is a single band radio.
Detrola model 208, which uses a very similar 4-tube
chassis and shares the same cabinet style, adds
coverage of what used to be the police band. It has a
waveband selector switch that protrudes through the
rear cover and and sports a dial with different markings,
as needed to accommodate the additional waveband.
Detrola model 208, which uses a very similar 4-tube
chassis and shares the same cabinet style, adds
coverage of what used to be the police band. It has a
waveband selector switch that protrudes through the
rear cover and and sports a dial with different markings,
as needed to accommodate the additional waveband.
World famous Pee Wee Detrola radio...fits in the palm of your hand.
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..cabinet by George Walker, known today for his Ford Motor Co. designs, which included those for the 1955 Thunderbird.