Emerson Model AX-211 "Little Miracle" Bakelite Table Radio (1938)
The Emerson AX-211 is a compact table radio that covers the standard broadcast band from
540-1730kc and, in the words of its manufacturer, uses a "5-tube superheterodyne chassis
having 7 tube performance". The model photographed features a cabinet of brown bakelite, with
black bullet-style knobs, sitting atop two black bakelite runners. It had an original purchase price
of $9.95. A second version has an ivory plastic case with black runners and knobs and an
original purchase price of $12.95. According to 1938 newspaper advertising these radios were
styled by Count Alexis De Sakhnoffsky. Like many of the 1938 and 1939 Emersons, the AX-211
was claimed to incorporate "the miracle tone chamber". Was this just advertising hyperbole, or
was there truly some magical principle embodied within these tiny cabinets? I'll leave you to form
your own opinion!
The tube line up is 6A8 (mixer/LO), 6K7 (IF amp), 6Q7 (2nd detector/agc/1st af), 25L6 (AF
power) and 25Z6 (rectifier). The AX-211 uses the same chassis as the model AX-212 Bullseye
set and the schematic can be found here, courtesy of NostalgiaAir. A resistive (curtain-burner)
line cord is employed to set the correct filament voltages.
540-1730kc and, in the words of its manufacturer, uses a "5-tube superheterodyne chassis
having 7 tube performance". The model photographed features a cabinet of brown bakelite, with
black bullet-style knobs, sitting atop two black bakelite runners. It had an original purchase price
of $9.95. A second version has an ivory plastic case with black runners and knobs and an
original purchase price of $12.95. According to 1938 newspaper advertising these radios were
styled by Count Alexis De Sakhnoffsky. Like many of the 1938 and 1939 Emersons, the AX-211
was claimed to incorporate "the miracle tone chamber". Was this just advertising hyperbole, or
was there truly some magical principle embodied within these tiny cabinets? I'll leave you to form
your own opinion!
The tube line up is 6A8 (mixer/LO), 6K7 (IF amp), 6Q7 (2nd detector/agc/1st af), 25L6 (AF
power) and 25Z6 (rectifier). The AX-211 uses the same chassis as the model AX-212 Bullseye
set and the schematic can be found here, courtesy of NostalgiaAir. A resistive (curtain-burner)
line cord is employed to set the correct filament voltages.
A Handful of Joy...5-tube ac/dc superheterodyne with "miracle tone" chamber...
...a whole philharmonic performance in a radio the size of your hat.
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