Philco 37-610B Tombstone (early version) 1937
This is an early version of the 37-610 tombstone series for 1937. The later example, which ran through
into 1938 can be seen here. Both these models used FAUX finish to reduce manufacturing costs
(essentially a simulated wood grain 'stick-on'). Unfortunately, although FAUX finish looks great when it's
in good condition, it looks bad when damaged, since it tends to chip or flake off and allow the light color
of the generally cheap base wood to show through. Too many of the radios using this stuff show up
looking poor and as a result they are often shunned by collectors. Luckily, both the early version here
and late version pictured in my gallery have the FAUX finish in good shape, as does my 38-10 bullet
radio.
As of this time, there is no really good way to restore such a finish, as no reproduction sheets matching
the originals are available. There have been attempts at using computer image manipulation techniques
to reproduce the finish and these have had some success. Generally, the only option is to strip off the
damaged FAUX finish and to stain and lacquer the base wood (generally cheap and unattractive) to
make it look presentable. I for one avoid radios with degraded FAUX finish.
into 1938 can be seen here. Both these models used FAUX finish to reduce manufacturing costs
(essentially a simulated wood grain 'stick-on'). Unfortunately, although FAUX finish looks great when it's
in good condition, it looks bad when damaged, since it tends to chip or flake off and allow the light color
of the generally cheap base wood to show through. Too many of the radios using this stuff show up
looking poor and as a result they are often shunned by collectors. Luckily, both the early version here
and late version pictured in my gallery have the FAUX finish in good shape, as does my 38-10 bullet
radio.
As of this time, there is no really good way to restore such a finish, as no reproduction sheets matching
the originals are available. There have been attempts at using computer image manipulation techniques
to reproduce the finish and these have had some success. Generally, the only option is to strip off the
damaged FAUX finish and to stain and lacquer the base wood (generally cheap and unattractive) to
make it look presentable. I for one avoid radios with degraded FAUX finish.
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