Philco Model 38-12C Compact Table Model (1938)
Philco 38-12C (1938)
Philco introduced the model 38-12 Compact (38-12C) in
June of 1937 as part of their line-up for the 1938 model
season. At the time of its introduction, this modest radio
was Philco's starter set, listing at $22.50 (as shown).

As well as the walnut version seen here, the 38-12 also
came in the same style cabinet painted ivory (
38-12CI)*,
and in a somewhat more elaborate walnut cabinet
(
38-12T)*. By early 1938 it was being offered in ivory
painted bakelite,  
walnut bakelite and ivory plaskon too.
Copyright TubeRadioLand.com
This 1938 Philco Compact is BIG NEWS for radio buyers!
"Smart new style and famous Philco quality for
only $24.50*. This 1938 Philco compact is BIG
NEWS for radio buyers. Compare these
features found in radios selling $10 more:
Automatic Volume Control
Five Philco tubes
Superheterodyne circuit
Illuminated full vision dial
Full Dynamic Speaker
"
                    *price as advertised for sale in Lowell, MA in Sept 1937
The 38-12 is a 5 tube AC superhet having tube complement:- 6A7 (mixer/LO), 78 (IF amp), 75 (2nd detector/AVC/1st AF), 41 (AF power pen-
tode) and 84 (rectifier). Frequency coverage was 540-1720kc (standard broadcast & lower police band).
Schematic.
*Photo links courtesy of Philcoradio.com