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Philco Model 84B Cathedral Radio, second (late) style (1935)
The 'late' version of the Philco 84B was introduced in
January of 1935, replacing the early model offered
the previous year. Selling for just $20 in Eastern &
Central states, it was Philco's Baby Grand price-lead-
er for 1935 and was one of the least expensive such
sets available at the time. It was often promoted by
Philco as a second radio for the home. To me, it has
an odd and quirky appearance that leaves me pref-
erring the early set!
A visitor to my website suggested that the dial and
grille-cloth on my late 84B are not original. To reso-
lve this, I've watched examples of this set over time
and have arrived at the following conclusions:-
The 84B's chassis is a 4-tube AC-powered regener-
ative superhet, covering standard broadcast and the
lower end of the old police & amateur band (540 to
1740kc). The tube line-up is 77 (mix/LO), 77 (IF/2nd
det), 42 (af power amp) and 80 (rectifier). In spite of
its limitations, when properly adjusted with a good
antenna, the set is capable of surprisingly good per-
formance. The alignment procedure for the regener-
ative circuit may be found along with the schematic,
at the NostalgiaAir web site.
When I found this set, it had been inhabited by mice
and the chassis was very dirty, though the cabinet
and finish were sound. I have since restored it and it
now plays well - all it basically needed was a cleaning
and re-cap. The grille-cloth is a reproduction (see
comments above!).
January of 1935, replacing the early model offered
the previous year. Selling for just $20 in Eastern &
Central states, it was Philco's Baby Grand price-lead-
er for 1935 and was one of the least expensive such
sets available at the time. It was often promoted by
Philco as a second radio for the home. To me, it has
an odd and quirky appearance that leaves me pref-
erring the early set!
A visitor to my website suggested that the dial and
grille-cloth on my late 84B are not original. To reso-
lve this, I've watched examples of this set over time
and have arrived at the following conclusions:-
- I have seen late 84B examples having an
alternate dial, as suggested, but have also
seen many examples with a dial like mine,
matching that of the early 84B. Moreover,
most Philco 84B ads show this dial too. This
suggests that Philco may have switched to the
newer dial once production was underway, - there appear to be two (if not more) original
variants of grille-cloth; however the cloth on
mine, a replica of the early 84B's, does not
match that of any of the apparently original
late sets that I've seen.
The 84B's chassis is a 4-tube AC-powered regener-
ative superhet, covering standard broadcast and the
lower end of the old police & amateur band (540 to
1740kc). The tube line-up is 77 (mix/LO), 77 (IF/2nd
det), 42 (af power amp) and 80 (rectifier). In spite of
its limitations, when properly adjusted with a good
antenna, the set is capable of surprisingly good per-
formance. The alignment procedure for the regener-
ative circuit may be found along with the schematic,
at the NostalgiaAir web site.
When I found this set, it had been inhabited by mice
and the chassis was very dirty, though the cabinet
and finish were sound. I have since restored it and it
now plays well - all it basically needed was a cleaning
and re-cap. The grille-cloth is a reproduction (see
comments above!).
Astounding value - yet every inch a Philco in quality, tone and performance.
Gets standard programs plus some police and amateur stations.
| "What a splendid cabinet for the person who wants smartness and style in the low-priced field! Contrasting tones of medium and dark woods are accentuated most attractively by means of an ivory snap line. The rich satin finish gives it a character that's individual & appealing" |
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