Philco Model 84B Cathedral Radio, second (late) style (1935)
This is the second (late) version of the Philco 84B, introduced
in January of 1935 as a follow on to the previous season's
original. With a selling price in the Eastern & Central USA of
just $20, it was Philco's price-leader cathedral radio for 1935
and was one of the least expensive such sets available. To
me, however, it has an odd and quirky, almost regal styling!
It has been suggested that the dial face, knobs and grille cloth
on my set are incorrect - that my dial and cloth incorrectly
correspond to those of the early 84B, whilst its knobs should
match the Philco Rosettes of the early version. Whereas it is
true that there are examples of the late 84B with alternate dial,
cloth and knobs, I have seen many variations, including sets
that match mine. Given the frequency of such sightings, one
feels strongly inclined to believe that Philco updated these
features after production of the late set had commenced. I will
update this page as I find more out about this issue.
The chassis is a 4-tube AC-powered regenerative super-het
of modest capability, covering standard broadcast and the
lower end of the police and amateur band of the day (540-
1740kc). The tube line-up is 77 (mixer/LO), 77 (IF/2nd det),
42 (af power amp) and 80 (rectifier). In spite of its limitations,
when properly adjusted with a good antenna connected, the
set is capable of surprising performance. The adjustment
procedure for the regenerative circuit may be found along with
the schematic, at the NostalgiaAir web site.
in January of 1935 as a follow on to the previous season's
original. With a selling price in the Eastern & Central USA of
just $20, it was Philco's price-leader cathedral radio for 1935
and was one of the least expensive such sets available. To
me, however, it has an odd and quirky, almost regal styling!
It has been suggested that the dial face, knobs and grille cloth
on my set are incorrect - that my dial and cloth incorrectly
correspond to those of the early 84B, whilst its knobs should
match the Philco Rosettes of the early version. Whereas it is
true that there are examples of the late 84B with alternate dial,
cloth and knobs, I have seen many variations, including sets
that match mine. Given the frequency of such sightings, one
feels strongly inclined to believe that Philco updated these
features after production of the late set had commenced. I will
update this page as I find more out about this issue.
The chassis is a 4-tube AC-powered regenerative super-het
of modest capability, covering standard broadcast and the
lower end of the police and amateur band of the day (540-
1740kc). The tube line-up is 77 (mixer/LO), 77 (IF/2nd det),
42 (af power amp) and 80 (rectifier). In spite of its limitations,
when properly adjusted with a good antenna connected, the
set is capable of surprising performance. The adjustment
procedure for the regenerative circuit may be found along with
the schematic, at the NostalgiaAir web site.
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" |
| One Philco 89L plus one Philco 84B Philco American receiver of distinguished beauty and many famous Philco features. $52.50 complete. Plus Philco 84B table model - regular price $22.90 - with the purchase of the above Philco at no charge. ABSOLUTELY FREE. Do not confuse these models with an overstock, obsolete models or close-outs. Emphatically not - they are the last word in radio perfection just announced by the great Philco factories. HURRY, EARLY BUYERS ARE LUCKY BUYERS |
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 from www.grillecloth.com.
The 84B was in many instances promoted as a second radio
for the home. Indeed, in March of 1935 one store out West in
Reno, Nevada, offered the following "2-for-1" Philco special on
a limited first-come-first-served basis:-
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 from www.grillecloth.com.
The 84B was in many instances promoted as a second radio
for the home. Indeed, in March of 1935 one store out West in
Reno, Nevada, offered the following "2-for-1" Philco special on
a limited first-come-first-served basis:-
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