Silvertone Model 6166 "Midget" Tube Radio (1939)
This tiny Silvertone model 6166 radio,
measuring just 6.25" wide by 4.75" high by
4.25" deep, is one of several Sears models
popularly known as the "midgets". Ascert-
aining the correct model number has
proven somewhat difficult, as the original
number is missing and it appears several
models, having different chassis types,
used the same cabinet. Mine uses chassis
type 109-216-1 (marked on what remains
of the original back) and I have based my
model numbering on the Sears 1939
catalog, though it could alternatively be a
model 6196 (see radiophile.com).
According to the 1939 catalog, this radio
was offered in one of several colors:- red
plaskon (model 6169), ivory plaskon (as
photographed here), ebony black bakelite
(model 6165) and mottled walnut bakelite
(model 6167). The 1939 catalog sales price
was $6.49, regardless of color. However it
was often advertised for less.
These delightful and nowadays rare radios
were made for Sears by Detrola and
resemble models in Detrola's PeeWee line.
measuring just 6.25" wide by 4.75" high by
4.25" deep, is one of several Sears models
popularly known as the "midgets". Ascert-
aining the correct model number has
proven somewhat difficult, as the original
number is missing and it appears several
models, having different chassis types,
used the same cabinet. Mine uses chassis
type 109-216-1 (marked on what remains
of the original back) and I have based my
model numbering on the Sears 1939
catalog, though it could alternatively be a
model 6196 (see radiophile.com).
According to the 1939 catalog, this radio
was offered in one of several colors:- red
plaskon (model 6169), ivory plaskon (as
photographed here), ebony black bakelite
(model 6165) and mottled walnut bakelite
(model 6167). The 1939 catalog sales price
was $6.49, regardless of color. However it
was often advertised for less.
These delightful and nowadays rare radios
were made for Sears by Detrola and
resemble models in Detrola's PeeWee line.
A surprise value YOU NEVER EXPECTED and even we didn't believe possible!
"A tiny set (fits in the palm of your hand) yet is very powerful. Gets all
the network stations. All you want to hear on the air. A tone that will
amaze you with its clarity and perfect reproduction. The ideal small set
for that extra radio."
"Small - but a powerhouse in performance. The case is of bakelite,
streamlined in design with horizontal louvre treatment. Choose from
black and walnut finish with contrasting knob and electrically lighted dial.
Has four standard size tubes .. a genuine dynamic speaker and operates
on AC or DC. Built in antenna.*"
the network stations. All you want to hear on the air. A tone that will
amaze you with its clarity and perfect reproduction. The ideal small set
for that extra radio."
"Small - but a powerhouse in performance. The case is of bakelite,
streamlined in design with horizontal louvre treatment. Choose from
black and walnut finish with contrasting knob and electrically lighted dial.
Has four standard size tubes .. a genuine dynamic speaker and operates
on AC or DC. Built in antenna.*"
Sears often used these sets as promotional items, giving them away with appliances "just 50 radios given away with these regular $39.95
Kenmore All-White Washers" or selling them "for 1Cent when you purchase any Silvertone Console Radio priced from $39.95 to $119.95".
The radio covers the standard broadcast band and uses a 4 tube TRF circuit. The tube line-up (chassis 109-216-1) is 6K7 (RF amp), 6F5 (2nd
detector), 25L6 (AF output) and 25Z6 (rectifier). It was designed to use the metal type tubes. Performance from this set is not great!
Only the lower portion of the original back remained when I purchased this set - I obtained a repro from Retro-tronics.
Kenmore All-White Washers" or selling them "for 1Cent when you purchase any Silvertone Console Radio priced from $39.95 to $119.95".
The radio covers the standard broadcast band and uses a 4 tube TRF circuit. The tube line-up (chassis 109-216-1) is 6K7 (RF amp), 6F5 (2nd
detector), 25L6 (AF output) and 25Z6 (rectifier). It was designed to use the metal type tubes. Performance from this set is not great!
Only the lower portion of the original back remained when I purchased this set - I obtained a repro from Retro-tronics.
Scroll down for more...
A midget Silvertone but a GIANT in value! .. a value that's almost unvelievable!
*the "built in antenna" was actually a 20' coil of antenna wire that was included with the radio.
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