Philco Model 39-25T Tabletop Radio

The Model 39-25T is Philco’s first tabletop radio to feature a slanted control panel.

Philco Radio of Philadelphia, PA, was a well established company by the time the model 39-25T table radio was produced. The Philadelphia Storage Battery Company started in 1906 and their primary products were batteries and battery eliminators, devices that plugged into the wall and replaced batteries for powering radios. By 1919 their name had been shortened to the catchy “Philco”. They eventually became one of the most prolific and successful radio manufacturers in the world. In 1937 they adopted a new system of naming radio models. Each new model number was prefaced by the year of manufacture. Thus, our example, the model 39-25, was made in 1939. It was also known as the 39-25T, the letter ‘T” indicating that it was a radio suited to be placed on a table.

Our fully restored example features an inclined control panel, a new innovation for 1939. This design made it easier to see the dial without bending down. Philco promoted such models as their “No Squat, No Stoop, No Squint” line. They were very popular. By the 1930’s the Art Deco design craze, of which this radio is a good representative, was in it’s fourth decade, having peaked at the 1933 Chicago World Fair. The 39-25T featured two bands, the local AM broadcast band and shortwave radio segment of 4.9-18.0 Mc. Note that besides the regular tuning controls this radio has eight push buttons for automatic tuning of your local favorite stations.

Philco 39-25T Controls
Philco 39-25T Controls

The four controls, from left to right, are: Off/On/Tone, Volume, Band Switch, and Tuning.  The windows above each push button were reserved for small cardboard labels that gave the call signs of your favorites.

If you are interested in safely operating this radio, we recommend that you first ask one of our volunteers to demonstrate it for you. It is located in our main building, the Mayes Building.

References:

    • Philco Radio, 1928-1942, by Ron Ramirez with Michael Prossie, 2nd edition, 2006, pages 109-122
    • Art Deco, 1989, by Eva Weber
    • TubeRadioLand website, good discussion of this radio