Grasshopper Green 1953 Philco Transitone Model 53-701 AM Vacuum Tube Radio Rare Unique Color Combo Sounds Great!
DESCRIPTION: Tabletop vacuum tube clock radio manufactured by Philco in 1953. The combination of boxy proportions with low sleek profile with bright color scheme makes this an interesting and desirable example from the era.
SOUND QUALITY: Picks up AM stations clearly around the dial without need of external antenna attachment. Has Special Services switch in back used to receive police band frequencies. Works but not sure if anyone is broadcasting at those frequencies.
CABINET CONDITION: Tabletop vacuum tube AM radio manufactured by Philco in excellent physical and working condition. There is a hairline crack the runs along one of the bottom support feet that has been repaired. There is a rounded chip on the left front edge. Not repainted. No over spray. Not touched up. Cabinet is original molded black Bakelite and painted at the factory with a grasshopper green color. Original paint has dings throughout.
KNOBS: Original matching knobs are in excellent condition and securely attached. No broken attach posts. All four white clock knobs are all original and securely attached.
LOGO: No missing logo.
DIAL LIGHT: No dial light not designed with one. But can be added for an extra charge.
SPEAKER: Original 4" speaker
CLOCK: Clock works and keeps accurate time. Clock motor is silent no humming no buzzing no ticking noises. Alarm and clock set function works and goes off at the correct set times. Alarm buzzer works. Wake to radio or radio and buzzer. Sleep timer works. The clock and tuning numbers are factory painted in white. Clear clock cover is in excellent condition with no cracks, chips or major scratches and securely attached. Clock and radio function lettering is clear and readable.
INTERNAL ELECTRONICS: All paper and wax capacitors have been replaced with modern equivalents. Both Intermediate Transformers have been rebuilt so this radio has another 50+ years or more of playing time! Both Intermediate Frequency Transformers (IFTs) have been rebuilt to ensure static-free performance. The tubes are working fine. All out-of-spec resistors have been replaced with modern correct value and voltage equivalents. There is no loud or pervasive hum. There is no loud or pervasive static between stations. The set has been aligned according to factory specifications. All wiring has been thoroughly checked for possible bridging and weak solder connection. The radio has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected.
POWER CORD: The original power cord and plug are in excellent condition with no breaks, not dried, not brittle. A little stiff. No exposed wiring.
FACTORY LABELS AND STICKERS: Bottom factory label is not missing, intact original.
HEAT SHIELD: a heat shield has been fabricated and mounted underneath internally to minimize heat damage.
BACKING BOARD: Original factory back cover no cracks, no chips or no major scratches. Securely mounted.
COLOR: greenDIMENSIONS: Approximately 12" x 6" x 6" (l x w x h)
WEIGHT: 5 lbs.
ADD BLUETOOTH: See pricing and info here
ADD Smart Speaker: See pricing and info here
ADD DIAL LIGHT: See pricing and info here
Webpage menu of upgrade services here
Product: antique radio, vintage radio, retro radio, vacuum tube radio, AM radio, art deco, mid-century product.
Category: radio
Cabinet construction: Bakelite
Period: 1950s
Country of manufacture: USA
Electronics: Mounted circuit board or chassis. Vacuum tube circuit.
Vacuum tubes: tested and working. Amplifier, converter, detector, pre-amplifier, rectifier