Monolith Black White 1958 Philco Predicta Model H765-124 Vacuum Tube AM Clock Radio Outta This World...and Beyond!
DESCRIPTION: This Predicta is one of the most iconic designs of the late fifties. It embodies American (and international) retro futurism but with schlock science fiction flair. This was Philco's aspirational vision of the future but now charmingly naive. It's become a social and cultural meme. Extremely sought after by collectors and vintage enthusiasts. This Predicta will not be attainable for long! Tabletop tube AM clock radio alarm manufactured by Philco in 1958 time frame in excellent working and physical condition. Late fifties design in rare molded all gloss black color bottom and ivory white clock top. The most desirable color combo! No repaints. No touch ups. None needed.
SOUND QUALITY: Picks up AM stations clearly and loudly up and down the dial without need of external antenna attachment.
CABINET CONDITION: Original factory molded gloss black plastic bottom and ivory white top is in excellent condition. The front edge of the clock is chipped in front of the push buttons. Typical. Very common damage area for this design. No other cracks, chips or major scratches. The bottom section is mirror glossy condition. All original factory molded colors through and through. No repaint no touch up no over spray. The metal tuning and volume section plate are in excellent condition no dents, no oxidation or rust no faded, some rubbed off lettering. Has light scratch. This radio is over 60 years old! The clock gold metal trim surround is in excellent shiny condition with no pitting no rust slight fading and securely attached. Clock clear cover is original in excellent condition with no cracks, chips, or major scratches.
KNOBS AND BUTTONS: The tuning dial works fine and smooth no slipping. The volume knob works fine. The tuning knob rotates on a level plateau which is not often the case with these Predictas. The volume and tuning knobs are not warped. The push buttons on top are original in excellent condition and will not pop off. These buttons, one or all, often go missing because they pop off.
INTERNAL ELECTRONICS: All paper and wax capacitors have been replaced with modern equivalents so this radio has another 50+ years or more of playing time! All the buttons on top work but the radio takes a longer time (forever..about 30 secs) to turn off (and on) which is common among these Predictas. Both Intermediate Frequency Transformers (IFTs) have been rebuilt to ensure static-free performance. The tubes are working fine. The dial light works replaced with modern LED for brightness and longer life. No clock light not designed with one. But one can be added for an extra charge. 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 unless you operate near modern megahertz devices. The set has been aligned according to factory specifications. The radio has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. All wiring has been thoroughly checked for possible bridging and weak solder connection.
CLOCK: The clock works and keep accurate time. The clock movement is quiet as factory designed as it was the day it was new. No humming no buzzing no ticking noises. The alarm works. The clock and alarm set function work. The clock set screw in back is original and securely attached. The clock black face is in excellent condition with no runs, streaks, no rust, no pitting, or flaking.
LOGO: No missing factory logos. Bottom base Philco logo is in excellent condition. Usually some waviness because the logo plate comes unglued. But, not this one.
BACKING BOARD: Bottom backing board is in excellent condition with crisp square corners.
POWER CORD: The power cord and plug are very good original working condition with no cracks, or splits. No exposed wiring.
FACTORY LABELS: Original factory labels are mostly intact and readable
PROVENANCE: Was gently used then stored in a dry cool environment for a long period of time. No evidence of prolonged exposure to moisture, smoking, cooking grease, pets or carpet.
COLOR: White top and black bottom. Very desirable color combo. Like a spaceship from outer space.
YOUTUBE VIDEO here
DIMENSIONS: Approximately 11" x 8" x 11" (l x w x h)
WEIGHT: 5 lbs 4 oz
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: plastic
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