Red Split Level 1953 Philco Transitone Model 53-563 AM Vacuum Tube Radio Rare Stunning Mid Century! Sounds Great!
DESCRIPTION: This is one of the most iconic mid-century table-top radios ever made! The design is never before seen, never duplicated by any other manufacturer! The similarities with the looks of this radio and split level homes being built all around USA at the time is unmistakable! It's getting harder and harder to find exceptional radios like this one! Tabletop vacuum tube AM clock radio alarm manufactured by Philco in 1953 in excellent working and physical condition.
SOUND QUALITY: Picks up AM stations clearly and loudly up and down the dial without need of external antenna attachment. Special Services shortwave band works. Was able to receive broadcasting stations clearly.
CABINET CONDITION: Cabinet is original factory red paint of molded Bakelite cabinet. Not repainted. No over spray. Not touched up. No cracks, chips, or major scratches or missing pieces. Beautifully multi-level contour design with gold plastic lattice grill. No repairs or repaints performed or needed. Cabinet is glossy red color. This radio is factory original painted Bakelite. There are minor dings throughout from normal wear throughout. There is paint rub off by the volume knob. No missing pieces. Tuning clear window is not cracked, no chips and securely attached. Tuning window gold back panel is not rusted no oxidation trails not greening. Has cold war era Civil Defense (CD) markings. Love it!
KNOBS: Original matching red knobs are original plastic and securely attached.
LOGO: Philco Transitone in gold paint on raised lettering is in very good condition. Some rub off.
DIAL LIGHT: Tuning dial light works. New bulb.
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! One of the Intermediuate Frequency Transformers has been rebuilt to eliminate the possibility of static in the future. 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. This is a Special Services band radio which means it was designed to receive CONELRAD frequency broadcasts. Special Services receiver does work. All wiring has been thoroughly checked for possible bridging and weak solder connection. The radio has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected.
POWER CORD: The brand new replacement power cord and safety polarized plug are in excellent condition with no cracks, or splits. No exposed wiring.
BACKING BOARD: Original backing board is intact securely attached legible printing.
FACTORY LABELS AND STICKERS: No missing bottom labels. Intact but yellowed not peeling
DIMENSIONS: Approximately 13" x 6" x 6" (l x w x h)
WEIGHT: 5.3 lbs
COLOR: red
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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