Hornet Green Black 1953 Philco Transitone Model 53-701X AM Vacuum Tube Radio Rare Pretty 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 contrasting color scheme makes this an interesting and rare example from the era.
SOUND QUALITY: Picks up AM stations clearly around the dial without need of external antenna attachment.
CABINET CONDITION: Tabletop vacuum tube AM radio manufactured by Philco in excellent+ physical and working condition. No cracks, chips, or major scratches anywhere! Not repainted. No over spray. Not touched up. Cabinet is original molded black with green accents. Clock clear cover is in excellent condition not cracks not yellowing not warped.
KNOBS: Original matching green knobs are in excellent condition and securely attached. No broken attach posts. 2 of 3 green clock function knobs are matching and original. The on/off/auto clock function knobs is a replacement repainted green to match. The little green clock function blank button is original.
DIAL LIGHT: Dial light works and lights brightly. Replaced with LED for brightness and longer life. No clock 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. No buzzer. Wake to radio only. Sleep timer works but it is called "Delay." The clock and tuning numbers are factory original painted in white not rubbed off. 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. The tubes are working fine. All out-of-spec resistors have been replaced with modern correct value and voltage equivalents. Both Intermediate Frequency Transformers (IFTs) have been rebuilt to ensure static-free performance. 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. No exposed wiring.
FACTORY LABELS AND STICKERS: Bottom factory label is not missing, mostly intact original.
BACKING BOARD: Original factory back cover no cracks, no chips or no major scratches. Securely mounted.
PROVENANCE: Previous owner identity is not known. Was gently used then stored in a dry cool environment for a long period of time. No evidence of prolonged exposure to cigarette smoking, moisture, or pets. Was probably used in or near kitchen for much of its life.
COLOR: black with green accents
YOUTUBE VIDEO here
DIMENSIONS: Approximately 12" x 6" x 6" (l x w x h)
WEIGHT: 5 lbs
ADD BLUETOOTH: See info here
ADD SMART SPEAKER: See info here
ADD DIAL LIGHT See info 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