This is a clean working Philips Philetta model number BD 284U table top tube radio. The "D" in the model number indicates it was made for the German market and the "U" indicates it is universal, meaning it will work with various voltages. It is currently set to work in the USA and it works well! This radio pulls in stations on all 4 basic bands including: FM, MW (Standard Broadcast or AM), SW (short wave) and LW (long wave). These 4 bands are packed tightly into a nice compact design measuring only 11.5" long, 6.5" deep and 7" tall.
On the back of the radio are connections for external FM and AM antennas, an external speaker, and a phonograph turntable. A small external FM antenna wire is included and is all that is needed to pull in many FM stations.
I removed the chassis from the cabinet and cleaned and dusted everything, All tubes, capacitors and resistors were checked and measured. Any found to be defective were replaced. The pushbutton assembly was cleaned with DeoxIT D5 and works nicely. The "magic eye" tuning tube was replaced with new old stock and shines brightly and responds well to station tuning. All moving parts were cleaned and lubricated. This is not a fully restored radio. It is however, a fully functional antique.
The case is made of painted Bakelite. It had been repainted sometime in the past. Although it has imperfections such as scratches and paint chips,the overall appearance is wonderful and did not warrant refinishing.
Philips Philetta DeLuxe BD 284 U Tube Radio
A leader in design
Much of Philips design expertise can be traced back to Louis Christiaan Kalff. An architect with a passion for graphic design, Kalff understood the importance of consistent, effective design and recognized its role in driving consumer preference for the company’s products as well as brand. The first product to reflect this design vision was the Philips radio, which also introduced the famous waves-and-stars shield. (from Philips Norelco website)
Nothing has been done to this radio that is not described here. THIS IS NOT A FULLY RESTORED RADIO but rather an original antique radio that has been inspected and repaired as necessary to make it function as it was originally intended. As with all of my radios, I have played this radio for hours several days a week before I put it up for sale. I do my best to describe every item in detail. Please look over the photos and contact me with any questions.
Vintage radios were manufactured decades ago in a time of relaxed electrical safety and with primitive technology as compared with today's standards. Many early radios were made with the metal chassis electrically connected to one side of the power cord. This can give you a strong shock if you happen to touch the radio chassis and anything else that is grounded at the same time. In addition, tubes can get very hot and cause serious burns if touched accidentally after the radio has been running for a while. These dangers are minimal if the complete cabinet, back, and knobs are all in place and no metal parts are exposed. Vintage Radio Electronics, whether restored or un-restored, are by nature hazardous due to their voltage, design, heat output and age. They should not be operated unattended, without adult supervision or for great lengths at a time. Any operation, adjustments or repairs are done at your own risk. None of the radios sold at this shop have been modified or upgraded to modern standards.