Tracing history of E.H. Scott 33 Tube Philharmonic

[Erik johnson]

Hi, awhile back I obtained an old radio but recently realized it might be a little special.  I just enjoy looking at it as it has not been restored.  I believe it's a 33 Tube Philharmonic.  The serial number is GG400.  It came with an old scott radio magazine and on the envelope, it stated that an employee from HP purchased from David Packard (founder of HP) directly.  Also, inside of the cabinet were two wooden blocks from Douglas aircraft with what I believe could be asset numbers.  I am thinking maybe it was purchased by the aircraft company and then David.  IDK.  Anyway, I would love to trace this to David Packard.  Any Ideas how?  I have read that all of the EH Scott purchase records are long gone.

Also, I believe this version had an option to purchase a remote.  I would love to track one of these down and purchase so my radio is more complete if anyone has one, they would sell. 

  Thank you!

Erik

[David C. Poland]

Good to know on post war cable. My prewar cable was all black insulated wires, in poor shape even after discarding the last 4 feet that was really hardened and reattaching "fresh" cable to the keyboard. The cable at the Jones plug end is also poor and not sure the same procedure could succeed very well the way they are scrunched together into the plug.  

The post war cable I saw was full of wires having several colors of insulation. Is this cable wires color variation areliable way  to identify a post war keyboard and cable?

Anyway, for daily use, I made a substitute 6 momentary button keyboard for my Phantom Deluxe, to turn the radio on and off and change volume, to and switch from radio to phono (for CD input), and to run the AM tuner up and down much like a robot dial Zenith does.

[Erik johnson]

Hello David,  I attached more photos if this helps.  I did see a toggle  which might not be standard. 

Hello Norman,  thank you so much for offering a reproduction case.  I love the idea of restoring this radio but I lack the skills to take on such an endeavor.  I look at it more like a piece of art and history than an appliance.  I would still love to find an original Telematic Remote Control to complete the puzzle.  But after researching it today I think it is close to impossible.  

it’s been really neat reading everyone’s comments.  Thanks 

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[David C. Poland]

The toggle switch on the amp (bottom chassis) by the big power transformer is the hi-lo switch. In the 1930's, the household power voltage varied much more widely around the country, depending on local power company, distance the neighborhood from the power grid, being way out in the countryside, etc. So might be 95 volts AC in one place and 125 volts in another location, and might even vary during the day. So a 30 volt variance affects the radio performance from factory design specs, might run the tubes too hot or not hot enough, affect the high voltage circuits too much, etc.  all of which can degrade performance.  The factory spec for the Philharmonic alignment was for household voltage of 110 volts, with the switch "down".  The owner's instruction manual addresses the use of this switch. A number of higher end radios back then had such a switch, not just Scott radios.

Eric - Because you consider your Scott a piece of art, consider making the most of its appearance. The top view of your receiver suggests pretty nice chrome. The amp, as so often happens being low in the cabinet, shows more corrosion. You can really shine up the chrome with automotive chrome polish. Vacuum first to remove dust with a small half inch artists brush in one hand and vacuum cleaner hose in the other. Then liquid chrome polish - I use Turtle brand liquid chrome polish. Use small squares of old towels as an applicator. Product does a good job of removing grime, cigarette residue, and light rust and provides some protection of the chrome plating. Discard towel squares when dirty, especially if picking up much grit which may scratch the chrome. Can be tricky getting between the tubes and the bigger coil cans. A popsicle stick or chop stick helps between parts. Wipe away the polish haze with clean towel to shine up. I advise you not remove tubes in the receiver - just leave them be. But for the amp, you can gently remove tubes just be sure you replace them in proper sockets - the tube numbers are embossed on the sockets. The four 6L6 tube bases have a key way - so replace by rotating until you feen the tube drop  a quarter inch  then push down. CAUTION: Do Not  wash tubes or even wipe with a damp cloth because moisture will wipe away the tube numbers off the glass. Just wipe with dry cloth. ( or - I use very fine 0000 steel wool and light touch to clean the tube glass as it does not remove the tube lettering. Keep steel wool well away from the radio as particles can cause electrical problems.)

Start with the tops of a couple tube shields to get a feel for the chrome cleaning process and see the difference it makes. Maybe next address the amps and afterwards return to the receiver to continue with clean up.

for example, my 30 tube Philly.  IMG_1276.JPG