Comprehensive list of EF Scott Radios

[steven williams]

I joined today. I'm sure if I was familiar with the group I would know where to find what I'm looking for. I've been a Zenith collector/restorer for years and as the chef Emeril says, I'd like to "kick it up" a notch... (Well, much more than a notch). I'd like to get a feel for the progression of the sets through the late '40's or even later. Any advice?

Thanks in advance, Steve

[David C. Poland]

Hi Steve,

To get familiar with the progression of Scott radios from 1930 to 1942, I suggest  another site also established by Kent King as follows:

     https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B0K3TBSz_27rNzRiZDFlM2ItN2EyMC00Y...

Start with this folder:  Scott News, which was a promotional publication Scott sent to past customers and prospective customers. There were 4 to 10 issues most years in the 1930's. He used this news letter to announce new models and cabinet styles with photos,  or for multi page detailed descriptions of the design and features of a current model, or a variety topics on new developments or research on high fidelity and so on.  Each issue usually ran 8 to 12 pages on 8 x11 inch glossy paper.

These issues are NOT in listed in chronological order  -   the format is volume number followed by the 2 digit year. So start with those ending in 30, then 31 etc.   Reading through the Scott News this way, you can follow the development and increasing sophistication as Scott progressed from the 12 radios of 1930, to the first 23 tube High Fidelity Allwave introduced in 1935  and, ultimately, to the 28, 30 and 33 feature laden models of late 1930's. You'll gain some insight into the nature of this custom set builder  - as each model evolved during the production run that could result in as many as 5 documented circuit diagrams for a model such as the 1934-5 Model Fifteen,  or there being a number of 18 tube versions of the normally 16 tube Model Sixteen of 1937-8.

Another folder is SET Folders. Pick one - for example the Allwave 15.  You will see a variety of brochures, price lists and technical information for this 1934-5 model.

There is many hours of reading ahead of you this Winter, and amazing depth of information about each model you might acquire.

-Dave Poland (OH)

[steven williams]

Thanks ever so much David... I'm going to start the adventure today. Is there also a place I can see information on Scott Radio Labs models as late as the 800-B (1947 I think)? I am looking to buy a chassis for restoration that I can incorporate into a cabinet of my custom art deco design. There was an 800-B that looked pretty complete on eBay last night that had a starting bid of $499 that didn't get a bid. I realize these chassis are probably not as sought after as the '30's models, but one of these might be affordable for me to do a first Scott radio.

Thanks, Steve

David C. Poland said:

Hi Steve,

To get familiar with the progression of Scott radios from 1930 to 1942, I suggest  another site also established by Kent King as follows:

     https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B0K3TBSz_27rNzRiZDFlM2ItN2EyMC00Y...

Start with this folder:  Scott News, which was a promotional publication Scott sent to past customers and prospective customers. There were 4 to 10 issues most years in the 1930's. He used this news letter to announce new models and cabinet styles with photos,  or for multi page detailed descriptions of the design and features of a current model, or a variety topics on new developments or research on high fidelity and so on.  Each issue usually ran 8 to 12 pages on 8 x11 inch glossy paper.

These issues are NOT in listed in chronological order  -   the format is volume number followed by the 2 digit year. So start with those ending in 30, then 31 etc.   Reading through the Scott News this way, you can follow the development and increasing sophistication as Scott progressed from the 12 radios of 1930, to the first 23 tube High Fidelity Allwave introduced in 1935  and, ultimately, to the 28, 30 and 33 feature laden models of late 1930's. You'll gain some insight into the nature of this custom set builder  - as each model evolved during the production run that could result in as many as 5 documented circuit diagrams for a model such as the 1934-5 Model Fifteen,  or there being a number of 18 tube versions of the normally 16 tube Model Sixteen of 1937-8.

Another folder is SET Folders. Pick one - for example the Allwave 15.  You will see a variety of brochures, price lists and technical information for this 1934-5 model.

There is many hours of reading ahead of you this Winter, and amazing depth of information about each model you might acquire.

-Dave Poland (OH)

[David C. Poland]

Steve,           The 800B is the first postwar Scott,  other than a few sets that have turned up and seem to be based on WWII Scott Navy/Merchant Marine morale radio designs.  The 800B is a great sounding AM/FM/SW  high fidelity radio, and is considered the last of the classic Scotts because E H Scott was still in charge during its design,  although he lost control and left the company  by the time the 800B was available for sale in 1946.  Plenty of power and volume with the push-pull 6L6 output tubes, 15 inch coax Jensen speaker (for most of the production), and quality design FM circuits (most of it located on the amp chassis). 

I have restored one 800B. It sounded really good.  A full restoration is a major project. It will take you awhile to digest the circuit diagram.  All the documentation you need seems to be in the Scott document site, under the set folder - click on 800B and check out the several files. Note that the receiver and amp are seriously inter connected and so is the speaker which is also necessary for the radio to power up  because 1) not only of the speaker field coil but 2) also the AC line runs through the speaker plug in route to the power switch. Incidentally, later production changed to an identical looking permanent magnet blue color Jensen speaker with a 700 or so ohm power resister under the bell cover, I suppose for sake of backwards compatibility.

A good 800 B continues to command considerably  less than most good examples of the 1930's model Scotts. After all, 800B includes a big wide cabinet and few have room for more than one 800B. Seems 800B prices  may be rising a bit.  Continue to watch  ebay for 800B's and perhaps one will show up in reasonable driving distance and at a more reasonable price. Note that the 800B is the only post war model with 2 magic eyes and is the only post war model still sporting a short wave band.  You may as well limit consideration to those with good to excellent chrome. And I suggest you buy a complete example (especially receiver and amp together) because there were a few design changes during production. 

I know of at least one Chippendale cabinet that was dismantled and reconfigured to half the original width with no phono,  more the size of pre war consoles. It turned our rather well well. Curious what your own deco design cabinet will be when you complete it.

-Dave