1934 Northern Electric Mahogany Child Console Radio Model 63
Beautiful early short-wave mini-console of the "Dial of Pleasure" series, a close relative of model 55
In a Nutshell
A rare Northern Electric radio (serial 159) - in multi-tone mahogany and with correct knobs
Introduction:
Northern Electric 6-Tube Shortwave Models 62(A) (table) and 63(A) (console) were made in 1934 from multi-tone mahogany, the A versions having a 25/60 Hz power supply.
Northern Electric's advertizing keywords for the 1934 line of radios were "Angle Tuning", "Dual Ratio Tuning", "Dial of Pleasure", Cushioned Reception". The radio industry had finally woken up from its deep recession sleep. The most desirable 1934 N. E. radio today is table model 55 in a swinging cradle (ref.1.). Model 63 and 55 have in common the angle tuning and knob form, model 63 being, together with the 1930 Victor R-15 (aka Radiola 48), one of the smallest console radios ever built (pict.s 1,2). I therefore call it a child's console. The simple cabinet geometry with inclined straight lines of these 1934 radios is a paragon of post-art-deco 1930's modernist style. Careful selection of veneers and inlay artwork give the plain surfaces their beautiful structure. The cylindrical knobs of almost all NE 1934 radios are the same and scream Moderne. The simple two-color slide rule dial is large for its time (compare model 55), but accents the spartanic understatements of the radio. N.E. in 1934: "An easy-to-read, full vision dial has been used. Only one scale is before your eyes at one time - this exclusive N.E. feature is eliminating confusion". The radio has 6 tubes, compared with model 55's 5 tubes, the extra type 78 tube being an RF amplifier input stage, that improves sensitivity and selectivity.
About my Radio:
The radio has its original finish with only slight touch-ups, the indication of a flower ring on top not warranting it's stripping and refinishing, although it would be an easy task, regarding the absence of any curvatures. The radio is partially recapped and serviced and plays fine on its two bands. Don't forget to watch the youtube video (ref.3) or click on pict.46. Please
e-mail me (Kris) for any questions, ich spreche Deutsch, je parle Français.
For the techies only:
Pict.25 shows the inside of the chassis. One notices two boards of components, one on the top left of the picture, the other one vertical right of the center. This looks definitely different than point-to-point wiring, used on later models. It looks like a modular design, but in fact isn't one, since these boards cannot be removed without removing the many wires connecting them to the rest. Accessibility is very much reduced in these early 1930's chassis'.
