The Philco Model 48-230
A Model 49-503 Look-Alike

Richard Arnold

WEB EDITION

Richard Arnold's article on his Philco Model 49-503 that appeared in the March 2003 issue of A.R.C. resulted in the identification of another Philco set that looks like the Philco Model 45-503. (Editor).

I have found out from other collectors that there is a Philco 48-230 that is identical to the 49-503 in every aspect except for cabinet color. This came as quite a surprise to me as I had thought that the 49-503 was unique as the only "Flying Wedge." The 48-230 comes in the brown cabinet that I was looking for. It also came in ivory. So it looks like the radio we had at home was not a 49-503 after all. Front and rear views of the Philco Model 48-230 are shown in Figures 1 & 2.

I have received more collector response on this article than on any I have written. A copy of the paper label on the bottom of a 48-230 belonging to Tom Boothroyd is shown in Figure 3. He was kind enough to send it to me after reading my article.

(Richard Arnold, P.O. Box 275, Lone Grove, OK 73443. E-mail: arnold@brightok.net)

Richard Arnold, a frequent contributor to A.R.C., has been collecting radios since 1985. His interest is primarily in cathedrals and 1920s battery sets, and his collection ranges from crystal sets to a 1928 American Bosch in a Pooley cabinet. His prize is the 1932 Jackson Bell Peter Pan featured in the June 1991 A.R.C.

Figure 1. The Philco Model 48-230 "Flying Wedge" that was sold in a brown Bakelite cabinet resembles the Model 49-503.

Figure 2. This photo of the back of the Philco Model 48-230 shows the chassis and tube placement.

Figure 3. Label on the bottom of the Model 48-230 showing the chassis and tube layout.