Difference between revisions 122059326 and 122059327 on dewiki

[[Image:Philco cathedral radio.jpg|right|thumb|A Philco 90 "cathedral" style radio from 1931.]]
'''Philco''', the '''Philadelphia Storage Battery Company''' (formerly known as the '''Spencer Company''' and later the '''Helios Electric Company'''), was a pioneer in early battery, radio, and television production as well as former employer of [[Philo Farnsworth]], inventor of [[cathode ray tube]] [[television]]. It is currently a brand of [[Philips]].

Philco's rise to the top of radio makers was an amazing feat.  While other makers like [[Atwater-Kent]], [[Zenith Electronics]], [[RCA]], and many now-forgotten others ([[Freshman Masterpiece]], [[FADA Radio]], [[AH Grebe]], etc.) sold many battery-powered radios in the early 1920s, Philco made only batteries, "socket power" units, and  battery chargers.  With the invention of the rectifier tube, which allowed radios to be operated from the wall socket, Philco knew their business was doomed, and decided in 1926 to get into the booming radio business.  By 1930 they would sell more radios than any other maker and hold that first place position for over 20 years.  

Philco built many iconic [[radio]]s and [[television|TV]] sets, including the classic [[cathedral]]-shaped wooden radio of the 1930s (aka the "Baby Grand"), and the very futuristic (in a 1950s sort of way) [[Predicta]] series of television receivers.  WHERE DID THEY MAKE THESE RADIOS AT?  Finish the history....

==Early history==
Philco was founded in 1892 as Helios Electric Company.<ref>Mahon, Morgan E. ''A Flick of the Switch 1930–1950'' (Antiques Electronics Supply, 1990), p.117.</ref> 
(contracted; show full)[[Category:Ford Motor Company]]
[[Category:Companies based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]

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