This is a Gilfillan radio from the mid 1930s. Gilfillans were manufactured in LA. CA. so we find them around here on occasion. It is very similar in both chassis and cabinet construction to the 6T, also a rare radio, pictured below. Both have a veneered front panel and solid wood sides and top, though this one is far more elaborate.
I have had it for about 6 months, the cabinet was missing the bottom trim on the right side. So, I finally got around to making a replacement. I have never seen a similar cabinet with inlayed bird's eye maple in the base trim.
I have had it for about 6 months, the cabinet was missing the bottom trim on the right side. So, I finally got around to making a replacement. I have never seen a similar cabinet with inlayed bird's eye maple in the base trim.
They had to go to a lot of extra work to flair the base, making it about a half inch wider than the top. Another interesting note is that the veneer on the front panel was cut for the width WITH OUT the flair. So they had to add small strips of veneer on the right and left. I don't believe a large production run would have continued with this unnecessary step.
The cabinet seems to have been manufactured with a 3 knob (controls) chassis in mind having 3 holes drilled inside, but not cut clear through the veneer, The lower trim piece may have been added when the design changed to the 5 control chassis. The speaker mount also was modified to move the speaker towards the rear, possibly to avoid conflict with the dial.
Below is the Gilfillan Allwave Super 6T from 1934 for comparison. Both models share the little round plate that is a band switch indicator on the center knob.
So, my question is: Have you seen this cabinet used before? For that matter, do you have a 5 knob Gilfillan from 1934 - 1936?
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