Description
Philips Minstrel Four Model 138 Ivory Bakelite Valve Radio
An attractive and unusually coloured Philips Australia Minstrel Four Model 138 mantel radio dating from 1953.
This compact Australian-made radio has a scarce ivory or cream Bakelite cabinet with softly rounded lines characteristic of early 1950s domestic design. The front features a clear vertical grille, central Philips shield badge, two control knobs and a detailed Australian station dial.
The dial identifies radio stations across Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria, giving the radio a distinctly Australian character.
Philips produced the Minstrel Four Model 138 as a four-valve superheterodyne receiver for AM medium-wave broadcasts. Its documented original valve complement was 6AN7, 6N8, 6M5 and EZ82.
Although the Model 138 was manufactured in several colours, surviving examples are frequently encountered in brown, burgundy and darker green finishes. The ivory cabinet gives this example particularly strong decorative and display appeal.
Completeness
The radio appears substantially complete externally and retains:
Its Philips shield badge
The complete Australian station dial
Both control knobs
The clear front grille
Its rear cover
The mains power cord and plug
Its aerial wires
Condition
Presented in very good vintage exterior condition with age-related surface marks, light discolouration and general wear consistent with a radio dating from 1953.
The ivory cabinet presents attractively, while the clear components and control knobs display normal age-related yellowing and patination. Both knobs, the dial scale, Philips badge and rear cover remain present.
The radio has not been tested. It is not known to be faulty but is conservatively offered as an untested collector’s, display or restoration item.
Because of its age, it should be inspected by a qualified vintage-radio technician before being connected to mains electricity. No guarantee is made regarding its electrical safety, valves, internal components or operating condition.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and condition assessment.
Details
Maker: Philips Australia
Model: Minstrel Four Model 138
Date: 1953
Type: Four-valve mantel or tabletop radio
Reception: AM medium wave
Colour: Ivory or cream
Material: Bakelite cabinet
Dimensions: Approximately 27 × 16 × 18 cm
Weight: Approximately 3,811 g
Read Our Vintage Radios, Gramophones & Audio Equipment: History, Identification and Collecting Guide
About TMC Emporium
TMC Emporium offers an evolving collection of vintage, collectable and decorative items sourced throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria. Each item is individually photographed and described, with care taken to accurately represent its condition.
TMC Emporium inventory code: TMCEJC-0000092 UP
