What in the world is this?

Hey all, in a box i got from a load from an artist co-op living center there was this thing that I have no idea what it is or how to tackle it. I don't know if i even should tackle it. There seems to be a transformer, but there's also a lot of old lightbulbs. I'm flabbergasted. Here's some pics:

looks to me like parts of a very old radio

yeah its something from way back in the day that's for sure

Can you think of any reason why I shouldn't mess with it besides the numerous light bulbs on the front?

way way way back dunemaul

there was a thread just a few days ago discussing old tubes, and how valuable certain ones could be

what light bulbs ?

I been reading about Tesla alot lately so when i saw that i got a bit excited. Is there a model or patent number on that? Looks like a Westinghouse design.

Well, what I thought we light bulbs actually the words: "Electric tube" and "Delco" and some brand names. All made in USA, one made in Duluth, MN and there are a few on the device still but I'm not messing with those yet.

Those extra pieces are something that would be worth adding to a little save shelf. you got history in you hands lol

Woah, just found some things on it I missed. It's a "PHILCO Radio" model number 46-1226-122. I still have no idea what to do with it haha. Most of the wires on the underside are semi exposed or cut, and some of the electric tubes on top are busted.

Some of those tuning capacitors (the big interlocking plates the knob turned) can be worth money to radio restorers. I used to be really geeky and loved fixing up those old radios. Seeing those pics kind makes me want to play with that stuff again.

Put those old tubs on cl or ebay could be big bucks. Scrap the trans. and the steel.

Is there any safety concern to be away of when breaking it down? On the top with all the tubes there is a big bulky black thing, its in the first picture on the right side. I thought it was just a giant transformer, but there are screws to take it apart. Safe or not?

Originally Posted by brokecollegekid

Is there any safety concern to be away of when breaking it down? On the top with all the tubes there is a big bulky black thing, its in the first picture on the right side. I thought it was just a giant transformer, but there are screws to take it apart. Safe or not?

You are right it is a transformer. The only caution I can give you on any sealed stuff like that is to watch for oil and jelly like oil. Stuff of that vintage often used PCB in the oil, and you don't want to mess with that stuff.

Originally Posted by Kris Kringle

Here I thought you still was. lolol just messing with you Dude

I didn't think it was showing through. Oh well once a geek always a geek.

shelve it BCK, until you study into it and find what it might be worth. You could mess around and break the most important pieces if you don't

I see two transformers one in the top pitcher rightside and one on the bottem pitcher left side.the other things such as the tall round things and the tall square things I don't know about so I'll let somebody ellse tell you about them. But I wouldn't open them up never know whats in them.