Northome

NORTHOME.

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The largest collection of Northome radios on the net is right here. Two; unfortunately; represent the saga of radios that many would never consider repairing. Northome, located in Koochiching county, Minnesota, a little North of lake Winnebigoshish; historically, has been known more for logging and resort cabins, and not much more than that. One humble radio in dis-repair made the fact of something else noteworthy had come from Northome in the twenties. Northome is in Norht Central Minnesota, not too far from International Falls. The "Model X" (10) was the first of the radios I acquired. It had seen better days, the condition it was in originally had the top warped three inches in one corner, split where two pieces had been glued together originally, and no finish left on top. It would not be an understatement to mention at this point that their choice of the manner of cut from the sawmills was not cabinet grade material, nor the most stable selectionof wood.

Inside, the mice had taken their toll on the wire, and there was ample evidence that the radio resided in a chicken coop for at least a few decades.

This is how it looks at present.

This is the "Model IV" (4)

The Model IV and the Model X use the same circuit, and the Model 3's is similar. This Model IV is dated on the bottom "1927",

which places the Model X at either 1928, or 1929. Since the serial number is only "3800", this, and their poor choices in wood selection may well indicate some of the big reasons for the company's demise.

The "Model 3"; above; at present is just the cabinet, but in the near future, I hope to assemble a "new" radio based on the basic circuit (above) into the cabinet.

The "Model 7"; above; Is in need of serious cosmetic work. As you can see, it looks very dull, which was the result of someone using one of those tinted waxes or "scratch hide" products to make it "shiny" and evenly toned. As you can see, it made it worse after a period of time. The person I bought this one from was not completely reputable, as he strongly suggested that the tubes were good, when in fact they were not. There are times when a "dud" could be salvaged when the real problem is when an internal wire has broke loose from the pin, as was the case with three of the tubes in this radio (usually you are not that lucky) So, always carry a multi-meter when you are buying an old radio of this vintage so that you can at least check for continuity (on pin 1 and 4). Should the seller suggest that it works- Often they do not unless you know the seller, and you know that the seller has gone through the radio. Also see if the tubes are listed as a "display tube", which honestly means they are duds. Your other option is to make an offer at a significantly lower price, and the seller can then keep the tubes. With that advice aside, the "Model 7" uses a "neutrodyne" circuit, which makes it notably different from the other basic radio circuit in use in the "X", "3", and "IV". "Northome Model 57"

From what I have been able to gather based on serial number information: The "57" was the last model produced, that I can determine at this point. As handsome as it is, it came too late. The "Radiola" offered by RCA, and Brunswick, offerred single knob tuning as early as 1926. The days for TRF as a "Midwave" broadcast reciever were limited- people wanted simple convenient tuning. That means only one tuning knob. The other contributing factor which was the demise of more than a few other companies were the noted lack of "AC" powered radios in the lineup. I have been inquiring with various people and organizations to find out what information I can, and so far there has been very little new information. Feel free to drop me an e-mail if you have some Northome radio related item, or information.

This Antique Radio Webring site owned by John McPherson.
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