1939 Northern Electric 540W Midget Table Radio

Here is a midget Northern Electric 540W (wooden cabinet version of the model 540). Early version of the All American 5 circuit, using a combination of single ended and double ended tubes.
As found, the cabinet was fairly rough: had three seam cracks, grille bars were loose, and the plastic dial cover was badly damaged.
Interior, as seen, was very dirty.
The cabinet was completely repaired then stripped and re-finished. Black highlights were added to the finish. A brand new plastic dial cover was purchased from a supplier in the USA.
Restoration of the electronics was generally uneventful. Re-alignment of the tuned circuits was tricky due to the age of the components, but successful nevertheless.
The series resistor for the filaments was adjusted for today’s 120 Volt line voltage, to give the filaments proper supply of power.
A polarized line cord and plug was used, as well as a safety capacitor for across-the-line filtering.
Total restoration time, 14 hours.

Before and after images-click on thumbnail for large view:

Cabinet Front
After Restoration

540W Cabinet Front After Refinishing

Cabinet Front
Before Restoration

540W Cabinet Front Before Refinishing

Cabinet Front-Top
Before Restoration

Cabinet Front-Top-Before Refinishing

Cabinet Front-Top
After Restoration

Cabinet Front-Top After Refinishing

Cabinet Front-Left
Before Restoration

540W Cabinet front left-before Refinishing

Cabinet Front-Left
After Restoration

540W Cabinet Front Left-After Refinishing

Chassis Top
Before Restoration

540W Chassis Top Before Restoration

Chassis Top
After Restoration

540W Chassis Top After Restoration

Chassis Underneath
Before Restoration

540W Under Chassis Before Restoration

Chassis Underneath
After Restoration

540W Under Chassis Completed