I know what an All American Five is and I am aware that many different examples exist for the various variations on the theme. What I was wondering about is what specific radio models represent the evolution and the different types. I just wanted to get a little bit more information, maybe look at some of the schematics. Like what is the first generally accepted model? What is considered typical? Thanks in advance.

Edward

I don't think that there are specific models which represent major changes. Perhaps there are for each company, but not for the radio industry as a whole. Each radio represents its own part in the evolution. Perhaps you can find the first AC/DC radio. That's a big occurrance in itself. Perhaps you can find the first AC/DC radio to use .15 ampere tubes. As far as other changes go, peanut tubes worked their way into most sets gradually....sometimes replacing all tubes, and sometimes replacing only some. .15 ampere octal tubes made various changes, like at first there were only 35L6 tubes, and not 50L6 tubes. Either a 50 volt rectifier or a ballast resistor was used, or the entire remainder of the filament string added up properly (say you had 4 12 volt tubes instead of 3, and of course a 35 volt rectifier). Field coils generally got phased out of AC/DC radios after WWII. Line cord resistors came and went and came again, and perhaps you can even find a few 1950s radios that use them.

Thomas

Here's a site with some history, I don't see the link there now, but I got a few "generic" AA5 schematics from here (or a very similar site) a few times.

http://pw2.netcom.com/~wa2ise/radios/aa5h.html

Interestingly enough, I recently restored a 1949 Stewart-Warner AA5 wooden AM radio (Model 51T136) with all 7-pin mini tubes, but it used the older 12AT6 and 50B5 rather than the 12AV6 and 50C5. Since the 12AT6 was weak, I was able to swap a good 12AV6 into the socket, but could not use a 50C5 as the pinout is different than the 50B5. Replaced all the capacitors (had to put in a couple terminal strips), grill cloth, stringing, re-lacquered it, replaced the torn speaker which was on a pedestal (new one now attached to the front with silicone), new power cord, etc. It actually is more sensitive than most. The only thing I dislike about it is that the rivets in the center of the tube sockets keep them from being completely seated. I have a good $50 into it, but may sell it soon (have too many).