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Matthew McIvor

Philips BX490A Multi-Band Tube Radio (1949) – From the Collection of a Radio Shop Owner 
Tested & Working – In excellent condition – No reserve.

A beautiful and highly collectible Philips BX490A tube radio dating from 1949, manufactured by Philips in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. This elegant post-war receiver combines outstanding Dutch engineering with a timeless design, featuring a rich dark-brown Bakelite cabinet enhanced by attractive wood-grain side panels.

This particular example comes from the private collection of the former owner of a radio specialty shop, where it was carefully preserved for decades. Such provenance is increasingly difficult to find and adds an extra layer of authenticity and collector appeal.

The BX490A was produced during the golden age of European radio manufacturing, when radios were both technological masterpieces and important pieces of home décor. Its large illuminated station dial, multiple shortwave bands, and iconic EM34 "Magic Eye" tuning indicator make it a particularly desirable model among collectors of vintage electronics and Philips enthusiasts.

A charming historical detail is the handwritten note preserved on the rear panel. The previous owner recorded that the radio was in full working order, received all wavebands correctly, and delivered excellent reception. The note further states that the radio was purchased at a radio market in 2003 for €85, providing documented collecting history spanning more than two decades.

The original Belgian G.I.R.A. certification label remains present on the rear panel, confirming its authorized distribution within the Belgian market.

Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: Philips, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Model: BX490A
Year of manufacture: 1949
Cabinet: Dark brown Bakelite with wood-grain side panels
Wave bands: 6
Long Wave (LW)
Medium Wave (MW)
Four Short Wave bands (13.5m–50.5m)
Tube configuration:
ECH21
EAF42
EAF42
EBL21
EM34 Magic Eye tuning indicator
AZ1 rectifier
Large illuminated station dial
Original rear panel with G.I.R.A. label
Mains frequency: 50 Hz
Power consumption: 50 W
Dimensions: 31 x 48 x 26 cm (h x w x d)
Weight: Approx. 11 kg

Condition and Functionality
The radio has been tested and is working under controlled 220-volt conditions. Reception and operation may vary depending on location, modern broadcasting availability, and antenna setup. The set operates as intended for a radio of this age.The dial glass remains clear and attractive, while the chassis appears complete and original.

The interior shows honest age consistent with a well-maintained 1940s radio. The preserved handwritten provenance note and original labels further enhance the authenticity of this example.
Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.

Historical Context
Introduced shortly after World War II, the Philips BX490A reflects a period when radio represented the primary gateway to news, culture, and international communication. Philips was among Europe's leading innovators, and models such as the BX490A offered listeners access to stations across the continent and beyond through its extensive shortwave capabilities.
Today, surviving examples are appreciated not only for their historical importance but also for their elegant design, warm tube sound, and strong decorative presence within Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco, and vintage interiors.

A superb collector's piece with documented provenance, original features, and excellent presentation.
Important Safety Notice

Fully functional, but as with all vintage electrical items, a safety check by a qualified professional is recommended before use. Due to its age, this radio should be operated with appropriate care and in accordance with modern electrical safety standards.

Excellent - Number of items: 1 - Including: Power cord

Philips - BX490A (1949) Tube radio

Audio Equipment

Reserve price

No reserve price

Livestream

Closing date

Monday

Sunday

tomorrow

Wednesday

Tuesday

today

29 October

Saturday

Budget

From

Location

The Netherlands

Italy

Belgium

Germany

France

Portugal

Romania

Spain

Japan

Poland

Hungary

Finland

United States

Austria

Bulgaria

Denmark

Greece

Hong Kong

Croatia

Ireland

Latvia

Estonia

United Kingdom

Lithuania

Brand

Sony

Bang & Olufsen

Technics

Akai

Pioneer

Marantz

Bose

Philips

Sansui

Denon

Yamaha

Kenwood

Onkyo

Harman Kardon

Dual

Luxman

Bower & Wilkins

Grundig

TEAC

Revox

Rotel

Nakamichi

Object

Speaker set

Turntable

Solid state integrated amplifier

CD player

Hi-fi set

Solid state stereo receiver

Audio-cassette deck

Stereo set

Speaker

Cassette recorder-player

Solid state multi-channel receiver

Subwoofer speaker set

Tuner

Radio

Reel to reel deck 18 cm

Audio component

Blank audio cassette

Solid state amplifier

Preamplifier

Tube radio

Stereo graphic equalizer

Record player

Reel to reel audio

Headphone

Portable radio

Country of origin

Material

Metal

Steel

Aluminium

Alloy

Condition

Good

Excellent

Very good

Mint

Various conditions

Fair & Poor

Very Good Plus (VG+)

Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

Brand New

As new - unused

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Extras

No extra's

Power cord

Remote control

+ Extra item (see description)

Original user manual

Refurbished

Power supply

Power Adapter

Case

Brochures

No cables

Microphone Shock Mount

Flight Case

Anti-pop Filter

Period

2010-2020

1990-2000

Style

Modern

1900-2000

After 2000

1400-1900

Tested and working

Tested and working/playable

Not tested

Creator

Marco Zanuso

Richard Sapper

Franco Albini

Adriano Rampoldi

Dieter Rams

Philippe Starck

Good - Number of items: 1 - Including: Reel to reel deck 18 cm - No extra's

Akai - X-201D / 3-Motor, 3-Head Auto-Reverse 4-Track Stereo Reel to reel deck 18 cm

Good - Number of items: 1 - Including: Power cord, Refurbished

Sharp - GF-6161 'Boombox' Portable radio

Very good - Number of items: 1 - Including: No extra's

Nordmende - CD 1050 'Serviced' Audio-cassette deck

Good - Number of items: 2 - Including: Speaker set - No extra's

Bose - 301® Series V / 2-Way Direct/Reflecting Bookshelf Speaker set

Excellent - Number of items: 1 - Including: Power cord, Refurbished

Pioneer - CT-W606DR / Digital NR feat. Dolby HX Pro Double Audio-cassette deck

Good - Number of items: 1 - Including: Solid state multi-channel receiver - No extra's

Pioneer - VSX-922 Solid state multi-channel receiver

Good - Number of items: 1 - Including: Speaker - No extra's

Dali - Concept Center / 2-Way Bass Reflex Magnetically Shielded Center Speaker

Good - Number of items: 2 - Including: Audio component - No extra's

Generic - NAB Aluminum Wheel Adapters Audio component

Very good - Number of items: 2 - Including: Speaker set - No extra's

Audiolab - Candor 2 / 2-Way Passive Bookshelf Speaker set

Excellent - Number of items: 2 - Including: Speaker set - No extra's

Yamaha - NX-E400 2-Way Bass-Reflex Bookshelf/Standmount Speaker set

Excellent - Number of items: 1 - Including: Solid state multi-channel receiver - Remote control

Onkyo - TX-SR606 / 7.2-Channel High-Definition AV Surround Solid state multi-channel receiver

Good - Number of items: 1 - Including: Solid state multi-channel receiver - Remote control

JVC - RX-5060 / 5.1-Channel AV Surround Control Solid state multi-channel receiver

Very good - Number of items: 1 - Including: Stereo graphic equalizer - Power supply

Sansui - SE-1000 / 7-Band Dual-Channel Stereo graphic equalizer

Good - Number of items: 1 - Including: Turntable - No extra's

Kenwood - KD-5010 Turntable

Good - Number of items: 1 - Including: Power cord

Pioneer - PD-S603 feat. Stable Platter Transport Mechanism CD player

Excellent - Number of items: 1 - Including: Solid state integrated amplifier - Power cord

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Philips - BX490A (1949) Tube radio

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