Philips - 590 Radio

Philips 590 Type 90AL590/00 – Vintage 4-Band Portable Radio Receiver – Circa 1980

Offered here is the Philips 590, Type 90AL590/00, a classic vintage 4-band portable radio receiver from around 1980. This attractive Philips portable set represents the final golden period of traditional analogue radio design, combining practical battery operation, built-in mains power capability, multiple waveband reception, and the solid everyday reliability associated with Philips consumer electronics.

The Philips 590 is designed for reception on Long Wave, Medium Wave, Short Wave, and FM, making it a versatile portable receiver suitable for local, national, and international broadcast listening. Its large front tuning scale, brushed aluminium-style front panel, black speaker grille, carrying handle, telescopic antenna, and simple manual controls give it a distinctive late-1970s / early-1980s appearance.

This model is especially appealing to collectors of Philips radios, vintage transistor receivers, European broadcast equipment, and practical analogue portable radios.

Features & Specifications

Manufacturer: Philips
Model: 590
Type Number: 90AL590/00
Type: 4-Band Portable Radio Receiver
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1980
Radio Type: Portable transistor radio/broadcast receiver
Power: Battery and mains operation

Radio Reception

• Long Wave
• Medium Wave
• Short Wave
• FM
• Large analogue tuning scale
• International-style frequency markings
• Telescopic antenna for FM and shortwave reception
• Built-in ferrite antenna for AM wavebands
• Rear waveband selector switch

Frequency Coverage

• LW: 150 – 255 kHz
• MW: 520 – 1605 kHz
• SW: 5.95 – 15.4 MHz
• FM: 87.6 – 104 MHz

Power Supply

• Battery operation using 4 × 1.5 V / D-size batteries
• Built-in mains power input
• Rear panel mains connection
• Marked 50/60 Hz
• Power consumption marked as 6 W
• Battery compartment accessible from the rear

Historical Background

Philips was one of Europe’s most important radio manufacturers throughout the 20th century, producing a wide range of domestic, portable, and professional radio equipment. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, transistor radios had become reliable, practical, and affordable, while still retaining the traditional analogue tuning experience that many collectors appreciate today.

The Philips 590 / 90AL590 belongs to this period. It was designed as a practical 4-band portable radio for everyday listening at home, in the garden, or while travelling. Unlike simple FM-only portable sets, the Philips 590 offers Long Wave, Medium Wave, Short Wave, and FM reception, giving the listener access to a much wider range of broadcasts.

The front panel design, with its large frequency scale and multilingual waveband markings, reflects Philips’ international market approach. The inclusion of both battery and mains power operation also made this radio very convenient for users who wanted a portable receiver that could also serve as a household radio.

Today, the Philips 590 is appreciated as a collectable analogue portable radio from the early 1980s, combining useful multi-band coverage with classic Philips styling and reliable transistor-era engineering.

Condition

This Philips 590 Type 90AL590/00 is presented in genuine vintage condition, as shown in the photographs.

As expected for a vintage portable radio of this age, there are visible signs of use, including cosmetic marks, light scratches, surface wear, and age-related wear to the speaker grille and cabinet. These signs are consistent with a used portable receiver from around 1980 and contribute to its authentic vintage character.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and show the actual item being offered.

Collectable Value

The Philips 590 is an attractive collectable radio for enthusiasts of vintage Philips equipment, analogue broadcast receivers, and European portable transistor radios. Its 4-band coverage, large tuning scale, classic styling, telescopic antenna, and battery/mains operation make it a desirable example of practical Philips radio design from the early 1980s. Collectors often value this type of radio because it represents the transition period between classic analogue radio culture and the later digital-tuning era. The Philips 590 still offers the hands-on experience of manual tuning, clear band selection, and traditional portable radio operation.

Its combination of Philips heritage, multi-band reception, and attractive vintage appearance makes this radio a fine addition to a collection, display shelf, workshop, or period audio setup.

Shipping

Worldwide tracked and insured shipping according to Catawiki guidelines.

Seller's Story

We are a specialised company based in the Netherlands, offering carefully selected vintage audio and electronic equipment throughout Europe, primarily through Catawiki.

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