Philips BX321A/12 Tube Radio (1953) – From the Collection of a Radio Shop Owner In excellent tested and working condition – No reserve. A beautiful and increasingly collectible Philips BX321A/12 tube radio dating from 1953, manufactured at the Philips plant in Leuven, Belgium. This elegant post-war receiver combines reliable Philips engineering with a timeless dark brown Bakelite cabinet, complemented by a large station dial and warm textile speaker cloth. 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 BX321A/12 belongs to an important generation of Philips radios that introduced the convenience of a built-in ferrite antenna, improving reception while eliminating the need for long external antenna wires in many listening situations. Its large station scale displaying European broadcast cities remains a wonderful reminder of the golden age of radio. Technical Specifications Manufacturer: Philips (Leuven, Belgium) Model: BX321A/12 (BX321A-12) Serial Number: L 32232 Year of manufacture: 1953 Cabinet: Dark brown Bakelite housing with original textile speaker cloth Wave bands: 3 Long Wave (LW/LG) Medium Wave (MW/MG) Short Wave (SW/KG) Tube configuration: ECH81 EBF80 (vintage Ultron replacement tube installed during its service life) EBC41 EL84 AZ41 Intermediate Frequency (IF): 452 kHz Built-in ferrite rod antenna Multi-voltage AC operation: 110–245 Volt Frequency: 50 Hz Power consumption: Approx. 45 W Dimensions: 26.5 x 40 x 20 cm (h x w x d) Weight: Approx. 6 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 dark Bakelite cabinet retains a beautiful appearance with only minor age-related signs of use. The original glass dial remains well preserved and clearly legible, while the textile speaker cloth presents attractively. Internally, the chassis appears largely original and complete. The radio retains its original loudspeaker, ferrite antenna, transformer assembly, and most original components. One tube has been replaced during its working life with a period Ultron EBF80 replacement, reflecting normal maintenance during decades of use. This is an honest and well-preserved example with excellent collector appeal. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description. Historical Context During the early 1950s, Philips was one of Europe's leading radio manufacturers, producing high-quality receivers for domestic and international markets. The BX321A/12 represents the transition from pre-war radio technology to more modern post-war designs, incorporating a ferrite rod antenna and improved reception characteristics while retaining the warm sound associated with valve-operated receivers. Today these Belgian-produced Philips radios are appreciated by collectors for their reliability, attractive Bakelite cabinets, and historical significance within the development of European consumer electronics. A superb collector's piece from the collection of a radio shop owner, offering originality, authenticity, and strong decorative presence. 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.