My boyfriend just bought a Magnavox Provincial Model #152B. Judging by some ads we found online, this looks to be offered for $300-$365 in 1947. Other than the serial number the only information I can think would be helpful is the style # 0107-506.

Can anyone tell me anything about this piece? It's a phonograph and stereo in one, all parts are contained within the cabinet. I'm interested in any history and whether or not it is worth anything. It's in good working condition.

This was a high end unit. With the optional FM tuner, $365 equates to about $3600 today. Magnavox service information usually goes by the numbers stamped on the chassis because they used the same electronics in many different cabinets.

These sets were the last of the 78-rpm only phonographs. The LP came out in '48, the 45-rpm record in '49 and by '50 most sets had 3-speed phonographs. Many owners of these expensive sets had the original 78-rpm record changer replaced with a 3-speed changer.

http://books.google.com/books?id=nFEEAA ... al&f=false

You use the word "Stereo" in place of the word "Radio". This monaural unit was built over a decade before stereo sound became available. However it is a wide-band AM and short-wave receiver considered high fidelity in its day. The "Sharp Tune" position on the treble switch was used to tune in the station with the green tuning indicator tube in the center of the dial and then the treble switch is returned to full range position for the best sound quality.

Some eBay and junk store sellers that are unfamiliar with this equipment hear it crackle out static, noise and hum will proclaim that it works perfectly.

It is over a half century old so unless it has had some serious work done, it probably has only a fraction of its former performance. "Good working condition" means that it sounds very clear, clean and powerful with rich bass that you can feel. The controls all move silently without any noise or distortion, the green tuning indicator shines brightly, the dial sparkles and glows nicely in the dark. You can stack ten 12-inch records on the 78-rpm automatic record changer and have it play bouncy swing music from the '40s that's a pleasure to listen to.

These haven't become very valuable yet. They take up too much space for just a knick-knack, conversation piece, collectable item.

Here is a '47 Magnavox Regency Symphony that I picked up for $20 over 20 years ago. It's a step up from the provincial with twin speakers, twice as much audio power output and two additional station presets. It originally cost $475 without the optional FM tuner in '47.

In the Magnavox sets of that era, the date of manufacture is rubber stamped on nthe chassis, usually near the rear part od it.

The "CR" number, also rubber stamped, is the model number of the chassis.

The date stamp will read something like: 479022.It would mean" 1947, September 22.

The good Maggies don't pop up very often. Doug's Regancy-Symphony is one that is usually seen in rough shape. Damn shame, too, as they were terific sets.

A friend of mine in Indiana just got a Regency-Symphony in rough shape, and he's going to fix it up. He has a V-M changer in it at present, and no FM tuner. I have a Webster-Chicago 256 changer and the FM tuner that I'm goint to ship to him, to make the set a lot nicer.

If there's anything that boils my blood, it's to see a V-m changer in place of almost any other changer, especially in a Magnavox.

I know this is an old thread, but a google search only yielded this one for my radio. I just purchased a Magnavox 152B 0107-58 for $65 from a local thrift store. Everything appears to be working. The tubes glow, the green light for the radio comes on (although dimly), and the turn table turns (well it starts to turn and then stops). The back is filthy so I'm hoping all it needs is a good cleaning. I haven't been able to listen to it yet cause I haven't gotten it home yet. Can anyone tell me what it's worth, where I can find more information, specs, parts etc?

Trust me, it'll need more than just "a good cleaning".
These units are over 50 years old - would you drive a car that old that has never been serviced?
No, I don't think so.

Unless it's been properly restored first, I wouldn't even plug it in, beccause in the blink of an eye you could wind up popping a transformer and then have to spend much more to get it working.