[rfeenstra]

It is essential that all of the movable portions of the tuning capacitor have a secure ground. Hence you will see multiple "ground straps" on the rotating shaft. On these Philco's they used these spring wire type ground straps. On later models they used flat spring straps that ride in groves that were machined into the shaft. If the rotating portion of the cap is not well grounded, you will have reception problems and the oscillator will not track correctly. Judging from the wire that is on the ground strap and on the stationary portion (non cloth covered wire), this radio has been worked on previously. Check all connections to see that they are correct and secure.