This console was introduced in the Spring-Summer 1938 catalog, but was not listed in the Fall/Winter 1937-1938 catalog with the other radios. I can only assume it's a mid-year introduction. Possibly, this radio was meant to compete with Philco's "No Stoop, No Squint" radios:
"Now Firestone provides Push-Button Tuning and a Sloping Panel in one outstanding radio. Many radios have had one or the other. Firestone has gone a step farther and brings you both features."
An obvious dig at the lack of pushbuttons on those Philco's with the sloping panel, eh? Oddly, the tube count is not listed anywhere in the advertising for this radio!