1949 Motorola 9T1 joins the collection

[decojoe67]

Actually I've come to learn that this is a 1950 model. I've had my eyes open for this model for many years, but it has proven to be a tough one to find complete and in good condition. I like how Motorola squeezed the 8" CRT into a cabinet that is more comfortable with a 7". It has an odd "bulging-eye" look that appeals to me. This is the end of the line that started in 1947 with the VT-71 and they had the chassis nicely tweaked by this time. A good player when restored and nearly as comfortable to watch as a 10" set. I refreshed and detailed the cabinet, but the chassis has not be on the bench. I'm almost afraid to check if the CRT is good being it's a rare one. Wish me luck!

[Zenith26kc20]

That's a good looking set!
Hope your CRT is good!

[Kevin Kuehn]

Wow, you have that cabinet really spiffed up.

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by Kevin Kuehn

Wow, you have that cabinet really spiffed up.

Thanks. I use the Novus 3, 2, then Maguire's plastic polish for the final polish. I clean-up with Novus 1 with a small brush to get into all crevices, and a wipe down with cheese cloth. The surface is ultra smooth after that. Now if that CRT is good I'll be happy!

[electronjohn]

Purty!

[maxhifi]

Good luck with the CRT!

[Gleb]

What a nice design! It reminds me of something very native...

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by Gleb

What a nice design! It reminds me of something very native...

That's what makes these early post-war small-screen compact models so unique. The lay-out is much like a radio of the period with the tube off to one side where the radio dial would be and the speaker grill on the other. Once the CRT's got large by the early '50's the sets took on the typical boxy look. I always liked the way Motorola designed this model with the picture tube almost looking like it's bulging out of the cabinet!

[decojoe67]

Just thought I'd give an update on this set. The original CRT actually turned-out to be very poor. My repairman uncovered a junker portable model he had stored away with an excellent CRT and he let me purchase it from him. It also had a better set of knobs that I swapped-out. The set is recapped and playing as good as it looks. A very enjoyable set to use with the 8.5" screen!

[Crist Rigott]

Sweet.

One of these are on my want list.

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by Crist Rigott

Sweet.

One of these are on my want list.

Thanks. It works like a champ too. As I mentioned, I was on the look-out for one of these for many years and for some reason it's a very tough one to find in good complete condition. This set was sold right at the end of the wave of low-cost small screen early post-war TV's and most people probably opted for the larger screen sets. It seems like only Motorola, Silvertone, and Arvin used the odd 8.5" electrostatic CRT for 1950 only. If a replacement tube was necessary years later, it was probably tough to find even then, and the set just got discarded. Likely this was the fate of many of them.

[Polaraligned]

Very nice set Joe. I have 2 of these in nice condition with good CRT's, and a parts chassis also. The second one I got was from Kutztown for just $75. Made the trip worthwhile.

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by Polaraligned

Very nice set Joe. I have 2 of these in nice condition with good CRT's, and a parts chassis also. The second one I got was from Kutztown for just $75. Made the trip worthwhile.

Thanks. I've owned many early post-war TV's over the years, but I am really getting a kick out of watching this one. It's just so odd to watch a picture nearly the size of a 10" set in this small bakelite cabinet. This one was quite an investment of time and money, but worth it to me. It's a keeper for sure!