Interesting RCA TV in "Once Upon a Time in America"

[MrMaguire]

Hi there TV collectors,

Yesterday I watched a YouTube video from two American TV collectors that briefly mentioned the different styling on vintage European sets. I made a comment expressing my taste in those sets.

Last night I decided to watch the movie Once Upon a Time in America (boy it is long), and look what shows up!


Of all the dumb luck

What an interesting set! I'm from the United Kingdom, and I've never seen a TV from North America with this styling before. Can anybody tell me anything about it?

Regards,
Mr. Maguire

[Sandy G]

Ain't no American TV- They can put ALL the "RCA" stickers they want on it, but that STILL won't make it an American set.

[Eric H]

Definitely not an American set.
Sergio Leone directed that film, it was shot in Italy and the U.S. so likely that's an Italian TV.

[Tom9589]

Look at all the slider pots. No American TV manufacturer used slider pots to that extent. Also note the slider pots' location - all at one extreme. You wouldn't expect all the controls to be in one extreme position for normal operation.

[dishdude]

Never saw a TV like that, probably some kind of prop.

[vts1134]

Originally Posted by MrMaguire

Yesterday I watched a YouTube video from two American TV collectors that briefly mentioned the different styling on vintage European sets.

What was the video?

[MrMaguire]

I didn't expect so many replies. Thanks!

Somehow I didn't think it was an American TV. I didn't notice the slider controls at the extreme left. That's very curious. I agree with dishdude, it probably is a prop. I bet they just took any old TV and put it there, then added the picture later on.

Maybe I'm mistaken, but that really does look like an RCA logo in the top right. I can't say I've seen any RCA branded sets here in the UK at least. I wonder who really made this one.

Originally Posted by vts1134

What was the video?

This video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2eQ5rA0tDA

It's a QA video, not specifically related to TVs. But they have numerous videos on vintage sets. They even own an RCA CTC-100. I believe Spats Bear is a member here.

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by MrMaguire

Maybe I'm mistaken, but that really does look like an RCA logo in the top right. I can't say I've seen any RCA branded sets here in the UK at least. I wonder who really made this one.

It does appear to read RCA, BUT it is not written in any font that RCA used for it's product name badges in that era. Most certainly it is a European set with an a fake studio added RCA badge glued on to confuse a euro audience into thinking it's an American set.

[MRX37]

Never saw an American TV that size that had the dials at the bottom.

Reminds me of some Russian/Eastern European TV's I saw once, probably on this very forum.

[wa2ise]

All American TV manufacturers (and Japan too) never had the outer glass sides of the CRT be exposed. We always had anything beyond the viewable area masked off.

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by wa2ise

All American TV manufacturers (and Japan too) never had the outer glass sides of the CRT be exposed. We always had anything beyond the viewable area masked off.

I have two Grundig sets built for the US market. The Toshiba CRT's protrude like that. The sets are built in Austria and strictly NTSC.

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

I have two Grundig sets built for the US market. The Toshiba CRT's protrude like that. The sets are built in Austria and strictly NTSC.

I'm amazed you have examples of Grundig TVs. The only ones I've seen in person were in a Grundig store/service center in the Chicago area. Last time I was there I was about 12 years old, and even if they are still open I don't plan to return.
The old lady that ran that place was a ROYAL BITCH.....My folks helped me take a Grundig console there for repair, unbeknownst to us the changer was not bolted down and when we got there and found the pickup arm had broken in transport (and were trying to figure that out) the old bat went on a tirade and BLAMED ME without a bit of evidence, and I had bought belts, to fix a Grundig RTR, from them before! The folks got pissed at her and we left with the set, leaving them the (false) threat that we might put it in the trash.

[drh4683]

Originally Posted by Electronic M

I'm amazed you have examples of Grundig TVs. The only ones I've seen in person were in a Grundig store/service center in the Chicago area. Last time I was there I was about 12 years old, and even if they are still open I don't plan to return.
The old lady that ran that place was a ROYAL BITCH.....My folks helped me take a Grundig console there for repair, unbeknownst to us the changer was not bolted down and when we got there and found the pickup arm had broken in transport (and were trying to figure that out) the old bat went on a tirade and BLAMED ME without a bit of evidence, and I had bought belts, to fix a Grundig RTR, from them before! The folks got pissed at her and we left with the set, leaving them the (false) threat that we might put it in the trash.

Let me guess... You went to the infamous S&S electronics in Morton Grove?

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by drh4683

Let me guess... You went to the infamous S&S electronics in Morton Grove?

Likely, but I can't remember the name of the place anymore. I remember a few 60's Grundig TV combo consoles in there running near the entrance, and the place being mostly gray silver and mirror on the inside. It seemed like Grundig was the only brand in there. I assume when you say infamous that I'm not the only one to leave there as an unhappy customer....

[Steve D.]

Tom,

Way back in 1969 I visited the Grundig store/service center here in Hollywood. Long since gone. I purchased, at that time, a Grundig stereo console w/turntable. I since have replace the unit and disposed of the cabinet. I have kept the radio am/fm shortwave tuner and have it in storage. I also kept the original Grundig catalog and have scanned the console I purchased, pictured here. I don't recall any TV's on display at that time.

-Steve D.