Got a line on an RCA 621...Price question?
 

So I had to take one of my parrots to the vet the other day because it was having an issue with its left eye, and on my way out of the parking lot I saw a pawn shop. I never drive by them without going in, on the off chance they might have something I want. Usually doesn't amount to anything, but this time I might have scored.

http://videokarma.org/attachment.php...8&d=1412443200

Sitting on the shelf was a 621TS, he wanted $1,200 for it. Knowing that was too much without knowing the condition of the chassis and tube, I asked the owner if there was any wiggle room on the price. He shot back $900, so I went back home to grab the CR-70/variac/meter. 7DP4 tests good, and actually came up pretty fast. Not sure if I was using the universal adapter the right way, but it did need the bias switch set to -36 in order to get decent cutoff. Need input on that, not sure if it's normal.

Anyhow, the cabinet needs refinished but there's no peeling veneer that I could see. Top is cracked in half, but could easily be repaired. No back, but they make repops. Put the variac on it and after reconnecting the wires to the horizontal coil in the cage which had been cut off for some reason, HV started to spool up so I know horizontal is good. Plenty of hum from the speaker, so obviously the caps need replaced.

So the question becomes: is $900 too much for a 621TS in need of cabinet love, but having a good CRT and restorable chassis? Need to move on this if so, before someone grabs it.

It seems high to me considering the condition, there have been several on eBay recently in much better shape that went for less. (not counting that $7000 anomaly) although there won't be any shipping involved, that's worth a couple hundred right there if done right.

Knowing the CRT is good is a plus but that cabinet will have to be completely refinished, decals etc. Does it have the back & flyback cover

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-RCA-...p2047675.l2557

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-RCA-...p2047675.l2557

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RCA-621TS-B-...item27ea24dd3c

Best offer was $800 on this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RCA-621TS-19...p2047675.l2557

If you aren't in a hurry and keep your eyes open, you can probably find one for less. On the other hand, the fact that you've been able to test the tube and work with the set a bit is very helpful. I'd offer him $750 and see if he bites. If he does, I'd say that's pretty fair. Even at $900, it's not a rip off, given that the tube is good. 7DP4 is awefully hard to find, except for the military surplus replacements, which are great to have, but not quite as nice as a 7DP4.

Tom, that was my offer as well. I left a card with my number and a solid $750 offer if he ever changed his mind. But being a pawn shop, he probably had someone come in that did their homework on the set- which means he likely gave something like $450 for it hoping to double his money. That's how these places operate, they need to see twice what they give in order to make money.

For $750 with a good CRT and local pick up, I'd be seriously tempted.

Is that paper next to it an eBay printout? Seems common for stores to print out the highest eBay listing they find to try and pump up the value of their merchandise.

I doubt he'd get $900 for it on eBay, at one time maybe but not right now.

If it did not need a cabinet refinish, I would drop $900 on it considering the CRT condition. Does it have the back? I think I would wait them out.
How many serious TV collectors are there shopping pawn shops where you live? Doubt many...

I dunno guys, the old "Bird in the Hand" thing. ESPECIALLY w/a good CRT, no shipping.. I think I'd be all over that like White on Rice..

The pickins are so slim around here that if I came across it, it would already be at home.

Gregb

the part where the decals are might just shine up and look nice with howards , the speaker part and above the screen is a different story , considering the crt is good maybe offer 800 , if you can afford the 900 it does have a good crt remember , no shipping costs or worries.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RCA-MOD-621T...3D171432009020

you might get this one for less but then pay shipping and worry about it arriving , no idea if the crt is good or will survive the shipping , yata yata etc

I am SURE in Norfolk/Newport News/Va Beach there would be a furniture refinisher who could do that up right.. You MAY wait 10 yrs to see another one, or if you have MY luck, get this one, & 3 more will show up in the next 2 months... It NEVER fails... (grin)

i see that one ended at 330 something with reserve not met .
the more i think about it the more i say go for the one near you , to get him to come down you could print out the ones on ebay , the ones Eric H put up , show him they are in better shape , one went for 775 , one for 623 , one in great shape for 885 , the one that didn't sell , if you can get him to come down because of condition , even if it is to 800 i don;t see why he wont do it , 850 ?
mike

In the '90's, nice examples hit the $1,000 mark. They then peaked at about $2,000 with at least one, I personally can recall, selling for $2,500! Then their value slid back in to the $500-$800 range. That was for very nice, complete examples. The one in question is pretty rough. You need a back, fabrication of the front clip brass insert, knob insert, a complete refinish/repair, and decals. In my opinion, in today's market, I'd say $450-$550 tops for it.
Now, if you REALLY want it, it's worth whatever you value it, and what you can acquire it for.
Good luck.
PS - As far as the recent $7,000 "sale", I would totally ignore it given the reputation of the seller.

If he is still in business, the furniture refinishing guy on Virginia Beach Boulevard as it passes under the Laskin Road feeder - he could surely do some wonders! I was stationed at NAS Oceana, and loved seeing his work as I passed by. He's about a quarter mile westbound, from First Colonial Road, on the right, just before the overpass. The man worked miracles.



EDIT: Well, crap. Google Map shows a boarded up building, and three no trespassing signs. sigh...

Cheers,

Remember. 721TS's makes a great parts chassis for a 621.:smoke:

Hey Nick,

Just wondering if you have come to a decision on the 621? I know when something like that find gets into your head, it stays there. I personally think it's a bit pricy, but if your budget can stand the strain, what the hell, go for it.
I hate those coulda, shoulda moments after the fact.:bash:


-Steve D.

Gonna let him stew on it for a few weeks, if it slips through my fingers it's no biggie. Not like it's a CT-100 or anything, those seem to be few and far between when they have good tubes.

I think that is the smart thing to do.

Considering he came down from 1200 to 900 on the spot, he might be a bit hungrier/motivated to sell a couple weeks down the road.

Good luck , hopefully it will be yours.

Go to yr Bank, take out 5 100 dollar bills, a couple of Fiddies, maybe another Hunnert or so in 20s... go back & wave THAT wad under his nose... I'd about GUARANTEE you'll stroll out w/it..