SFO Museum Plastics Exhibition - Admiral TV
 

My Admiral Bakelite console TV is part of an exhibition of articles in a "Classic Plastics" at the San Francisco International Airport. You can see it and a few other objects from the exhibition (including a nice radio or two) here: http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/sfo_m...cs/06.html#top

If you happen to be passing through the San Francisco airport during the next 6 months, you might look for the exhibition. They do a really nice job putting together their displays.

Their comment suggesting that this particular set was the largest cast Bakelite structure made isn't quite right -- a few other Admiral Bakelite TVs were even larger than this one.

I like Bakelite for radios because of its durability against tube heat. It does not warp, brittle or discolor. The only thing Bakelite has going against it is its lack of impact resistance. I have several Bakelite radios and I really like them. I am just careful not to drop them or let anything bump against them. I am not too keen on Bakelite TVs as the sheer size of the cabinets and weight of the chassis seems to make them more prone to breakage.

Wow, the finish is so glossy on that one it looks brand new. Very nice.

I have only had one Bakelite TV. It was an early 50s Motorola. Some fellow traveled across several states to pick that one up at a pretty hefty price. An offer I couldn't refuse frankly. Anyway, I still have the same set only with a wooden case which I plan to recap at some point. I don't care for transformer-less sets with series heater strings, but oh well I guess. Can't have em all the way we wish we could! LOL

Although shippers find a way to bust them, I've found them to be very durable.

I agree with Jim that these Bakelite Admiral TVs are not particularly fragile. If you're looking for a fragile Bakelite TV, the GE Locomotive is the best example. On these Admirals, the Bakelite is nice and thick, and there are no delicate features to break.

I picked up exactly the same model a few weeks ago. That beautiful photo makes me want to start working on it, but there's another project ahead of it in the queue!

Phil Nelson
Phil's Old Radios
http://antiqueradio.org/index.html

I have bout two of the 7 inch Admiral Bakelite tabletop models on two separate occasions and they were both damaged in shipping. I imagine if one can be found locally and transported by car there would not be a problem. I have never had a problem with my Bakelite radios breaking even with the occasional accidental knock.

Tom-

Nice to hear that you have another set on exhibit at SFO. I just got the notice of that exhibit opening. Since I work there, I will definitely go and see it. :)

That is one of my fav vintage TV's of them all. That's a real nice example. I passed on a chance to get one locally once years ago, thinking that I could easily find another. The chance has not happened since then!

Congratulations on your Admiral being selected. That's cool! I wonder how many discussions and research, by viewers, it will inspire.:thmbsp: