A 21CT55 in bits!
 

I saw this on ebay and instantly recognized it as an RCA 21CT55...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-Press-P...item565f9f757e

This ebay offering appears to be a photo taken at the actual photo shoot for a 1955 RCA Victor ad that was in several national magazines including Life Magazine. The attached photo of the final published ad from my collection. Not sure the average consumer looking to purchase a color tv would appreciate seeing all the parts needed to build a very expensive color set.

-Steve D.

You took the words right out of my mouth, Steve. That shot is a loser in so many ways. Totally supports those many people back then who said they'd buy color TV if/whenever it became reliable.

Pete

I was thinking more along the lines: "Please read the instruction manual fully before attempting assembly of this product."

Well this is a lot less disturbing than the image the thread title made me picture.

I think I have an electronics mag with that ad as I'm certain I've seen it before.

I zoomed in best I could, but cannot make out the sticker that goes on the back that reads "No user serviceable parts inside".

Yes indeed! Reminded me of the trip home from our backcountry place last Sunday during which I passed no fewer than three televisions destroyed on the side of the road after apparently falling out of the back of trucks. One was once a very expensive JVC "i'art" rear projection set that upon it's demise probably ruined someone's whole day.

Wouldn't it be fun to put it together!

I pity the poor fool who had to arrange the parts on the floor.

Pulling the right number of each from the BOM was probably reasonable, but keeping them in order would not be so easy.

Read the text of the ad... RCA is essentially saying they support employment by buying parts from small American business, which in turn buy raw materials from other suppliers, sustaining the economy as a whole. Can you say that about the contents of your iPhone? Or how about a new car? The transmission on the new Mustang is listed as made in China! Looks like a relic of a more functional economy, keep in mind at the time of that advertisement the photo showed an impressive display of high tech components, not a pile of old junk!

What this ad text implies depends on the audience. "Where was this published?" is the question to ask.

Heathkit TVs were fun, but it would be even more interesting to be involved with writing the Heathkit instructions.

I'm fairly sure that ad written about supporting small business ran in one of the national radio electronics, popular electronics, etc. mags of the time as I'm sure I've seen it in one of a large stack of those mags that I have.