Was this a TV show prop? What Show?
 

I brought this about 12 years ago from someone who advertised it as a TV show prop. I was going through photos of my suff in storage which got me thinking again what show? I originally thought it was the 1950s show Johnny Jupiter which was about a kid who picked up the planet Jupiter on on his TV set (DXing?). A robot was sent to earth and the kid communicated back and forth with Johnny on Jupiter.

Interesting.

Google Johnny Jupiter and you will see a kid's show with a "TV" that is much larger and is a puppet stage. The characters do not look like this one.

I can't think of a reason for a prop labeled "black and white receiver" unless there was also one labeled "color receiver" (with the identical picture in color) wherever this was used.

Probably a prop extolling the shortcomings of B&W television, in comparison to color. Looks like it was used by a manufacturer in a commercial. I'm sure the "color" receiver was much more substantial.:smoke:

Looks circa 1960, Davey and Goliath-like.:smoke:

Uhh-Huh. Wonder if the closing theme was "A Mighty Fortress..."

Maybe it was part of a science fair.

I wonder if they still have science fairs. I remember whole rows of ant farms and volcanoes, and then my home-made transistor amplifier. Oh yeah, Blue Ribbon baby.

Really? Of course they do! I just recently was a judge at the Chicago Public Schools city-wide fair. There also are organizations supporting robotics fairs and other STEM topics as well.

Edit: this is a good point to mention that many schools need volunteers to judge, or to mentor kids on their projects. If you might be interested, ask around and see what your local schools need.

We have a hobby fair here in town, coming up in a few weeks. I haven't set up at it for a few years since it always seems to be held on a perfect 70 degree, sunny day. Wish they'd move it to mid-February! Anyway, open to all ages and can get some neat stuff.

Would be very interesting to know the story behind that prop, whatever it is. Could have very well been a local show; I guess every station had a kid's program in the 50s.

I remember watching Johnny Jupiter! There are some clips on YoutTube, I think. I can even hum the theme song - sort-of...