Blonde Andrea T-VK12
 

Greetings,

I picked this up locally for the princely sum of $43. Overall it's in excellent condition. I've never seen one of these around here, let alone a blonde version. Attached are some pictures from the seller. I got it safely home and the dial glass is still intact. This is my first TV with channel one!

I haven't had much spare time lately, but I did give it the once-over and checked the CRT, which I believe is a 12QP4. There is no type marked on the base, so I'll have to confirm the type later. The emissions were a little sleepy at first, but after a 10 minute cook it came right up. Cut off is good, too.

Here's a first look with the back off:
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/...psb5d4f33d.jpg

Testing the CRT:
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7abe70ca.jpg
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/...ps87bca5cc.jpg

After a 10 minute cook at 6.3V:
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/...ps287ff252.jpg

I'm really excited about restoring this set! The only issue I see is some flaking paint on the back side of the dial glass. Fortunately, it's just plain dark brown paint and not any of the logo or other lettering.

-Clark

Very Cool! I really like that dial, everything but SW.
Is that about 1947? it has channel one

Thanks! I think it's officially a 1948 model, so it must be one of the last with channel "1".

$43 ?!? I'll give ya $86 !!! Double yer Money...(grin) Seriously, that is a GREAT score !

Nice set. Very nice set. I have one in mahogany and it is a good performer.

Good luck with the restoration.:smoke:

Beautiful condition. Nice find. I believe this model was called "The Sharon." BTVK-12. The B is for blonde finish.

Left photo courtesy: TV History site.


-Steve D.

Thanks, Lee. I remember following your restoration on ARF. It's one of the things that drew me to this set when I saw it.

And Steve, thanks for letting me know that this blonde has a name. I'll take very good care of "Sharon" :yes:

With family and work commitments, it may be a month or two before I can't start the restoration in earnest.

-Clark

Wow, Clark. That looks Really nice.

Nice Carl! Love that set.

Hi Clark,
Cool set, I like that tuner arrangement. Is it a continuous tuning type tv station selector or does it use a low band / high band switch ?
Ed

It looks like an Inductuner I have in my Sightmaster which also shows an AM band. I forget if it actually receives AM.

It is a Mallory InducTuner or InpuTuner with continuous tuning and no high/low TV band switch. There is a four position function switch to select phono, AM, FM and TV. The AM tuner section is an integral part of the main chassis, and shares one of the TV sound's IF amplifiers (at 455 kHz). From what I can tell looking at the schematic from SAMS, putting the selector switch in any position other than TV kills the B-plus to the sweep circuits and may also turn off the CRT filament (I need to print out the schematic and get a better look).

The good news is that the continuous tuner is not frozen and actually tunes without much effort. So I think that the delicate ceramic shaft must be OK. I don't want to mess with it much until I've had a chance to check it closely and carefully clean and re-lube as necessary.

I finally had some time to start working on this set. The chassis is cleaning up very nicely with no corrosion what so ever.
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/...psd0e6fcbc.jpg

It was a little tricky to remove the CRT because the the foam rubber cushions had turned to glue. When I finally got it out, I was surprised to learn that it's a 12JP4. From all indications, this is the original tube, but the SAMS for this set specifies a 12QP4. The 12JP4 is a 50 degree tube that's not aluminized, yet it has a straight gun and needs no ion trap. I hope that it doesn't have an ion burn! It woke up nicely with good emissions. The tube is a DuMont. Anyone know what the silver "T" stamp means?
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/...psb1d71725.jpg

The chassis looks totally untouched. Just the way I like them :yes: Most of the tubes appear to be the original Sylvania and RCA's with 1948 date codes.
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/...psbbbc693a.jpg

Instead of black beauties, this set if filled with Grey Tigers :D
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/...psad617907.jpg

While the precious dial glass is intact, just the brown paint on the back side is flaking off. Fortunately, all the important markings are OK:
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/...ps20eff24f.jpg
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/...psa3dada3c.jpg

I'm not sure I dare mess with trying to replace the flaking paint. I may consider putting some brown paper behind the glass, just so the pilot lights don't shine through.

-Clark

WOW Clark, I must say that is one super clean set. Good luck with the resto, it will be a great set when done.

Gregb