Tim,
As I look at your well lighted last posted photo, I see we do have similar color finishes on our CT-100's. When I restored my cabinet several years ago, my first attempt at refinishing, I was trying for the lighter/brighter red mahogany finish that RCA used as a factory finish. I was never able to achieve that. But I do prefer the darker, richer color on both your set and mine. I still plan to have my set professionally refinished as I neglected to use a sealer and to much grain shows through. I want that high gloss factory look. You can see my set on my web page. And if you scroll down you can view the CT-100 assembly line pix that shows the factory cabinet I was refering to.
Steve
http://community.webtv.net/stevetek/StevesCT100