Many thanks to all for your words of support - they are much appreciated.

I pulled off the rear cover and can't see much damage beyond the picture tube...which did indeed implode...and a vacuum tube that was near the rear of the set. Is the picture tube replaceable? If so, how would I go about finding a replacement and what might it cost?

I also discovered about a dozen half nut shells, possibly acorns, and what looks to be some couch stuffing. Not sure if the stuffing belongs, but the shells make me think the set was home to a rodent at some point.

The parcel turns out to have been insured, which I didn't know until this morning. I'll visit FedEx tomorrow and see what they have to say. I assume I will need some expert advice on the cost of the damages. If anyone can recommend someone in or near Los Angeles to appraise the damages for me, I'd greatly appreciate it. Actually, if the set is repairable I'd rather entrust the task of restoring it to someone with the proper skills and experience, so any suggestions in that arena would be welcome as well.

I also received a fascinating email message from the seller in which he not only admits to packing the set improperly, but also indicates that he will be taking legal action against me for having left negative feedback about him at eBay. What fun.

Finally, I'm attaching scans of two labels that are on the rear panel. Does anyone know if these are just selling points dreamed up by RCA, or do they really certify some sort of technological accomplishment contained within the set?