[Ampico-kid]

I made the trip to Boonton (Northern NJ) today and checked out the 1959 RCA CTC9 Caulfield color television. It was a great find. Although it has a few minor surface blemishes, overall it's in beautiful condition as you can see from the attached photos. The only real serious shortcoming is the fact that the back cover was damaged at some point, but I do have the pieces and may try some way of putting it back together again. Also included in the sale was the original operating manual. By the way, contrary to how it was listed on CL, this cabinet in not blond, but rather it's a beautiful light and slightly orange maple.

I know there's been some discussion regarding this style of cabinet. I have to admit way back "when" it wouldn't have been my first choice either, but now looking back I can more fully appreciate this style and the craftsmanship that went into making it. So I guess all I can say is..."to each his or her own."

I checked the picture tube, which had been replaced by an RCA factory serviceman in 1976, and although it doesn't read in the green area on my crt tester, it's not in the red either, and most importantly, all guns read fairly close to each other. I'm betting that with a little use the tube will come back to life and prove to be a winner.

The owner (Len) said the set belonged to his step mother-in-law who was the original owner. At some point she gave the set to Len and his wife who used it for a number of years and had the picture tube replaced in 1976. He also included the service contract with RCA. The set was turned on approximately 6 months ago and there was a very dim, blurry picture present. Sounds like it's time for a new set of filters to me, along with a general once over to clean it up, spruce it up, and make sure everything looks good "under the hood".

I'll keep you all posted as I make progress with it.

Bob.