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Joemama,
I very glad that you got it and feel better that it ended up into good hands for you to love & cherish from now on! I thought that it looked slightly different than a "regular" CTC16 but wasn't sure. This would have to make it the very last roundie set RCA produced. Most likely RCA made it to use up existing parts inventory as Sarnoff didn't like to throw out anything like other manufacturers would do. Again, they did this with the CTC39 in 1974-5 model years in that it was an all tube chassis that was 5 model years later into the solid state XL100's. Even earlier as WWII ended and as Uncle Sam gave the go ahead to resume manufacturing, they did this in 1946 with the 621TS which was a prewar and used up existing inventory to get them (RCA) instantly back into the TV business until they could set up and resume manufacturing new models that they couldn't do during the war. I have heard two versions of this 621TS story, one saying the production run was 3 weeks and another said 4-it wasn't long.
A CTC20 is a very rare and scarce set, (I never saw any in Tennessee) most likely wasn't produced but for a few weeks to use up inventory and also was likely sold regionally meaning possibly sold only in tire & furniture (and like stores) at a low price where more expensive RCA units were not moving well. This would also explain the bottom of the line (inexpensive) wood and black metal cabinets. I know of no '20's in high grade cabinets. Has anyone else seen any in better cabinets?
I liked that roundie and had plenty of room on my truck to bring it back but it would end up in my warehouse and I have well over 30 or so of these sets. I sort of knew someone might rescue it after my posting. Congrats on your first roundie and that you got a nice one as well! Let us know how it turns out.
Julian Burke
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julian
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