Thats insane!!
Anything is dangerous if not used properly and ANYTHING CAN BE SAFE IS USED CAFEFULLY!!
Heres some pics of pre-war sets
http://fernsehen.bplaced.net/ind_blau.html
And this one is amazing!!
http://www.myvintagetv.com/GE275.htm
My gosh,i wouldnt mind having that!!! (Are these in colour or BW?)
One thing i can say is: OLDER SETS ARE BETTER THAN WHATS OUT NOW!! (More stable and produce an even better picture!)