1964 GE 19" Portable Century

Well, here's my other recent purchase: a 1964 GE 19" Portable B&W set known as the Century model. They were introduced in the 1962 Seattle World's Fair and were made through 1964. This is from '64 going by the date codes on the tubes. This has UHF and twin speakers too.

It was on CL in Rockford for over a month. I was in Northern IL over the weekend and came back through Rockford and called the seller to see it. It was in really good shape. He said it had quit working recently. I whittled him down in price and in my car it went.

When I got home I tested the CRT on my B&K 470. The tube was about in the middle of the emissions and was weak in the life test, so its got a few hours on it. The rectifier tube was a Zenith brand, so it had been replaced. All the other tubes and parts look original. It was fairly clean inside for its age.

I plugged it into the variac and brought it up and got a great picture. Don't know why the seller had trouble. The only thing wrong with it is that one of the antennas broke out of the tab holding in, but it was still inside the case and can be fixed with a hose clamp.

Had a hard time getting good screen shots. This thing is heavy for its size. Eventhough I'm sure it has all original caps, I think I'll keep like it is for now and see how long it holds out. I'm having really good luck with these GE portables...I guess they knew how to make 'em!