An interesting 7" TV on eBay

[decojoe67]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Phi...oAAOSwd~FezDgU
I believe this is a kit set, but I never saw it anywhere before. The configuration is very much like Automatic Radio, National, and Meck. Interesting set that should be restored and preserved. Probably the only one left.

[init4fun]

Hi Joe ,

I could be wrong , but , I don't believe it is a kit set due to the language on the label pertaining to the warranty . The part about being "manufactured by us" implies to me that the set was built in a factory VS a homemade kit . I find it weird that it looks like a square section of the label was deliberately cut away , there is a serial number but the missing section of the label possibly contained the model number ?

[Electronic M]

Didn't Heathkit sell a 7" TV kit that was basically a kitted out national?... maybe it is one of those. The cabinet looks like a national without the horizontal board that covers the screen and speaker. Maybe Heathkit got half completed cabinets and instead of adding that board with screen and speaker cutouts simply lacquered it and cut the maker name off the label so owners wouldn't but national for parts and repair support.
Edit. nevermind I'm completely off base.

[Tim]

I know Heathkit did Raytheon kits, don't know about National

[jr_tech]

The number that is crossed out on the tube layout chart is “XA-701” which is the model number of the cloth covered Meck, according to the tv history site.

jr

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by jr_tech

The number that is crossed out on the tube layout chart is “XA-701” which is the model number of the cloth covered Meck, according to the tv history site.

jr

That's odd. This one obviously looks like it has an original dark finish. I actually never saw a cloth covered 7" Meck TV. Odd how the control decals are offset. It's one for the TV collector that needs to have them all.

[init4fun]

A second look at the chassis reveals that the tube sockets are riveted to the chassis , If this were a kit I'd expect to see screws with nuts and lock washers VS the rivets ?

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by init4fun

A second look at the chassis reveals that the tube sockets are riveted to the chassis , If this were a kit I'd expect to see screws with nuts and lock washers VS the rivets ?

Yes. It's likely a factory Meck yet I've never seen one with that particular cabinet style. It has to be a very early version because it surely isn't a home brew, especially with the cabinet sticker. Why the sticker was cut is really odd. I'd like to look at the front panel close and see if there's signs of the original small brass nameplate.

[Jeffhs]

Originally Posted by init4fun

A second look at the chassis reveals that the tube sockets are riveted to the chassis , If this were a kit I'd expect to see screws with nuts and lock washers VS the rivets ?

I had to read your reply twice to make sure I understood it correctly. That is, I couldn't quite believe any television manufacturer would ever, even in the 1950s, rivet the set's tube sockets to the chassis. How on earth did they expect any TV repair shop to replace the tube sockets if they were solidly riveted in place? That is, I understand they could drill out the rivets to remove the defective socket, but that seems like an awful lot of work, not to mention the risk of damaging the chassis from the vibration of the drill. Using screws and nuts to mount tube sockets to the chassis makes a lot more sense, as all the technician would need to do would be to remove them from the holes on either side of the socket(s).

[Tom9589]

Yep, definitely a Meck XA-701. I wonder why the label was defaced. Some collectors would think that would lower the value of the TV.

[Tom9589]

Here's a thought. The front panel on the pix in the SAMS looks different than the one on eBay.. The grill is different and it is missing the Meck logo.

Do you think Meck made a special run for another company or retailer; hence, the missing logo and the modified serial number sticker?

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by Tom9589

Here's a thought. The front panel on the pix in the SAMS looks different than the one on eBay.. The grill is different and it is missing the Meck logo.

Do you think Meck made a special run for another company or retailer; hence, the missing logo and the modified serial number sticker?

Yes, I would say that's a good guess. I would figure it had some kind of a logo at one point. I'd like to inspect the front panel closely to see any signs of one.

[rld-tv01]

Here's a photo of a 7" Meck with Cloth covered front cabinet

[Tom9589]

Is it possible that this TV was sold/given to a Meck employee under the condition that it did not have a front panel logo and didn't have the Meck name on the tube layout diagram on the bottom on the set?

[WISCOJIM]

My guess is that it's a Mirrortone brand TV made by Meck.

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