Doug: Value of 50's Space Command?

[Eric H]

A fellow sent me this picture and wanted to know what this set might be worth, he says it's in good condition (it looks it!) and it works.

I know most 50's floor models aren't that valuable but any opinions on what a Zenith Sapce Command set in good condition might be worth?

I don't know if he's selling but will pass that info on if he is.

Eric

[Tubejunke]

These late fiftys Zeniths are very good looking I think. I have posted about "frusration" with a very similar set. I have replaced nearly every cap in the set and still have the original symptoms. I dont know how to put a value on any of the old TVs since collectors are fairly well spread out. Shipping is a problem when trying to buy or sell a vintage set. I say any 50s set that is clean and even works should be worth $100. Some people continue to act as if the 50s is not old enough to really be "collectable" but we need to be real. They are just not sitting around everywhere. Sure TVs were in heavy production by the 50s but sad to say most TVs got trashed after a while and a few repairs. I cant count the times I have been to local repair shops that talk about hauling off truckloads of useless tube type stuff. Yes useless was and is the general opinion in the repair shops. What few are left. The 80s was when a majority of the 40s and 50s stuff got trashed. I like the 50s sets. I just wish I could get mine to work!

[wa2ise]

I have posted about "frusration" with a very similar set. I have replaced nearly every cap in the set and still have the original symptoms.

Higher value resistors (above 100K) sometimes drift way out of tolerance. Check all of them in the misbehaving circuit.

I have a shiny new $30 bill for him if he wants to sell it.

Anthony

[drh4683]

I agree with tubejunke on the value part all the way. Unfortunatly shipping is the major killer for these things. I paid $75 for space command 200 console at an estate sale back in 99. Nobody was interested. As we know, the tv interest has very limited interest. Basically, most those who collect these sets are also able to fix them (like us). Or, they are used as prop etc, and the people just like to look at it, but have no clue how to take the back off. I find 50's consoles all over the place, and they never get bought and its sad in a way. Styling is obvioulsy a major factor. Seriously, in my opinion, Id pay $200 for that zenith, which is a pretty sharp looking set by the way! However, Id be reluctant to put out another $400 to have it brought to my house! So I cant honestly say its worth $600, but Id rather pay it that see it get crushed as those sets are only around once! Space commands will always be my favorites!

[Eric H]

Well I sent him an E-mail a few days ago stating that, in my opinion, it was probably worth $100-$200.

I haven't heard back so I don't know if he was happy with that or not. Anyway I wasn't really looking to buy it just trying to help him place a value on it for whatever reason he had.

Eric