1946 RCA 621 TS Just Scored! - Videokarma.org TV - Video

manhattanman · #1 03-11-2021, 02:51 PM

Scored a bucket list set on Facebook Marketplace today! I've been looking for a 1946, RCA 621 TS for 45 years.

It was an estate sale item that listed for $100.00, but there was competition, so I offered $200.00 and they bit!

Serial #C012383. The only problem I see is the bottom CRT glass attachment escutcheon is inverted and missing the small brass plate that covers the two screws.

The first picture was taken in the garage where the set had been stored. The last picture shows the sold Marketplace listing.

bandersen · #2 03-11-2021, 11:22 PM

Congratulations! I'm happy to hear your long quest is finally over. Very nice price too

manhattanman · #3 03-12-2021, 06:05 AM

Yeah. Thanks, dude. I follow your projects. Love this stuff. How's that tripped-out Philco set coming? Love that set!

bandersen · #4 03-12-2021, 11:39 AM

Thanks, but I'm not sure what set you are referring to. I have a bunch of Philco radios and TVs. One of the Predictas maybe ?

manhattanman · #5 03-13-2021, 04:41 PM

I'm referring to the Philco 48-1000. Also, look at the back of my 621TS. I haven't been into it yet, but I think the CRT may be an old replacement The length seems short. I noticed the word "Amphenol" stamped on the end. They made CRT rejuvenators. Any explanation?

Incidentally, I'm born and raised in Chicago. North Side, near Evanston. Went to Armstrong grade school. I'm 68.

***Eric H*** · #6 03-14-2021, 01:01 AM

[QUOTE=manhattanman;3232197] I think the CRT may be an old replacement The length seems short. I noticed the word "Amphenol" stamped on the end. They made CRT rejuvenators. Any explanation?

/QUOTE]

Amphenol made connectors, like the CRT socket. Your CRT looks normal to me, it can't be much shorter because the Ion Trap is installed on the neck of the tube.

Here's a chassis shot of an original.

manhattanman · #7 03-14-2021, 09:44 AM

Yes, thanks, Eric H. I'm relieved to hear you think the CRT is original. I remember reading that there was someone that kept a data base for existing RCA 621TS sets. He recorded the serial numbers to determine numbers known to exist. Are you familiar with this reference list?

Also, I'm not receiving email when I get replies on this site. I've tried correcting this problem, but have been unsuccessful. Can you assist, please.

Thanks again,
Mike

decojoe67 · #8 03-14-2021, 12:40 PM

An excellent score on about a nice of an original example as I've ever seen. I've researched this model more than any vintage radio and TV! Many discussions here and on ARF. In the '90's they were approaching the $2K mark, but the Net, like with all other antiques, revealed that it wasn't as rare as once thought. Myself and other collectors I've spoken to still feel it was devalued too much. It's still not an easy set to acquire and it's one of the best on all points. The small brass cover on the escutcheon should be very easy to recreate with brass shim stock. Good luck with it.
PS - I'm wondering if it's the walnut finish version. It could be by the look of the grain on the front. If it is, those are less seen than the mahogany versions.

manhattanman · #9 03-14-2021, 02:19 PM

Yes, thanks, decojoe67. I believe it's the mahogany version, which I prefer aesthetically to the walnut and blonde examples. I've worked as a museum furniture conservator, so I'll preform correct treatments on the original finish to get it looking like it did, new, out of the factory. The mechanical aspect is another story. Probably won't touch it, except for a thorough cleaning. The seller said the deceased man who owned it was the original owner.

I'm on a ground floor in Manhattan, anyway. No converter box reception is possible. I bought my first RCA television, a '48 tabletop model in Chicago, in 1969. Watched the Honeymooners on it. Sold it years ago.

init4fun · #10 03-14-2021, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manhattanman

Yes, thanks, Eric H. I'm relieved to hear you think the CRT is original. I remember reading that there was someone that kept a data base for existing RCA 621TS sets. He recorded the serial numbers to determine numbers known to exist. Are you familiar with this reference list?

Also, I'm not receiving email when I get replies on this site. I've tried correcting this problem, but have been unsuccessful. Can you assist, please.

My email address is: ************

Thanks again,
Mike

Given that scammers/spammers harvest email addresses that are made public, such as you have done by posting it in an open forum, you may want to edit your post to remove it and send it to Eric in a PM if he actually needs it to solve your problem

PS, Congrats on getting that TV !

decojoe67 · #11 03-14-2021, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manhattanman

Yes, thanks, decojoe67. I believe it's the mahogany version, which I prefer aesthetically to the walnut and blonde examples. I've worked as a museum furniture conservator, so I'll preform correct treatments on the original finish to get it looking like it did, new, out of the factory. The mechanical aspect is another story. Probably won't touch it, except for a thorough cleaning. The seller said the deceased man who owned it was the original owner.

I'm on a ground floor in Manhattan, anyway. No converter box reception is possible. I bought my first RCA television, a '48 tabletop model in Chicago, in 1969. Watched the Honeymooners on it. Sold it years ago.

I have mahogany version too which I also prefer. It looks more pre-war that way. The chassis could be easily (barring unexpected issues) restored. I could give you a number of a very experienced A-1 repairman for it here on LI. As far as watching the set, I strictly use a DVD/VCR player. There's nothing like watching a classic show or movie on them and the 621 performes very well. Basically like a small 630 model. There are those that leave them as a static display though. Good luck getting it back in shape. It won't take too much work to do it. A back cover is not impossible to find, and making one with the proper steel stock isn't too difficult.

manhattanman · #12 03-14-2021, 05:51 PM

It has the back panel. Parts of the image are pictured on the set's left side in three of the attached photos. It was detached when I bought it. RadiolaGuy had one reproduced for a 621 TS he's selling. Check it out on his site.

I may get that tech contact info if and when I get to that point. Thanks for the offer.