1956 Hoffman Colorcaster (56K Warning - Lots of Photos)

[Tubejunke]

With a set like that being found in the "Bay" area of California, one must wonder what its history is. Who did it belong to? Uncle Miltie perhaps, or Marilyn Monroe perhaps. Could be anyone really, but the bottom line is that they weren't working in the factory that built it.

The pictures simply excite me. I have seen and own what I call working originals, meaning working unrestored and by the looks of this set it may be one. Unless it has already been thoroughly cleaned, you can see that it was well kept and used very little which was often the case in those days as people didn't watch TV all day or night when given a chance. It may have been used once a week, or hardly at all.

I have learned that extremely low use can be good and bad. The caps would be more likely to still be good if the set was powered at least say once every few years as opposed to complete dormancy. I would definitely, and very carefully see what the set will do as is. The access panels will make that all the more easy. Maybe get a laser thermometer and keep a close eye on everything for excess heat. Of course things local to tubes are going to seem to be getting hot, but it's a good way to carefully observe the set in action.