jem or junk?

I'm new to this group.

I have this old TV. Someone gave it to me about 8 years ago and it's been sitting in the cellar ever since. Is it a jem or is it junk?

It's a GE Black and White from the 50's-60's. It has a dark wood houseing and it is incredily heavy even though it's a table top model. The tag on the back says Model #830. From what I remember the guy said the pic-tube is good but doesnt recieve a signal. so......jem or junk?

Sorry for my naivety on this subject.

Paz

[Carmine]

Nothing will receive a signal without an antenna, have you hooked one up? A lot of people will tell you otherwise, but I say if it looks "complete" (i.e. no missing parts, broken glass sounds, or rattles) and "safe" (good power cord), go ahead and fire her up.

Listen carefully for any shorting sounds (although all old TVs do make some noises when warming up). Look throught the vent slots for small orange glowing dots from the tubes. Remember it may take almost a minute for the set to warm-up if it hasn't been used for years.

If you get any kind of "light" on the screen, you're at least half-way home to a working set. Any problems other than that are usually minor and inexpensive to repair.

Can u post a picture?

[Charlie]

Model number 830 is listed in Sam's 81-19, so the set is likely from 1949 or 1950. I tried to pull that folder, but only found it to be missing.

Any set from that far back is worth hanging on to if it looks to be in good condition. But being from that far back, it is likely to have a bunch of dried out electrolytics and paper/wax capacitors. It might not be wise to fire it up so quick.

[Carmine]

Well, I must admit I thought you were speaking of a set from the mid-fifties or sixties. If it's not of the "modern era", you should seek professional help before powering it up.

thanks everyone for the feedback on this unit. Eric sent me an email and also said it was from around 1959 too. I appreciate all the knowledge in this forum. I've certainly learned a few things.
My next question is.....does anyone want it? I live in Massachusetts and not sure I want to ship it because it's so heavy and possibly fragile, so you'd have to live close by or convince me it's worth the time and effort to crate and ship it. I'll try to click a couple pictures of it. Not really looking for money, I'll just be happy that someone who appreciates it has it.
Lemme know.
Peace,
Paul