Wanting some opinions here... - Videokarma.org TV - Video

Charlie · #1 06-07-2003, 10:24 PM

I've been thinking about bidding on this Philco set. No one has made a bid yet, and it is only 30 bucks. It's a two hour drive for me to get to Humble. It looks as if it will need some wood work (which I really dread doing, although i think I did a nice job on that Sylvania).

Anyone familiar with this model? Do ya'll think this one looks like it's worth the trouble?

http://cgi.aol.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI...&category=3320

***Kamakiri*** · #2 06-07-2003, 10:32 PM

IIRC that's a 1953 model. Wow, that's rough......but if you're up for a challenge, grab it!

Come up to Buffalo and I could fill a truck with mint condition sets like that for that price. They're a dime a dozen in this area.

Charlie · #3 06-07-2003, 11:19 PM

Yeah, it looks a bit rough. I am awaiting a reply from her. In her listing, she sounded like she was going to try to see if it would play. I'm sure the best answer there would be that it might light up the CRT. I would guess it's safe to assume it won't. I also asked if she could take a photo of the inside to email me. If she has plugged it in and got the tube to light up, i might go with it. I suppose the only reason I am considering this is because it is not too far from me. I don't think I would give more than the 30 bucks.

Hell... I just drove 2 hours today to go eat with my parents! In Texas, that's not very far!

***Eric H*** · #4 06-08-2003, 01:29 AM

Interesting set, that looks like a BIG round CRT! maybe a 19" or 20" ?

***Kamakiri*** · #5 06-08-2003, 09:18 AM

I think that's a 16". Also if I recall correctly, most of Philco's 1953 lineup has that marbleized green on the picture tube mask, the table models with the 16" screen were the same way.

***Eric H*** · #6 06-08-2003, 01:23 PM

A round tube in 1953??
I bet it's not a day past 1950.
The 53 Philcos looked like this:

***Kamakiri*** · #7 06-08-2003, 02:33 PM

I'm sorry, you're right, I believe I was thinking of '51.

Tony V · #8 06-08-2003, 02:35 PM

Hi Charlie,
Eric is right as its a 1950 model withe the 16 inch crt. The chassis is pretty straight forward and should be easy to get going. The only real worry would be if the crt is good or not. I have one like it without the doors and it plays well after the restoration was done. Good luck!
Tony

Tony V · #9 06-08-2003, 02:43 PM

Hi Charlie,
I forgot to add that if it has the single all in one chassis it it was made in 1950. If it has the double chassis (one has video/audio and the other has the power and deflection) it was made in 1951. Both styles are easy to restore so if your up to the challenge it will be a good deal for the money as long as the crt is good.
Tony

Charlie · #10 06-08-2003, 03:46 PM

Thanx for your input, guys. I am still waiting for a reply from the seller on whether or not the set did anything when they plugged it in.

i was showing the photos to some friends here, and they pointed out something that I really didn't think of. As far as the cabinet goes, it looks like there is a good bit of detailed trim on the top front. Since the cabinet will need refinishing, that top front part will be quite a job stripping out any old finish to make it look good. I believe Kam is right... it will be a challenge. There are plenty of sets out there that have better cabinets. This particular Philco is not what we would consider "rare".

If it turns out that this set at least half-way works as is, I might decide to go for it only because it works and is not far away. But, due to assuming that it probably doesn't work at all and that fancy wood work at the top will probably keep me from bidding.

I have plenty of "challenges" here to work on as is. Perhaps i should keep an eye open for the "easy-fix" sets in my area.

Charlie · #11 06-10-2003, 11:31 AM

Finally got a reply last night about this set. They powered it up and got nothing. They did send a photo of the inside. It looks complete and I don't see any tube brightener on it, so that much might be good. Someone else has placed a bid, so, I am not going to fight them for it. At least I know someone will get it that has an interest in it, and it won't end up in the Harris County land fill! Besides, today I am going to pick up a CTC-7.

Here is the shot of the guts they sent...