Look at this beautiful admiral I scored! - Videokarma.org TV - Video

jpdylon · #1 05-13-2006, 04:39 PM

I saw this pop up on CL late last week. I called on it this morning and went to check it out. All it's missing is the power cord! I brought a cheater and my variac with me and powered it up slow. It is definitely in need of caps, but it powers up and produces a raster! The radio kinda works, but the TT needs help.

This is also a color-adaptable set that has the adapter plug in the rear for an external mechanical color wheel. The set is in remarkable condition, and for only 70 bucks! It even has the original back.

This is thee first vintage B&W set I've seen here in a year. i had to sell my bedroom desk and bookshelf so i can fit it in there, but I rarely used either.

More pics after I pick it up either sunday or next week..

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/clt/159456769.html

Adam · #2 05-13-2006, 05:12 PM

That's quite a find, (especially with the original back, I've never found a set older than '55 that wasn't missing it) And that's a big crt for an early B&W, which one is it? All glass or one of those partially metal ones?

jpdylon · #3 05-13-2006, 06:47 PM

I'm not sure, as I only got a quick glance at the chassis. I thought it was glass becasue i saw the HV anode going directly to the CRT instead of clipping to a shell. i will see soon enough.

jpdylon · #4 05-14-2006, 08:26 PM

After oiling up the already good looking cabinet, this is what it looks like: simply beautiful.

This set was really taken good care of. There were only a few light scratches that buffed out. I don't think I'll buy another however as this one is HUGE. 44 inches long, 3.2 feet tall and 2 feet deep!! Weighs in at around 220 pounds too

The Chassis is very clean, both radio and TV. The turntable motor needs cleaning, it turns real slow. The stylus (or cart, which ever this uses) is missing.

The CRT is a new sylvania 19AP4B that is dated 1-25-58. I haven't gotten around to testing tubes yet, I'm still recovering from getting this thing into my bedroom. Even with three people this is heavy.

The TV sound is routed through the radio amplifier, which is connected to a large 10 inch speaker. It should sound good after its done.

Overall its an awesome piece, and even goes well with the antique furniture in the room. Anybody know roughly when this was made? It uses the 21J1 chassis.

***Kamakiri*** · #5 05-14-2006, 08:41 PM

If memory recalls that's a '51 model. I had an identical set about 4 years ago.

jpdylon · #6 05-14-2006, 08:54 PM

Thanks Kam! that is a big CRt for a 51 model. Most I've seen of this era were mostly 10 and 15 inch

Duffinator · #7 05-14-2006, 09:06 PM

While I'm not into vintage TV that's an impressive piece. And it's in amazing condition. Did it come from the original owner? I hope you get it up and running with little effort.

jpdylon · #8 05-14-2006, 10:10 PM

The people i bought it from got it from the estate of an elderly couple, who loved to hold on to everything. They also had numerous beautiful pieces of furniture, some old hi-fi consoles and a nice zenith tube rectangular color console, all of which were not for sale sadly. Must have bought their whole estate...These people who purchased this stuff kept it covered most of the time and never set anything on top of it. i wish more people would take care of their stuff like this. This is truely an example of a well preserved item

John Folsom · #9 05-15-2006, 11:54 AM

The Admiral 21J1 chassis is in Sams 118-2, which was published in 1950. That is a beautiful set.

jpdylon · #10 05-15-2006, 11:58 AM

I'm wondering if the magnet on the back of the CRT is a focus maginet or ION Trap. ANybody know?

old_tv_nut · #11 05-15-2006, 01:33 PM

I believe that magnet with the blue cushion sleeves is an ion trap - perhaps someone knows for sure, but I think focus magnets are usually donut-shaped, whereas this shape would bend the beam - what is needed for an ion trap.

Steve K · #12 05-15-2006, 01:46 PM

The blue thing is the ion trap. The focus coil is the big round metal thing just behind the yoke.

wa2ise · #13 05-15-2006, 01:54 PM

I have a similar but smaller Admiral TV set. See its schematic at http://www.geocities.com/wa2ise/radios/adm.gif
Probably quite similar to your set, though mine has no color adaptor.

jpdylon · #14 05-15-2006, 02:41 PM

Cool. Thanks for the info guys.

Tubejunke · #15 05-23-2006, 01:34 AM

The 19AP4 is a metal cone CRT. Be very careful when working with this set as the whole bell of the crt is connected directly to the HV anode lead. There was a protective plastic sheath on my old Dumont RA-109A's 19AP4. I don't see one on yours. Just pretend the whole inside of the set is a high voltage cage and treat it the way you do any other cage and you will be ok.

Anyway those combos are some handsome sets. They are built like tanks and are big space eaters which is why I had to give my Dumont to a fellow collector. At least I found it a good home. I always thought the metal crts were interesting and would like to find another set with one someday. A table model of course.

Great find!! Very high end for its time, and costly. Funny TV's are the only thing that have gotten cheaper since the 40's and 50's.