Vintage Classic, 1954 RCA Model CT-100, Collectible First Mass-Produced Color TV

Description

As always, I welcome International buyers. Please contact me for a quote if you are truly interested in buying it and shipping it Air Cargo, the safest way to transport it most anywhere in the world
Color TV development goes back to the 1920's and many systems were made, tested and shown in prototype form up to the early 1950's. It wasn't until late 1953 that the "RCA Color Compatible System" was approved by the FCC. It was designed for color broadcasts but would not obsolete the millions of black and white sets still in use, they viewed the same color programming but in black and white. Color TV's would view black and white programs in black and white. RCA also developed and produced the 15", 15GP22 color picture tube that was used in all the 15" color sets made that first year. According to the latest research published on the ETF website, 3/23/2021, RCA's CT-100 may or may not have been the very first color TV sold to the public. A few companies had their color sets on display in stores to take orders, it is still uncertain which one was the first to actually be sold/delivered to a customer. The CT-100 was the first mass produced one and is the most famous. Approximately 4400 sets were made but very few exist now, they pass from collector to collector and are seldom available on eBay. Search RCA CT-100 and 15GP22 for much more information.
For sale: Vintage 1954 RCA "Merrill", model CT-100, 15" console TV. This nicely styled set is complete with the exception of one of the two side knobs and a tube shield/cover. Cosmetics of the original, unrestored wood cabinet are very good overall, there's a few rubs, scratches, chips and notably some spots and faded finish on the top. There is also a ding and the depression behind it on the center-left, front, side corner. The channel knob has a small crack over the channel number 9. The often missing cabinet back and AC cord are still there and in good shape. Looking at an angle I can just see a mark on the face of the picture tube that may be a 2" scratch. Looking straight on it is not visible. Please have a look around on the internet, you will see this is one of the nicest unrestored, original ones inside and out you could hope to find.
The TV chassis appears to be electronically complete and all-original with the exception of a missing tube shield/cover and a couple very old repairs. I did not test the electronics or any of tubes except the 15GP22 picture tube that tested bad. Sencore CR70 results: H-K Shorts - Good, G1 Shorts - Good, Cutoff - Bad, Emissions on all 3 guns - Bad. This is not unusual, many of these tubes lost their vacuum, hopefully some day they can be rebuilt or replaced by a reproduction for those who want to restore and view them. Search 15GP22 and read all about what went in to developing this picture tube at great cost.
I am selling this set as pictured, as-is, display only, not working, for parts and repair, no returns. This 60+ year old TV must be looked over, safety checked and repaired/restored by a qualified technician before use.
Pick-up is strongly suggested
however I will gladly pack and arrange palatalized shipping/freight at cost.
TV measures 40” tall, 28” wide, 30 1/2” deep and weighs about 200 lb. It will measure approximately 45” tall, 33” wide, 33” deep and weigh 225 lbs. boxed, add weight for the pallet.
Good, strong packing supplies including 2” thick hard Styrofoam to line the box will cost .
It is too large for FedEx Ground, USPS and UPS Ground, must be picked-up or shipped by truck or air freight.
I am offering this console as "Pick-up Only" because shipping must be done by palatalized truck or air freight and the cost is different for every location. I use Pilot Freight because they do a good job for a reasonable price. They do not provide "insurance" but it can be bought online through Freight insurance companies. It must be pick up at their nearest terminal to the buyer, no door to door delivery.
Don’t want to spend money on packing and shipping? Come get it or send a friend who is passing through or vacationing here. I live in the St. Petersburg area on the west coast of Florida. uShip is always a good alternative too, www.uship.com
I sell Vintage Audio and TV's for a living and pack everything myself. Proper packing is every buyers number one concern.
Here's how the last CT-100 was packed and shipped to Norway
.
It arrived there without damage as did the one I shipped to China. Please see my 21 year feedback on eBay.
Before packing and shipping
As it was being packed
As it arrived with the many other TV's I shipped to the Norway Radio and TV Museum
On display in the museum exactly as it left my house.
Here's a 1954 RCA Spec Sheet for more information
on this TV and its picture tube.
The pictures below are of the actual vintage television I am selling.
Please e-mail any questions you might have before bidding. Packing materials, shipping and insurance at cost.
As always, I welcome International buyers. Please contact me for a quote if you are truly interested in buying, packing and shipping it lower priced, airport to airport Pilot Air Cargo.
1954 RCA CT-100 15" Color TV