Found on the webpage for an upcoming auction.

That is a GE 810. I'm restoring one right now, and so is another person -- we've both been posting in one thread over at ARF: http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=136377 .

Tom

Me too :D http://www.videokarma.org/showthread.php?t=246780

It seems that missing knobs are a common problem with this set.

I'm going to be refinishing my cabinet soon. It really needs it.

I'm actually combining the remains of two sets to make one. Between the two, I got just enough knobs plus one. I have one spare outer knob, suitable for either the vertical hold or the contrast (whichever are the outer ones on those right two shafts; it might be horiz or brightness...).

My knobs aren't quite matched, since one set seems to have been walnut (can't tell because it is painted white with a number of spare holes drilled in it in various places) and the other mahogany (the one I'll actually restore, although it is not in good shape).

If either of you would like a walnut outer knob, let me know and it's yours free. The color is just a little darker brown (and less orange) than the mahogany knobs, but it's not easy to see the mismatch when they're on the set.

The auction isn't for two weeks. If it sells for a low price, I might grab it just for the helluvit. At least I'll know I have some knowledge available. :D

I'm actually combining the remains of two sets to make one. Between the two, I got just enough knobs plus one. I have one spare outer knob, suitable for either the vertical hold or the contrast (whichever are the outer ones on those right two shafts; it might be horiz or brightness...).

My knobs aren't quite matched, since one set seems to have been walnut (can't tell because it is painted white with a number of spare holes drilled in it in various places) and the other mahogany (the one I'll actually restore, although it is not in good shape).

If either of you would like a walnut outer knob, let me know and it's yours free. The color is just a little darker brown (and less orange) than the mahogany knobs, but it's not easy to see the mismatch when they're on the set.


Hmm. I just double-checked and I need an outer with the larger ID - that would be Focus or Fine-Tuning. I suppose I could ream out a smaller ID knob, but I'd rather not butcher it if someone else needs it.

I have a mismatched set too. I didn't realize there was a walnut and a mahogany. Now you've get me wondering which I have. I had thought it was brown mahogany, but maybe it's really walnut :scratch2:

This photo of a GE 810 from Tom Genova's TV History site shows what appears to be a Walnut finish model. Although it is hard to tell the difference from the Mahogany model. The model #'s were probably slightly different.

1949-GE-810.JPG
http://www.tvhistory.tv/1949-GE-810.JPG

-Steve D.

The knob color on that one does look like the darker color.

However, I checked the parts list in Rider TV, and I can find no evidence of two cabinet types or knob types. So maybe my speculation about the existence of a walnut version (just based on the darker knob color I have for a few of my knobs) is wrong.

I'll have to see what's under the white paint on my second cabinet. I had been thinking that one might be walnut. But maybe not.

Here are the knobs I have. I think there are three different colors - grey and two shades of brown.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4649132888_6c73e16ee2_b.jpg

Anyone have a tube lineup handy for the 810? I'm getting ready to trade off a bunch of old TV tubes, but it would be nice to have spares on hand just in case.

Sure. You can download this and many other service manuals at the ETF: http://www.earlytelevision.org/tv_schematic_diagrams.html

1 - 1B3GT
1 - 5U4G
1 - 5V4G
1 - 5Y3
1 - 6AL5
1 - 6AQ7GT
6 - 6AU6
1 - 6BG6G
1 - 6K6GT
1 - 6SH7
3 - 6SN7GT
1 - 6V6GT
1 - 12AT7
1 - 12AU7

The GE factory service manual lists only one replacement cabinet part number, so I would assume the mahogany cabinet is the only one.

The GE factory service manual lists only one replacement cabinet part number, so I would assume the mahogany cabinet is the only one.

I took a closer look at mine and it sure likes like mahogany veneer with a brown stain/toner finish.

No worries about violating my rule against owning B&W vintage TVs - the set went quite a bit higher than I wanted to go.