View Full Version : A blonde Zenith porthole possibility


Kamakiri
04-19-2003, 09:08 PM
I'm going to check this out on Tuesday, here's the story.

This guy's father opened up an appliance business in 1946, shotly after the war. Appliances trickled in slowly, and in fall 1947, his dad got in a Zenith 10" blonde console, and promptly put it in the window of the shop, with an outdoor speaker. It was used for a year or so in this capacity, being the first TV set in the area. It remained in the back room of the shop until around 1960 or so, when they decided to bring it home and use it, where it was in use until around 1968 or so, the last time it was plugged in. According to him, it has all of the original literature and even the price tag. It does not have double doors, and it has two chassis. Supposedly in near mint condition.

What's a good value on this set, assuming it is as I'm told? He wants around $150 or so.

Rob
04-19-2003, 09:56 PM
Tim,

$150 is well below market value IMO if it is in good condition. The fact that it is a 10" set is a huge + and the blonde makes it more collectible too.

Rob

Unimatic1140
04-22-2003, 12:08 PM
Hi Rob,

Out of sheet curiosity what makes a 10" porthole more collectable than other porthole sets? Which Zenith porthole sets are most desirable?

Rob
04-22-2003, 12:28 PM
Uni,

The 10" sets are earlier models in the porthole series and are more scarce than the 12", 16" and 19" models. I also think, as a generality the smaller the screensize on a round screen vintage TV from the 40's, the cooler it is IMO, admitting that there are many impressive exceptions to my stated rule.

Which Zenith PH's are the most desireable? The one that most turns your fancy as a collector. I don't buy vintage sets based on so called $ value. I buy them for 'sex' appeal.

There is a 10" tabletop called the Mayflower that I think all would agree is one to try and score. I don't have one yet. I think it has lots of sex appeal.

Rob

Kamakiri
04-22-2003, 08:07 PM
Well, I went and saw the set today. Sure is pretty, and I'll probably end up with it.

It looks more like a 12" to me, here's a pic from an eBay auction that's it....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2171588501&category=3638

See the little blondie in the corner? That's her! Even has the original mint condition paperwork, Zenith ads, price tag, and service bulletins!

This one is too good to pass on. I'll bring it home Saturday morning.

Rob
04-22-2003, 08:20 PM
Tim,

That's a 1948 from the first year of Zenith Portholes. I think it's a 12" also. You should make a good profit margin on that one. ;)

Rob

Eric H
04-22-2003, 10:24 PM
Tim, you really should go for it!
That is a sweet deal for a Porthole with the original paperwork and blond to boot!!

Kamakiri
04-26-2003, 04:44 PM
So here she is, at home in my living room......I put the lamp on top of there to try to convince the wife it looks good there, and it just might work :D

Kamakiri
04-26-2003, 04:46 PM
Neat ad that came with the set......after this long, ya right :rolleyes: ;) :D

Kamakiri
04-26-2003, 04:48 PM
Scads of literature, service manual, paperwork galore. But, he couldn't find the price tag :mad: :( . Says he'll call if it turns up.

Rob
04-26-2003, 05:49 PM
Tim,

Ever hear the expression "You got lucky" ? This is what that means. :)

Beauty! Even has cat resistant grille cloth! I could use some of that.

Rob

Eric H
04-26-2003, 06:10 PM
Tim ,wrong lamp, here's the one you need for that set:

Eric H
04-26-2003, 06:18 PM
Or maybe this one :lmao: :lmao:

Kamakiri
04-27-2003, 07:22 PM
Those are lamps? :confused:

Eric H
04-27-2003, 07:30 PM
Yes, they are lamps!
The cats are actually a very popular TV lamp and go for quite a bit on eBay, the Flamingo lamp is umm... UGLY!

Neither one is mine, i found them on ebay.

Kamakiri
05-05-2003, 05:49 PM
Well, she's up on eBay now.....I decided with the recent influx of sets I've been getting I really have to pick my battles.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3638&item=2173499199&rd=1

Rob
05-05-2003, 06:15 PM
Originally posted by Rob
Tim,

That's a 1948 from the first year of Zenith Portholes. I think it's a 12" also. You should make a good profit margin on that one. ;)

Rob

Tim,

On some things you are as predictable as gravity.

Rob