CT-100, gone for 750 Bucks

[Phil Nelson]

Here's one estimate of the number manufactured.

http://www.earlytelevision.org/rca_ct-100.html

Phil

[Pete Deksnis]

The traditional estimate of 5000 CT-100 sets produced comes from the original RCA press release issued on the first day of production, March 25, 1954. However, based on my eleven-year quest for CT-100 serial numbers of the approximately 140 known survivors indicates just 4100 sets were produced by RCA, which is far more than any other manufacturer of 15-in. color sets in 1954. RCA had a true full-fledged production line in operation; date code analysis suggests the line was functional until the middle of summer, 1954.

Pete

[kx250rider]

For some reason, I have the date of end-of-production in my head as 4-13-54. But that would have to be a heck of a speedy line, if they only went into production on 3-25. I have seen a photo of a CT-100, which one of my old customers showed me. It was taken at Christmas of '54, and her husband was able to get a set for their house earlier than the public, as he was a chief engineer at NBC-TV in Los Angeles. It wasn't a Model 5, per the speaker grille. They had a 21" set by Christmas of '55, and got a new RCA color TV every Christmas until he retired in '61, when they got their CTC-11.

Charles

[electronjohn]

I understand the winning bidder intends to turn it into an aquarium.

[wa2ise]

Originally Posted by electronjohn

I understand the winning bidder intends to turn it into an aquarium.

Trying to rattle our cages...
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I'm having roast rabbit for Easter dinner.

[Phil Nelson]

Did someone say cages?

[Pete Deksnis]

Originally Posted by kx250rider

For some reason, I have the date of end-of-production in my head as 4-13-54. But that would have to be a heck of a speedy line, if they only went into production on 3-25.

I agree, and I have seen and read the handout that RCA gave to manufacturers who attended the show-and-tell at the start of CT-100 production. It showed that fewer color sets were made than on a typical black-and-white line, so there's no way Bloomington cranked out 4100 CT-100's in so short a time.

[jr_tech]

Originally Posted by Phil Nelson

Did someone say cages?

Darn! that looks nice... I was thinking that the CT-100 had too small of a screen to make a decent fish tank... hmmmm

jr

[Pete Deksnis]

Originally Posted by Phil Nelson

Did someone say cages?

Jeez Phil, I hope that's Photoshop

Actually, I have a video showing a CT-100 recently stuffed with a solid-state CRT color set. The guy pulled out the 15GP22 with all its magnetics and mounted the modern CRT behind the safety glass. Great convergence for a Merrill! Not to worry though, the guy proudly left the CTC2 chassis in place. It's all akin to cutting up the Hope Diamond.

[Phil Nelson]

Originally Posted by Pete Deksnis

hope that's Photoshop

Yes, and the photo's from the auction that started this thread. I assume that's the (now previous) owner crouching behind the set in glamorous sweat pants.

Phil

[TubeType]

Originally Posted by Pete Deksnis

I didn't know of the set before. But I postulate the owner was mislead in its value because he was referring to an old price book.

Pete,

Did you get the serial number for your CTC2 database?
I emailed the seller, but have'nt received a reply.

[Eric H]

Doesn't this thread explain who got the CT-100?

I thought Kalamazoo-DJ was saying he got it?

http://www.videokarma.org/showthread.php?t=247444

[Sandy G]

Originally Posted by Phil Nelson

Yes, and the photo's from the auction that started this thread. I assume that's the (now previous) owner crouching behind the set in glamorous sweat pants.

Phil

...Yass...Undoubtedly. At least we didn't get to see the 10 lbs of "Crack" showing, or the "Wonduh Whut th' Hail all THAT Chit iz fer, Myrtle ?!?" puzzled look on his/her/its face...And yes, I AM a snob...The Great Unwashed neither warrant having, or even should be allowed to keep in most cases such treasures as CT-100s, Philistines that they are...Fishtank, my eye...Hmmmmpf...(Righteously indignant snort here, w/best "Dr Smith-"Just -You-Wait !" look on face...)

[TubeType]

Originally Posted by Eric H

Doesn't this thread explain who got the CT-100?

I thought Kalamazoo-DJ was saying he got it?

http://www.videokarma.org/showthread.php?t=247444

I guess so.
I really had a hard time deciphering those posts.

I reckon an eighteen hour round-trip from Kalamazoo to Elysburg and back isn't "too far', if there's a $755 CT-100 to be picked up in PA.

KalamazooDJ,
Please add the serial number of your new baby to Pete's CT100 database.

Thanks and congratulations,

[wa2ise]

Maybe someone aimed a color video camera at a fish tank and that CT100 is displaying the video. Nice color.