An interesting Zenith Porthole TV on Ebay ...

[cwmoser]

John , that is a very stunning TV. It was previously mentioned that the "grill cloth" really makes this TV stand out -- now I know what he was saying.

I saved a picture of your "mint" Bryon TV you had and the grill cloth was more subdued. I kinda like the looks of the more eloquent grill cloths. Are these patterns obtainable today?

Can you tell us more details about this unique TV?

Carl

[Eric H]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

The tube location diagram shows a 12KP4 or a 12LP4. Split channel audio, ratio detector instead of the Zenith gated beam audio. Isn't that the same type chassis they used in the 10" Mayflower?

I noticed later it has a glass tube, yes, it looks identical to the Mayflower.

[John Marinello]

The Zenith table sets had better shielding on the power supply, due to the close proximity. The "Mayflower" was their 10" set, and I believe the 12" set was called the "Claridge".

[John Marinello]

Hi Carl, A friend of mine has both of those sets, and they are both in excellent condition. I have a picture somewheres of a look-a-like set to your "Lincon", it was called the "Lexington". It was also "minty".
Here is a pic of the "Byron" grill cloth. Were you the one who got the 16EP4 from Harry?

[John Marinello]

Here ya go, Carl. 1950 Zenith "Lexington" with single chassis. Interesting that it says "Bought 12-9-1950" in white letters.

[cwmoser]

John, you have the nicest porthole TVs of anyone I know. That is indeed exactly like mine except as you mentioned the PS is on the main chassis, and the round hole at the top of the Bezel - is that antenna tuning?

BTW, I recently acquired one similar to your Byron:






It has been refinished - nicely done, but an original finish is always nicest. I note that the bezel on mine is painted differently than your Byron. I wonder if it was done this way to give an illusion that the screen was larger than it was.

BTW, when I went to pick up this 19"er, I was surprised at how much bigger and heavier it was than my 16" porthole.

Carl

Originally Posted by John Marinello

Here ya go, Carl. 1950 Zenith "Lexington" with single chassis. Interesting that it says "Bought 12-9-1950" in white letters.

[John Marinello]

Great! Not a bad buy on that one. The tab, on the top of the yoke assy, will center the picture. If you loosen the screw, it will just slide around (up & down, left & right). Yea, someone painted the bezel. The '51 zeniths had what looked like shiny gold plating around the rim, but was actually some sort
of gold paint. If you tried to shine it up any, you will likely just strip it off right down to the aluminum. BTW, my "Byron" sold on the 'bay for $1,295.
Yikes.

[cwmoser]

Originally Posted by John Marinello

Great! Not a bad buy on that one. The tab, on the top of the yoke assy, will center the picture. If you loosen the screw, it will just slide around (up & down, left & right). Yea, someone painted the bezel. The '51 zeniths had what looked like shiny gold plating around the rim, but was actually some sort
of gold paint. If you tried to shine it up any, you will likely just strip it off right down to the aluminum. BTW, my "Byron" sold on the 'bay for $1,295.
Yikes.

My 19" Zenith was a find here in NC - an Ebay purchase. Yes, I do remember yours on Ebay - some of the early bidding was mine. I had planned a road trip - until the bidding got intense:-) That was one amazing TV. Got a lead on another 19" Zenith. Owner says he would rate the cabinet a "9" but I have not seen it yet -- what do you think these TVs are really worth?

Carl

[Eric H]

Someone wanted it pretty badly, I put in $172 and was outbid!

I was somewhat relieved actually, I had no place for it (but would have squeezed it in somehow )

[cwmoser]

Originally Posted by Eric H

Someone wanted it pretty badly, I put in $172 and was outbid!

I was somewhat relieved actually, I had no place for it (but would have squeezed it in somehow )

I was watching it and noted that it sold for $174.50.
Was hoping you would get it.
Hope someone here got it and can tell us more about it.
Love to have it because it was so different.

It will take a lot of work to make it look like the picture of the one John showed us.

Carl

[cwmoser]

Did anyone we know get this "left hand" Porthole TV?

Carl

[charokeeroad]

I bought that set off of ebay a few weeks ago. I didn't know there was so much interest in it! It's in my garage now waiting to be restored. I can take some pics of it later and post them to my photo bucket.

[cwmoser]

Originally Posted by charokeeroad

I bought that set off of ebay a few weeks ago. I didn't know there was so much interest in it! It's in my garage now waiting to be restored. I can take some pics of it later and post them to my photo bucket.

I think you can make that into a sweet looking TV.
I like the grill cloth and cabinet style.
Lot of potential eye candy there.
Like to see more pictures.

Carl

[charokeeroad]

Will do in the next couple days. Any suggestions on a grill cloth or where I might pick up the missing knob?

John

[Eric H]

Aha! so it was you who outbid me!
Sorry to have run it up so high, I really didn't think it would go that far.

Glad to know someone here got it and not a Fishtanker!