View Full Version : Philco Safari SCORE!


radiotvnut
11-29-2009, 05:21 PM
Today, I was visiting the local flea market and went into one of the little side buildings. Not seeing anything of interest, I asked the guy if he had any old radios. He pointed out a little metal midget Arvin that I missed (more about that in the antique radio forum). Then, he said "I've got an old big Philco portable radio over here that you may be interested in". As soon as I saw it, I knew what it was and kept my mouth shut. The whole time, my Mother is going "Bryan, you don't want that, do you? It looks too new." To which I replied, "Oh, yes I do". He had $65 on the TV and $25 on the radio when he said, "I'll let you have the Philco for $30 and the little metal radio for $12". SOLD! The TV appears to be in decent cosmetic shape, with original battery and power cord. I fired up the TV; but, the screen does not light and all I can get out of the speaker is some hissing and motorboating. I know the horizontal and vertical oscillator are working as I can hear them as I turn the vertical and horizontal hold controls. I never dreamed I'd find a Philco Safari for $30 in my area. It seems like these surprises always turn up when I'm not looking for them!

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/radiotvnut/2009_1129safari0003.jpg

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/radiotvnut/2009_1129safari0002.jpg

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/radiotvnut/2009_1129safari0001.jpg

Sandy G
11-29-2009, 06:51 PM
Ho-Lee Hannah !

bandersen
11-29-2009, 07:08 PM
Great find - especially in that condition and at that price :thmbsp:

kvflyer
11-29-2009, 07:52 PM
Did you take your mask off after you left the flea? Just kidding... Congratulations and unlike some of the posts on the other forum, I understand why you wanted and grabbed this TV...

radiotvnut
11-29-2009, 09:16 PM
Well, I fired it up again and got a raster this time; but, it went dark after a few seconds. Maybe it's just dirty controls or a bad solder connection.

Eric H
11-29-2009, 09:23 PM
That's a heck of a good score!
I've been interested in those sets but never found one in the right place at the right price.

bgadow
11-29-2009, 10:35 PM
Great find! That would have made my day. I goofed-had a chance to buy one of these about 10 years ago, probably for that same kind of money, and didn't do it. No excuse.

Charlie
11-29-2009, 11:39 PM
Man! What a score! Even if you got a raster for a few seconds, it means there's hope for it! Congradulations!

electronjohn
11-30-2009, 11:53 AM
Beautiful condition! You are one lucky guy!

zenithfan1
11-30-2009, 04:08 PM
Way to go Bryan! That's one hell of a score for 30 bucks!