Someone is offering this Philco to me for a good price (free) and wonder if anyone cares to take a guess at model? I'm thinking early 50's - not sure it's all that unique, but the cabinet is claimed to be in excellent shape. I guess I'm on the fence...

http://www.dygit-dev.com/images/radio/philco0.jpg

:wtf: This looks like the photo from the ETF website. No, it IS. It is a VERY rare set! You might ask how the person offering it came to have the photo to send you.

Just found it on the ETF site. Something's not right here! Let's see what the "giver" comes back with.

I think Philco used a similar grill on their B&W consoles at that time too....

There were three B&W models similar to the Model TV123 color set in 1956.

Here's a link to the sales brochure on Tom Genova's site:

http://www.tvhistory.tv/1956-Philco-Brochure1.jpg

Only 500 or so model 123's were produced.

Chuck

This is the first commercial Philco color offering. It was introduced as a 1956 model. The chassis is TV 123, model numbers run 22D54XX series. That looks like a decent example, all the knobs and clean cabinet. It is all Philco design with lots of unique parts. It uses a 21AXP22 metal CRT like the RCA. Not much else is the same. There is a good chance the CRT is OK since the sets didn't run long enough to wear out the picture tube.

There was a field mod kit that provided a box full of part and circuit changes that greatly improved reliability. Once the back is off, it is easy to spot the upgraded sets. It is a worthwhile restoration and has collector value. Good luck if you get it. You will have plenty of help from forum members.

Don

Some 1955 B/W Philcos with similar grill treatment here:

http://www.tvhistory.tv/1955-Philco-Brochure1.jpg

But if it is indeed the color set...WOW! :banana:

jr

I'm having my suspicions, but waiting to hear back. Thanks for the good info!

I would trade most of my roundies for one TV123...