Came across a feature article showcasing the new 1939-model sets, which I thought would be of interest:

http://aliquippa.tumblr.com/post/46604851462/a-1939-feature-story-from-radio-today

Am I correct in assuming that at least a few of these were never sold, or perhaps not even actually built?

Jeff Martin
Chicago, IL

Thanks for that great link. Actually most of those sets were produced and sold to the public. The only ones that I have not ever seen existing example of are the very European looking American Television console (top right) and swivel-tube console at the bottom, and the lift-top Garod console at the bottom also. The most common (about 75 known) is the RCA TRK-12/120 mirror-in-the-lid console, all the others are extremely rare often with one or two reported existing. All are $8,000-10,000+ sets today.

Here are all the prewar sets that were made in the U.S. and around the world:

http://www.earlytelevision.org/prewar_gallery.html

Here are all the prewar sets that were made in the U.S. and around the world:

http://www.earlytelevision.org/prewar_gallery.html

Wow Steve, I was surprised to see the existence of an American Television VK-5! It would be great if the owner would share photo's of one the most unusually styled TV's ever made!

He did share pictures. Here they are:

http://www.earlytelevision.org/atc_kinet.html

He did share pictures. Here they are:

http://www.earlytelevision.org/atc_kinet.html

Awesome Steve! It would be great to see the set completely restored. Unique barely begins to describe it!

I would love to have it in the museum's collection. Maybe someday.