How common (or uncommon) were 24" B&Ws?
 

Often looking at old TV sets wherever they may be seen, I've noticed for a long time that among the B&W sets of the mid-to-late 1950's, 21" sets greatly outnumber 24" sets.

Recently, I've had a chance to acquire old retail catalogs as well as magazines with ads, and I can see the reason why. Before the more rectangular CRTs with the bonded faceplates came in the early 1960's, 24" sets were more expensive that 21"s, almost twice as much, in some cases, and (after late 1956 of so) some 24s were almost expensive as a 21" color TV (e.g. CTC-5 "special" Aldrich).

Any idea just how many 24" B&W sets were produced?

Rob, Michigan, USA

Definitely the 24s weren't as common as 21s, but they weren't rare at all. Most manufacturers had them from the early 50s all the way to the end of the big screen B&W era. There were also 27" B&W tubes, and the DuMont 30" round tube B&W. I have a 1952-ish 24" Magnavox console sitting in the barn. I forgot it was there, until this thread came up. I think I'll go down there today and dust it off, and maybe haul it up to the house. It's a nice full-door console that I got from the original owner last year. (Don't panic, anyone; the barn is weatherproof).

Charles