Here's an ok set that should be saved
 

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/atq/1759207062.html
I like the cabinet, I'd hate to see someone try to put an LCD in there. Price is reasonable. They're a bit off on the year, I say '57 ish. No affil.

Hey, that's where I grew up :)
My parents still live there - maybe I can convince them to take it in :scratch2:

Help the guy save it so someone can turn it into an aquarium? Huh?

Why not:

I emailed them that I would take it if noone else wanted it. I don't really want it right now but its too close, cheap, convenient etc. I told them as long as whoever gets it doesn't butcher it I'd be happy:yes: So Bob if your parents want it you can still get it but if not, I don't think harm will come to it.

LOL - I was kidding about that - go for it. I moved out a couple decades ago but still have electronics junk to haul out of their basement. If I showed up with that set, they wouldn't let me through the door :D

Looks as though I'm getting another set. Owner is calling me later today and is very interested in my offer.

Another Set
 

Ok, I went and picked this up today, no pictures yet. The wood cabinet is in excellent condition! Then I figured out why. It is probably a '58 not a '53 and it was sitting in this guys grandparents closet for at least his entire life and he was in his mid 30's. Took the back off and it does have a brightener:no: but other than a lot of soot from something burning up years ago it seems pretty original. I probably won't start this for a while but you never know. If I run into problems with the '50 console, I'll need to work on something:yes:. Anyways the model number looks to be 21D848 but it is real tough to read. Also it looks as though most of these RCA's had 4 digits after the D designation. Anyone got a schematic? If so I would get the caps right away. Probably won't have pictures up until tommorrow.

1956 not '57 or '58
 

Did a little more research and this is what it is exactly. Once I realized it was a 6 and not an eight it fell into place. The light and dark really look cool together.

1956 - (21D648) - 21" swivel console, wood (walnut or blonde or birch), "Rittenhouse", $339.95

Again if someone had a schematic that would be great! If not I'll probably just go to Sam's again. There making a killing off of me!

Very cool. I love finding sets that have been hidden away for years and years. I looked through my service manuals but could only find RCAs for '55 and '57 - no '56 :( I bet someone on this forum has it.