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Interesting TV. Without closer inspection its origins are unclear. Many off-brand manufacturers used a similar knob configuration, such as Meck, Teleking, Clarion, Teletone, etc, but a conversion is more likely. The big gold mask is a give away. Good assumption on the conversion.
Conversions were usually done for the original owners so they could reuse their original chassis with a new larger screen. Most often the shop would try to use the original cabinet and force the largest picture tube possible, like a 10" to a 14". Where that would not work, a new cabinet was provided as well. New cabinets did not have any brand name so that would explain the absence.
Licensing was not much of an issue in the 50s since there were not lawyers on every corner preparing class action litigation. Most of the GIs were not out of law school yet. Suing a local TV shop would not net much in 1951.
From a business view, it was more profitable to quick turn the trade in TVs of the time. It did not make sense to convert used TVs at shop expense, in hopes of a bigger profit. The time, space and cost would not justify it. Conversions were better financed by the customer.
Smaller screen used TVs were hauled West or to Canada where new stations were just coming on and viewers were desperate. Muntz was driving retail demand for big screens adding more confusion to the mix.
Just a little industry history for the young guys.
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