What Zenith is this?

[Robert Grant]

Going through all the local antique, thrift and junk stores, I happened to come across this interesting Zenith rectangular console.

I've thought for some time that I only had room for one more set, and it could only be a roundie, but this one has a cuteness to it, and it looks to be in pretty good shape.

The set is actually quite compact, but the picture tube measures about 23" diagonal (it would likely have been marketed as a 25" in the day they were allowed to measure tubes by total tube size).

I got the feeling this was "so old it is almost a roundie" from the position of the UHF dial well below the other components, the layout and fonts for the controls, and the provision for an antenna to be connected to "UHF tuner strips" (but no screws, as it has a UHF tuner).

I haven't seen this model in any of the old catalogs I have run across. The label on the rear actually seems to read "17B20", which, of course, is a totally different black and white set (I have one).

Can anyone tell me something about this set from the uploaded pictures?

[radiotvnut]

That's a circa '72 model.

[ctc17]

Most likely has a solid state IF and Chroma Demodulator, still has 12+ tubes in it. Those sets do have a classy 'old look'. IMO they are some of the most robust sets ever made, the crts do not seem to die. They do have resistor, cap and IC failures but the big parts seem unfadeable.
That one does appear to maybe have a replacement crt. I wouldnt hesitate if you like the set.

[DaveWM]

yea I would jump on that looks nice

[Big Dave]

20y1c50

[mwplefty]

Wow. It's like a world of difference between the 1972 19CC19 4-Tube Hybrid and this 1972 Zenith (at least when it comes to a more modern look).

I would've guessed circa 1968 for this set.

[ctc17]

20y would be 69ish. That would be all tube except afc and one video transistor.

[dieseljeep]

Set is probably a 14A9C50. 1970 model year. Please report back with chassis #.

[mwplefty]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

Set is probably a 14A9C50. 1970 model year. Please report back with chassis #.

Oh yes, the "A" usually means 1970 model year. That's the best way to tell the age of these Zeniths. I thought my 19CC19 was from 1976, but then learned the "C" in the chassis number actually means 1972. I guess you learn something new every day.

[ctc17]

Originally Posted by mwplefty

Oh yes, the "A" usually means 1970 model year. That's the best way to tell the age of these Zeniths. I thought my 19CC19 was from 1976, but then learned the "C" in the chassis number actually means 1972. I guess you learn something new every day.

How is your CC working? I have one of those in storage somewhere. Not my favorite although they do have a good picture.

[gellis]

Its a 1972, you can see the model number on the tag, its a c4516w which makes it a '72 and its probably got a 20CC50 cause its a lower end set. If your a tube type guy, then this is a good set because the 20CC50 is full of tubes still.