Zenith fiber optic sign score

[Tugboat]

This is the most recent addition to my collection of lights signs and toys. The only thing I need to do is replace the back cover (it's not original and fits poorly.

It's hard to capture the lighting effect. I did one with flash to show the sign more clearly and one without to try and capture the lighting.

[bgadow]

This is a great sign-I had one given to me a few years ago by a dealer that was closing; it might be, out of all the stuff I have, my wife's favorite! She has to show it off to everyone. It is a neat effect. Bad when the sign is more entertaining then most of the stuff on the actual TV. Mine is missing the cover, too.

[radiotvnut]

Nice sign. Wonder what year it is? Early '70's maybe?

[Tugboat]

The cabinet build tells me the late 60s to early 70s since it's all metal and uses rivets to hold it together. Inside it uses thick fiber optics like the ones used in novelty lamps from the 60s. Still, if I have my facts correct, Zenith didn't create the Chromacolor line until the very early '70s, right? They probably used the cabinet designs and parts from earlier signs for this one.

I need to oil the motor a bit, but other than that, it works like a charm. Even has several extra fiber strands for backup use. Can't see how one would break; The strands are thick.

[zenithfan1]

Congrats on a great find! Zenith introduced Chromacolor in 1969 IIRC. The sign could be from '69 or '70 due to how its made. Doug has one of those too, they are really cool. I want three.

[Tugboat]

There was one on "that" auction site and the seller wanted 99.00 with 67.00 shipping. The sign was dirty inside and out and the internal lamp unit was replaced with a socket and regular bulb. I bet the fibers didn't light up very well without the concentrated light from the projector bulb. No one bid on it. I wonder if he'll relist it.

I got lucky with mine. Less than 40.00 delivered (and it worked).