[jpdylon]

I went out this morning to an estate sale that said to have some antiques. Since it was only sunday from 9 till noon, I figured I had a fighting chance to get something, as most sales on saturday get huge crowds.

I arrived to meet the gentleman who owned the estate. His father had passed and left all of his belongings to him. Stepping into this house was like steping back into the 50s. THere was lots of very nice furniture from the late 40s and alot of 50s appliances. However the only TV I saw was from the 80s. I asked the fellow if his father might have kept any old televisions or radios. He told me there was lots of junk in the basement, and led me down to take a look.

In this basement was lots of heath stuff, most of which was sold already, and a few other tube amps and pre-amps. I saw one tv in the back burried under some boxes. It turned out to be a GE tabletop with an early 15" rectangular tube. The cabinet had been destroyed by moistore, and most of the trim and knobs were missing. I then spotted a late 50s whurlitzer jukebox! This was in a well preserved state, and even still had some vinyl inside lined up to play!

I was on my way out thinking I had struck out. I already had plenty of audio gear at home, and I was mainly looking for early color sets. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the edge of a dark mahogany cabinet behind some shower doors that were laying up against it. It was a fairly small cabinet, so I though, ok maybe I'll go home with a neat old radio or something...

I opened the doors expecting to see a tuning dial and a few knobs. What I found was a nice capehart 14" set with a rectangular tube. it was covered in layers upon layers of dust, termite droppings and mold. It had the knobs and a back and the CRT wasn't busted, so I asked the gentlemen what he would want for it. "what's it worth to you?" he asked me. I didn't want to look like a stingy asshat, but I remembered him selling a mint heathkit shortwave transceiver for only 50 bucks!!! I asked him if he would take 20 dollars, and he happily agreed. THe only tough part was the two of us carrying it up a flight of narrow stairs and getting it into my trunk. I don't have alot of room for it, but I hated to leave it behind at that price!

After a few hours of cleaning and repetitive orange oil coatings, it looks pretty good. Its complete at least, and should fix well if the ps or CRT isn't dead.

I wish more people would save their stuff like this guy did.