1950s RCA b&w tv model 31-5-522 - Videokarma.org TV - Video

jln1966 · #1 06-24-2008, 12:26 PM

I stopped at this house this morning to look at a radio and a record player. The radio was nothing I wanted but the record player was a RCA 45 changer. I went into another room and there was this RCA console tv from the 50s. Its a black and white set with the 2 knobs on the front. The cabinet had interesting styling. The front is wood and the sides and top are blond. The cord was dry rotted and the plug was gone so it has been sitting many years. There is a jack on the back to use the record player on it so she must have run the 45 player through the tv. It said Golden Throat on the back. I offered her 10.00 for the tv but she said she was going to run it in the auction. I doubt it would bring that much. I would like to get it and the 45 player. What would they be worth?
John

electroking · #2 06-24-2008, 02:28 PM

A fairly rare 1974 Zenith (one of the last black & white tube type Zenith
TV sets) in extremely good physical condition, probably requiring minimal
restoration work, recently sold for 51 bucks on Ebay. This TV is older,
probably a bit more rare, but requiring much more work, so I would not
go over $50 if I were you, and I would not offer more than $25 in the
bargaining process.

I still hope you get it, and the 45 changer as well. Good luck, other
opinions invited of course.

Regards.

kbmuri · #3 06-24-2008, 03:06 PM

Probably 21-S-522 (the numbers you provided don't follow RCA's convention).

Circa 1954.

Electroking's advice is correct.

jln1966 · #4 06-24-2008, 04:09 PM

It probably is 31-s-522. It was relatively dark in the house as the power was turned off. I was thinking about offering her 25.00 for both pieces. The tv will need recapped and maybe some tubes replaced. The changer will need overhauled as well.
John

kbmuri · #5 06-24-2008, 05:21 PM

Probably not 31 either, but we'll see when you get it into the light.

bgadow · #6 06-25-2008, 11:34 AM

Those sets, even in mint condition and working, often go begging. If someone bids against you at the auction, find out who they are-could be a good contact. But I doubt there will be anyone. Now, the record changer is another story...

jln1966 · #7 07-05-2008, 03:45 PM

I talked to the lady about the tv today. She quoted a price of 20.00 for it and 15.00 for the 45 changer. That would be 35.00. I was thinking more like 25.00 for both. I told her I would think about it. I may offer her the 25.00 and see what she says. Would that tv be worth that much? The good thing is that it is 4 blocks from me so basically no gas expense and it appeared to be in good cosmetic condition. I will see.
John

electroking · #8 07-05-2008, 05:05 PM

Good to know this thread is still alive. Don't tell the lady, but I think she's got her
numbers mixed, the changer being possibly more desirable than the TV... You're close
to getting both, it's up to you by now. I told you I wouldn't go over $50, but her
asking price is below that, so you guess what I would do, especially if very little
gas is involved (this matters a lot these days...). Good luck!

***Eric H*** · #9 07-05-2008, 06:49 PM

I'd get it for $35, you'd be hard pressed to find the 45 changer by itself for that much.

kbmuri · #10 07-05-2008, 07:55 PM

Yes, get it now.

jln1966 · #11 07-06-2008, 07:46 PM

I got the tv and record player today for 35.00. It is model 21-5-522. It is a one owner set. The cabinet is in very nice condition. The picture tube was replaced on 1/20/1968. The warranty card was inside the set when I took the back off. The chassis is in great condition also. The cord is shot but that is minor.
John