Philco ID

[mbear2k]

Someone is offering this Philco to me for a good price (free) and wonder if anyone cares to take a guess at model? I'm thinking early 50's - not sure it's all that unique, but the cabinet is claimed to be in excellent shape. I guess I'm on the fence...

[Einar72]

This looks like the photo from the ETF website. No, it IS. It is a VERY rare set! You might ask how the person offering it came to have the photo to send you.

[mbear2k]

Just found it on the ETF site. Something's not right here! Let's see what the "giver" comes back with.

[leadlike]

I think Philco used a similar grill on their B&W consoles at that time too....

[ChuckA]

There were three B&W models similar to the Model TV123 color set in 1956.

Here's a link to the sales brochure on Tom Genova's site:

http://www.tvhistory.tv/1956-Philco-Brochure1.jpg

Only 500 or so model 123's were produced.

Chuck

[Don Lindsly]

This is the first commercial Philco color offering. It was introduced as a 1956 model. The chassis is TV 123, model numbers run 22D54XX series. That looks like a decent example, all the knobs and clean cabinet. It is all Philco design with lots of unique parts. It uses a 21AXP22 metal CRT like the RCA. Not much else is the same. There is a good chance the CRT is OK since the sets didn't run long enough to wear out the picture tube.

There was a field mod kit that provided a box full of part and circuit changes that greatly improved reliability. Once the back is off, it is easy to spot the upgraded sets. It is a worthwhile restoration and has collector value. Good luck if you get it. You will have plenty of help from forum members.

Don

[jr_tech]

Some 1955 B/W Philcos with similar grill treatment here:

http://www.tvhistory.tv/1955-Philco-Brochure1.jpg

But if it is indeed the color set...WOW!

jr

[mbear2k]

I'm having my suspicions, but waiting to hear back. Thanks for the good info!

[bgadow]

I would trade most of my roundies for one TV123...