1939 RCA TRK-12

This beautiful pre-war TV was the set that introduced television to the public at the 1939 New York world's fair. (I think the model at the world's fair actually had a transparent cabinet.)

Some 1,500 of these sets were manufactured, but only about 60 survive. I don't have the money to own more than one or two pre-war sets, so I thought about which set I considered to be the nicest (regardless or rarity) and this is one of only two sets that made my list.

As seen in the photo at the left, this TRK-12 has an oil-filled magnifier attachment that enlarges the projected image on the lid's mirror. The previous owner isn't sure whether this magnifier was specifically designed for the RCA TRK-12, but it looks and fits like it might have been.

1946 RCA 621

This early 7" tabletop TV was reportedly designed in 1941, but WWII stopped production. The set was produced for only a month or so in 1946, and then RCA's model 630 (with its 10-inch screen) superseded the model 621.

This set has been restored to working condition.

This model has the dark mahogany cabinet (refinished). A walnut cabinet and blonde cabinet were also produced.

1946 RCA 621

This was the first TV offered to the American public. It was developed and designed prior to Word War II, but was not offered for sale until the war ended. It was offered for only six weeks (about 17,000 were made), and then was replaced by a new model with a larger screen. The blonde finish is somewhat rare.

This TV has been restored to working condition.

1947 RCA 721

This was the redesigned version of the RCA 621 (shown above). It has a 10 inch screen.

This TV has been restored to working condition.

1948 RCA 8TS30

This wide table top television with its 10 inch screen was offered by RCA between 1946 and 1949. The chassis was also used by several other manufacturers (e.g., Fada, Air King) with minor cabinet variations.

This TV has been restored to working condition.