A Public Message to Pilot

Hey, that's pretty trick.

Looks like that set uses a 12AP4 picture tube and how amazing that it still appears that the cathode has fair emission; typically these pre-war TVs are not only hard to come by, but also have picture tubes that are completely DONE. A good 12AP4 today is worth a couple of thousand dollars and the big deal is that they CANNOT be rebuilt because they are made of pyrex glass. I don't think at that time European or British tube (or valve) numbering was standard and I'll wager money that the picture tube was in fact imported from America.

Though that tube looks to have a fair amount if ion burn if you look closely at the dark spot in the center of the picture. Very common on sets made prior to 1950; before offset cathode guns and ion traps.

The set's obviously been restored, the cabinet is in too-good-of-condition to be original and the mirror on the lid is not what would have come on that set originally. The mirror in service in the video is a modern foil-backed glass mirror like we use in the bathroom which is not correct... actually the original mirror was made the old fashioned way where they used a process called 'silvering' and is actually more appreciable for this type of application. Not to mention that it's simply impossible for a set of that vintage to still be working without an electronic resto.

Very kewl, and a wonderful demonstration!

Pilot: Resident TV and Cock expert.

i saw this on the news.

also that was interesting to read Pilot. you certainly know your stuff.