|
Circa 1959 the worlds first all transistor,
battery operated B&W portable TV. It featured a 2" CRT with a
unique reflector/projection lens system that produced a
remarkably good picture (approximately 5" X 7") viewing it at
about 3 feet from set. It was claimed that you could view what
was comparable to a 14" picture tube at 4 feet. The lens/optical
system was unique in that the further away from the set you
were, the larger the image appeared. About 3 1/2 feet was
optimum. The set was 100% engineered, designed and manufactured
in the USA by Philco and a marvelous piece of engineering it
was. Many of the transistors used were specially designed and
hand selected for best performance in this set. Even after all
these years, most of these sets still perform quite well. Of the
ones I've seen that do not work have usually suffered from abuse
or moisture damage. Philco was one of the largest manufactures
of radios and TV's from the late 20's through the 50's. A
belated salute to those great Philco engineers of yesteryear!
The
set came in two color schemes, black w/chrome trim and tan
w/brass trim, both were covered in genuine cowhide. The "Safari"
was 16 1/2" tall & 8" wide, it sold for $250.00.
|