The early technology for television was developed between 1876-84, but it wouldn’t be called “television” until 1900. A decade later, the first short film shot entirely in Hollywood was produced, In Old California. In April 1923, the first commercial production with synchronized sound was played in New York City.
Simultaneously, research on how to relay information to TVs and then transform said information into a picture had been ongoing since the late 19th century. Finally, post-Depression & WWII, TV technology was accessibility priced for a global community looking to relax and enjoy life again. The popularity of television sets in homes boomed in the early 1950s.
From there, the world hasn’t looked back. The development of TV technology can be tracked through vintage television sets as the screen get consistently larger while the pictures gain clarity. Flatscreen TVs with LED, HD, or now, UHD do not yet qualify as antiques, so you will find only box TVs in this list. Throwbacks, perfect for collectors or retro gamers!
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Are Antique TVs Worth Anything?
Rarity largely determines this answer. Antique TVs can range from under $100 to $20,000—depending on the model. There are two types of rarity: production rarity and age rarity. There are some models with a lower number originally produced that are rare finds, then there are early TV models from the 1940s and 50s that are difficult to find in working (or repairable) condition, age rarity. These two categories are going to be the more expensive range. TV models that were produced on a large-scale after about 1965 make up the lower end.
List of Vintage Television Sets
I) From the 1950s
1. Hoffman TV Bar
New/Used: Used, repurposed
Color: Black
Price: $1300
This Hoffman brand television has been gutted and repurposed as a mini bar, complete with mirrors and LED lighting. The original speakers are still functional and updated for Bluetooth connection (or an aux cable)!
2. RCA Victor
New/Used: Ready for repurposing
Color: Gold
Price: $176
This is a gutted RCA Victor; all the electronics have been removed and it is ready for a new use.
3. RCA Victor #2
New/Used: Used, needs renovation
Color: Cream
Price: $350
This Victor has all the inside pieces still inside—however it only buzzes when plugged in so it needs some renovating to be fully functional.
4. Samsung for Kmart SK9B617M
New/Used: Good used condition
Color: Off-white
Price: $75
A dial-controlled B&W television with mid-century styling. This was a classy TV in its time, it is operable although the tall antenna is missing & it has minor surface damage.
5. Zenith Brand Cat Bed
New/Used: Used, non-operable
Color: Tan
Price: $500
This 1950s TV has been gutted of the electronic insides and repurposed into a cat bed—so might not be the use you are looking for, but it is adorable and unique for its purpose!
6. Zenith TV Bar
New/Used: Used, non-operable
Color: Brown
Price: $1550
Another 1950s TV repurposed into a mini-bar: mirrored interior, LED lighting, and Bluetooth-enabled speakers. This Zenith would have been a very popular TV at the time.
7. Zenith Brand 1512J
New/Used: Used working condition
Color: Teal
Price: $850
A classy 1950s TV, this Zenith is in excellent condition. Fully functional and in good cosmetic condition, it is ready to add a dash of mid-century style to your life!
II) From the 1960s
1. Braun FS 80
New/Used: Good working condition
Color: White
Price: $7999
This is a rare find. Complete and fully functional, this Braun brand B&W TV was constructed in Germany in 1964.
2. MCM Display Model
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Orange
Price: $450
This is a MCM TV body that was never filled out with electronics—purposefully. It was used as a model in Italian stores through the late 60s and 70s.
3. RCA Victor New Vista
New/Used: Used display condition
Color: Off-white
Price: $150
A sleek 1969 TV with the controls in a unique placement: a panel popping-up from the top surface. This TV does not turn on, so it’s being sold as a display piece.
4. Start-3
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Wood grain
Price: $690
A TV produced in the USSR during the 1960s, the name translates to Start-3. It is in excellent condition functionally and cosmetically—note the bent plywood casing.
5. Sony Micro 5-303W
New/Used: Used condition, non-functional
Color: Black
Price: $89
A miniature TV with a folding, extendable antenna. It comes with a carrying case, it is also not fully functional.
III) From the 1970s
1. General Electric
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Light green
Price: $400
A lovely green casing highlights this 9” TV. I-t is fully functional with a fairly clear picture still!
2. General Electric 12XB9104Y
New/Used: Used
Color: Yellow
Price: $250
A yellow plastic casing makes this 1979 piece stand out! It is a unique piece, although unclear what it functions like.
3. Iskra 130-1 trim
New/Used: Good used condition
Color: Beige
Price: $228
This is a portable television model originating from Yugoslavian Iskra brand. It has top-panel controls and is in full functional condition!
4. Panasonic Tr-005
New/Used: Good used condition
Color: Silver
Price: $995
This is a quintessentially Space Age design, with rounded edges and a nice silver-chrome finish. This is a classy throwback to the mid-century period!
5. Panasonic Tr-729U
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Cream
Price: $143
This is a functional solid-state TV by Panasonic. It is in good condition, fully functional and ready to use!
6. RCA XL-100
New/Used: Good working condition
Color: Tan
Screen Size: 13”
Price: $169
Some scuffing to the case and a patch on the cord shows this machine has been well-used and loved. It is fully functional and ready for a continued life with you!
7. Sanyo Portable
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Tan
Screen Size: 12”
Price: $119
The on/off knob is missing and there is a cig burn on the top of the frame; otherwise, this black-and-white TV case is in good operable condition and ready to add some mid-century charm to your life!
8. Sears B&W
New/Used: Working condition
Color: Red
Screen Size: 11.5”
Price: $161
This TV is tested to power-on and produce sound, capabilities beyond that are buyer-determined. It is a lovely piece in a unique red casing, eye-catching!
9. Toshiba C099
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Black
Price: $276
An early Toshiba model, replete with long antennas and front-face dials. It is in good cosmetic condition and fully functional…for its era, it is analog technology.
10. Videoton Tünde
New/Used: Good used condition
Color: Orange
Price: $210
This TV was designed and constructed in 1970s Hungary, a rarer origin point. It is in good condition, functional and ready for use!
11. Westport Brand
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Cream
Screen Size: 12”
Price: $200
This is a fully functional space-age style television. The antenna is broken, but it turns on and connects to other devices smoothly. It is in good cosmetic condition as well!
IV) From the 1980s
1. Bentley 100C
New/Used: Good used condition
Color: Gray
Screen Size: 5”
Price: $18
A portable 5” TV with VHF & UHF selection options. Bright, Contrast, & Volume dials on the front allow you to fine-tune the display as well.
2. Dayton DCT-1311
New/Used: Good used condition
Color: Wood Grain & black
Screen Size: 13”
Price: $169
A 1984 home television, complete with knobs and dials to the right side of the screen instead of a controller.
3. General Electric Performance Orb
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Black
Screen Size: 12”
Price: $169
This ’82 tabletop TV is in good cosmetic condition. The lower knob control is missing, but all functions are working fully.
4. Hitachi CT1301
New/Used: Good used condition
Color: Gray
Screen Size: 13”
Price: $180
In working condition, no damage on the screen, and antenna intact—this is an excellent vintage TV find! (Not to mention a classy look…)
5. Iskara Brand
New/Used: Used working condition
Color: Tan
Price: $170
Founded in Kranj, Slovenia in 1947, Iskara (translates as Spark) is still a leading brand in the area. This TV was manufactured in 1980s Yugoslavia. This machine is in good condition and fully functional, note that it is wired with a European 220V plug.
6. JVC Portable
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Offwhite
Price: $40
An AC or DC powered portable TV by JVC. This machine turns on, but it’s unclear how far it is functional beyond that!
7. Kapsch Viennastar
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Gray
Price: $175
This television is German made by Kapsch. It is in good condition, a beautiful piece. Be aware that it is a European 220V power cord & plug.
8. Panasonic Travelvision
New/Used: Used, restoration required
Color: White
Screen Size: 1.5”
Price: $40
Very cool miniature TV for travel, unfortunately it is not currently charging and therefore inoperable. It would either make a great display piece or a restoration project.
9. RCA Playmate
New/Used: Good lightly used condition
Color: Wood grain
Screen Size: 9”
Price: $125
This Playmate still has the original RCA tag attached, it is in excellent repair and good functional condition—although it doesn’t currently receive channels.
10. Sony TV-131
New/Used: Good functional condition
Color: Tan
Screen Size: 13”
Price: $149
Simple and clear-cut, this TV model was intended to be easily transportable. It is in good condition, with only minor wear and full functionality.
11. VTG Sampo
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Deep green
Screen Size: 12”
Price: $99
This TV features a nice deep green casing, instead of the typical black. It is a B&W screen, more rare by the ‘80s. The machine is in overall good condition, fully functional.
12. Zenith System 3
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Space Command Gray
Screen Size: 13”
Price: $200
Zenith brand was a forerunner in the 1950s but continued producing their own brand until they became a subsidiary of LG Electronics in 1999. This machine is in good condition, fully functional and in good cosmetic condition.
IV) From the 1990s
1. Memorex Disney Princess Set
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Pink & purple
Screen Size: 13”
Price: $200
This set included a TV, DVD player, detachable speakers, & a remote control—the age of the pieces mean they have a few funny quarks but overall, it’s in good condition cosmetically and functionally.
2. Sanyo DS13204
New/Used: Good used condition
Color: Tan
Screen Size: 13”
Price: $90
This TV was designed with early video gaming systems in mind, a front A/V input allowing for easy connection. This is a great display if you’re a retro video game aficionado.
3. Sharp 13F-M100
New/Used: Black
Color: n/a
Price: $68
AC powered, with on/off, volume, & channel controls on the front face—this is a straight-forward TV out of the 1990s.
4. Sony Trinitron
New/Used: Used excellent condition
Color: Black
Screen Size: 24”
Price: $1211
The Trinitron line was well-known for its display quality during the 90s, this one was likely produced in the early ‘90s. This machine is in excellent condition, with minimal wear. It comes with a remote and service manual.
V) Retro TVs
1. 1940s Pilot Radio TV
New/Used: Good condition, inoperable
Color: Grey
Screen Size: 3”
Price: $250
This machine features a tiny 3” screen in the center of the front face—one of the very first portable TVs.
2. Admiral Brand
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Tan
Price: $177
A dial-controlled mid-century style TV, it works well, turning on, but doesn’t catch channels (as they’re all digital nowadays).
3. Capehart Decorative
New/Used: Used, heavy wear
Color: Brown
Price: $295
A Capehart TV cabinet that has been heavily worn, this piece is being sold as a decorative piece rather than a functional TV.
4. Crosley 11-445MU
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Brown
Price: $300
A TV in a lovely wood case, this TV has been maintained in a museum’s storage for a while. It’s in good functional condition.
5. Curtis RT068
New/Used: Good used condition, manual included
Color: Black
Screen Size: 5”
Price: $76
A combination TV & AM/FM radio receiver with a headphone jack for private listening.
6. Emerson Brand
New/Used: Good working condition
Color: Tan
Price: $175
Space age looks and front-panel dials suggests a mid-century origin point for this TV. It is in good overall condition, and fully functional.
7. Emerson EWC0902
New/Used: Good used condition
Color: Black
Screen Size: 9”
Price: $170
This 9” TV is designed to function off AC or DC power, so it can work in a vehicle (although securing straps are missing) or at home. It has a built-in VCR player & a remote control.
8. General Electric BAL202-VY
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Black and white
Price: $75
An alarm clock and TV in one made by GE. This machine turns on, but it is unclear if it can still connect to channels.
9. Goldstar Travel
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Gold
Price: $30
A portable TV/radio in good condition, minimal cosmetic damage and fully functional. It has a headphone jack for private listening, with side dials for controls.
10. JVC Videosphere
New/Used: Good working condition
Color: White
Price: $350
This space-helmet sphere is in good condition, with only minor surface wear. The screen inside is also in good condition, and ready for use.
11. Memorex 5.5”
New/Used: Good used condition
Color: Blue
Screen Size: 5.5”
Price: $59
This miniature (by today’s standards) TV will operate with a VCR reader … although it’s a matter of buyer’s curiosity to see what else it can cooperate with.
12. Portavision Memorex
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Blue
Price: $50
This Portavision machine comes with a Sony case in matching colors, it has been well-cared for and is in excellent condition.
13. RCA SpaceSaver Colortrak
New/Used: Used working condition
Color: White
Screen Size: 9”
Price: $150
This RCA TV is designed to be “space saving” for its age, excellent for a retro gaming experience! It’s functional and comes with a remote control.
14. Rhapsody TVS-628
New/Used: Used
Color: Black
Screen Size: 4.5”
Price: $45
A miniature TV controlled by sliding dials on the front face. The power cord is a replacement.
15. Sears Roebuck Wood Grain
New/Used: Good apparently working condition
Color: Gold & wood
Screen Size: 13”
Price: $50
This is a lovely mid-century styled TV with front panel knob controls and a B&W screen.
16. Tele ELTVBW2
New/Used: Used good condition
Color: Black
Screen Size: 5.5”
Price: $75
A portable B&W television & radio combo with both AC & DC power. It is in excellent condition and ready for use!
