RCA Experimental Mechanical Console Television Receiver, 1929-1930

THF159545 / RCA Experimental Mechanical Console Television Receiver, 1929-1930
01

Artifact Overview

This experimental television was developed by RCA to explore the potential of mechanical scanning technology. No retail units were produced. Housed in the console cabinet for the 1929 RCA RE-45 Radio/Electrola, its case was intended to house a radio and phonograph; in its television form, the hinged lid allowed for easy access to the Nipkow disk and motors.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Television Receiver

Date Made

1929-1930

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

40.209.4

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)
Steel (Alloy)
Textile materials
Veneer
Wood (Plant material)

Dimensions

Height: 45.5 in
Width: 19.25 in
Length: 27.5 in

Inscriptions

On metal labels on tube platform: UX 245/ UX 250 On metal label in lower left corner interior back: TELEVISION RECEIVER/ TYPE [bl;ank]/ RCA/ SERIAL [blank]/ MAX. INPUT/ VOLTS 105/ 125/ WATTS/ [blank] CYCLES 50/ 60/ PROPERTY OF R.C.A. VICTOR COMPANY, INC. LICENSED ONLY FOR/ EXPERIMENTAL TELEVISION RECEPTION/ RCA VICTOR COMPANY, INC./ CAMDEN, N.J. U.S.A./ NPR 1096 Handwritten on tag inside back: 19171/ Television Receiver/ Scanning disk style/ from RCA On metal tags at top and inside: 19171 On metal tag: UNIT NO. 2