[Jayce]

What is the best (non-projection) Philco radio-phono-TV console combination from the round CRT era? I'm sort of curious as these seem to be appearing more often in my area and I must admit to having a soft spot to these early 'entertainment centers'.

[Bob Andersen]

I think they only made a few combos with a round CRT and they all use the same basic chassis. What models are you seeing ?

10" 49-1077 and 49-1076. The 1076 is my favorite.

http://www.tvhistory.tv/1949-Philco-49-1046-10inUSA.JPG
http://www.tvhistory.tv/1949-Philco-49-1077-10in.JPG

12" 49-1278: http://www.tvhistory.tv/1949-Philco-49-1278-12in.JPG

I also like the odd vertically stacked 14" combo 50T-1477 with the phono on top http://tvontheporch.com/images/img_4991_564x892.jpg

[Jayce]

I keep seeing the 49-1077 style and a slightly different 12 inch roundie. Also have seen a few 14 inch combos with the square CRT, but they seem to be demanding insane prices from the sellers.

[Arran]

 You must mean that nutbar on fleabay that is always peddling old industrial junk at tremendous prices (basically worth scrap value really), or used car parts . Some of his combo units have been on the market for three or four years, which isn't surprising since he wants $3500 for one, I really have to wonder if he's been using psychotropic drugs to be honest.
Regards
Arran

[Jayce]

Hey Bob,

I can see why you like the 49-1076, it is one of the more snazzier looking TV consoles of the time. Coincidentally, I was at the electronics and industrial salvage place I rescued my 1973 Zenith set from last year and guess what I found? A virtually complete Philco 49-1278 console sitting between a couple junk pianos on a pallet. Has a thick layer of dust on it, but I think it might be a diamond in the rough and I decided to rescue it before it got recycled. (That might not have happened as the owner of the place does have an eye for things that can be saved.) Anyways, it is currently in my van and other than a missing back panel, a broken door hinge, and the black paint flaking on the safety glass, it looks ok for something that has sat for ages. I'll post pictures of it in a separate thread in the TV sub-forum later. This set looks just like the 49-1076 and I think I might have a spare 12 inch CRT for it.

[Jayce]

Oops! It is a Philco 49-1275, which I can't find any info on. Same cabinet as the 49-1076.