Hi all, looks like I'll be doing some reading here!, didn't plan to do this, but then couldn't resist this very cool old set, which I believe is an HMV E1-A1 ? I'm told that it works, but since getting it home, I haven't even plugged it in yet... Is there anything I should do\know or check before doing so? Not sure of my plans with this yet, but I might be looking to bring it up to date internally while still keeping that charming appearance! depending on current condition\working status, and how I might affect any value, input welcome on this front too! Thanks again...

I have since taking pics been given the piece of glass which I'm told is original to the unit, sitting on top of the timber?

https://imgur.com/a/75H6myd

Hi Jester, and welcome.

A few important tips:

DO NOT PLUG IT IN! You may well damage something that cannot be replaced.

Can you find out how long ago it last worked? has it been restored internally? If it was definitely within the last few years it might be OK to try it. I would use a "dim bulb tester" (google it) to be sure.

More than 10 years in hibernation? You'll need it carefully checked out by an expert.

The HMV E1-A1, especially in that high-end cabinet, is rare and valuable, being the first model TV made and sold in Australia by HMV in 1956.. I used to service TVs back in the day for many years and I only ever saw one in that cabinet. The 17" E1 is rare because HMV moved quickly to the 21 inch F series. The E1-A1 was the subject of many modifications that must have cost EMI a lot, it's probable they lost money on that model. The original UK-sourced CRT and EHT transformer were the first to go, most failed under warranty and were replaced with much better local parts.

PLEASE DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER REPLACING THE INSIDES! (shudder!!!) It will render the TV worthless.

Although old, it is technically excellent and capable of very good results. But restoring it can be a big job.
I'd be happy to help you with this worthwhile project.

There is quite a lot of info on this forum about restoring this model TV. A search on HMV E1 should find most of it. Here's one of mine:

https://vintage-radio.com.au/default.asp?f=6&th=163#1176

You will need one of these. Can you assemble a kit?

https://vintage-radio.com.au/default.asp?f=6&th=214&offset=3

Thanks for the reply! I had had a quick search and read, but still need to do more...

Ok, I can put a dim bulb tester together this weekend, and give it a run...

Looks to be complete and clean inside, I like my chances! Still not sure what the final aim here is, am I allowed to ask for a rough idea what it might be worth, as is, presume working?..

Thanks!

Edit: Would love to find a replacement for the broken lower badge, any pointers as to if/where one might be found would be much appreciated too!

For the dim bulb, for a TV, consider getting one of those heat lamps to use as your dim bulb. A 60 watt lamp is OK for a radio but it won't let enough voltage through to let anything much happen on a TV. You'll need at least 200 watts of lamp.

Re the badge, do you have a 3D printer? Those badges are made of unobtainium.

A nice clear picture of the underside of the chassis (you'll have to unbolt it and slide the chassis with CRT attached out of the cabinet) will tell me if it will need re-capping (replacing all the wax paper capacitors). Unless it's had a full overhaul in the 60s that included a re-cap it will. Email the pic to Brad to post it here so we can all take a look and/or my email is unhidden.

These are among the few TVs that will resolve the 5MHz resolution grate on a test card through the antenna terminals and that maintain accurate black level. A joy to watch when working properly.

Ok, so I've sat and done nothing with it yet.. If I am to plug it in as is, and it does have all original components, what is the worst that can happen?, and how likely is it to happen? I have to admit, I'm a bit torn here! I'm not the one to collect and cherish these things as they should be, but it was cool, and close so I grabbed it when I could! If there's anyone that has an interest in it as is, feel free to make me an offer? I'm in the Hobart area, Tasmania..

Hi Jester

You are certain to find a collector in Tassie, I'm too far away in Sydney and I have too little space. Sigh!!

PLEASE PLEASE resist the temptation to power it up! You are almost certain to do some internal damage if a fuse doesn't blow immediately. Electrolytics make a big mess when they explode, one of the more common things that are likely to happen. CRT burn due to scan failure is another thing that could happen. You can no longer get CRTs rebuilt.

What's it worth? "Whatever someone is prepared to pay for it" is the short answer. Depends very much on the cabinet condition and whether the CRT is good. A good CRT makes it worth buying!

If you can use a multimeter, there is a simple way to test if you have a good CRT without powering up the TV. See

https://vintage-radio.com.au/home.asp?f=6&th=201#1516

Pitchers in Albury (on this forum) collects HMV consoles.....