When TV Sets Were the Stars
Back before flat screens and smart remotes, televisions had presence. They hummed, glowed, and looked like furniture—or sometimes like something out of a spaceship. Today, collectors are hunting these vintage beauties for their craftsmanship, nostalgia, and sometimes surprising resale value. From space-age spheres to wood-paneled wonders, here are twenty retro TVs that are truly worth collecting.
Bentley 100C
Compact and stylish, the Bentley 100C packed impressive technology into a portable 5-inch screen. Released during the golden age of personal gadgets, it was one of the first TVs to combine both VHF and UHF tuning. The metal-gray casing and analog dials scream retro cool—perfect for any mid-century display shelf.
Bentley TV/radio from 1986 model 100c, Vintage Products & More
Dayton DCT-1311
Released in 1984, this Dayton model represents the twilight of knob-controlled TVs. The DCT-1311’s wood-grain finish and right-hand dials recall a simpler era when you had to earn your channel change. It’s a favorite among collectors who appreciate the tactile charm of turning a dial rather than pressing a button.
mini tv analoga Daytron dct-5002, daniel adame
General Electric Performance Orb
The name alone sounds futuristic—and it was, back in 1982. The General Electric Performance Orb came with a rounded, space-inspired design that felt ahead of its time. Even without a remote, this TV offered reliable performance and a distinct aesthetic. Despite missing a lower control knob in many models, it remains a collector’s gem for its unique shape and brand heritage.
1979 GE Performance Television Portable Color TV Set, shango066
Hitachi CT1301
The Hitachi CT1301 combines Japanese engineering with timeless design. Known for crisp performance and durable construction, it was one of the top 13-inch televisions of its day. What makes it particularly collectible is its sleek gray casing and fully intact antenna. Working units with no screen damage are increasingly rare.
1985 Hitachi CT13C2 Portable Color Television, Dan O'Connor
Iskara Brand
Made in 1980s Yugoslavia, this Iskara TV brings a touch of Cold War intrigue to any collection. “Iskara” translates to “spark,” and it’s fitting—the brand was a powerhouse in Slovenia and remains respected today. The tan exterior and minimalist design reflect European tastes of the era. Since it runs on a 220V European plug, collectors in the U.S. often use converters, but its uniqueness makes it absolutely worth the effort.
Customer Repair - Iskra Siroka Import Vintage TV Service Mullard Repairs!, The Studio Workshop
Kapsch Viennastar
German engineering meets minimalist elegance in the Kapsch Viennastar. With its gray finish and solid-state build, it’s both durable and dignified. Because it was made for the European market, it’s a rare find outside the continent—especially in working order. For collectors of international tech, the Viennastar is a conversation starter that exudes sophistication.
Kapsch Viennastar 550 transistor TV 70s TV Retro Vintage, Retro-IF Реtро-Іo
Panasonic Travelvision
This white, 1.5-inch screen marvel looks like a toy, but it was a serious gadget for travelers. The Travelvision was Panasonic’s answer to portable entertainment long before smartphones existed. While most surviving units no longer power on, they’re beloved as display pieces. Restored versions can command surprising prices, especially among collectors who love micro-technology curiosities.
1982 Panasonic Travelvision TR-1020P 1.5" TV/Radio, Dan O'Connor
RCA Playmate
The RCA Playmate is a true American classic. With its warm wood-grain finish and compact 9-inch screen, it epitomized 1970s living rooms. RCA even included the original tag on many models, making intact examples feel fresh from the factory. Though it no longer receives modern digital channels, the Playmate remains a fan favorite among mid-century décor lovers.
Show-n-tell of a 1980 RCA "Playmate" 9" model AER095L black and white TV., Jordan Pier
Sony TV-131
Sony’s reputation for dependable design was alive and well in this tan 13-inch model. The TV-131 was portable, simple, and perfectly engineered for small-space living. Collectors prize it for its sturdy build and subtle aesthetic—qualities that defined Sony’s electronics during the late 1970s. Working models still display surprisingly crisp black-and-white images.
Sony 13" CRT TV KV-13M31 DEMO, Vintage AV
Zenith System 3
Zenith’s System 3 was a triumph of American innovation. Known for its “Space Command” remote system and durable design, it bridged the gap between analog craftsmanship and modern convenience. This gray beauty remains highly collectible, especially as Zenith later became part of LG Electronics.
1988 Zenith System 3 Console Television, Tr3vor42532
Memorex Disney Princess Set
Yes, it’s pink. Yes, it’s plastic. And yes—it’s absolutely collectible. The Memorex Disney Princess TV/DVD combo from the 1990s is a nostalgia powerhouse. Complete with detachable speakers and whimsical flourishes, it’s every ‘90s kid’s dream come true.Collectors snap these up for their rarity and charm.
Disney Princess CRT TV For The Modern Web, RetroTechy
Sanyo DS13204
If you gamed on a Nintendo or Sega console in the ‘90s, this was the TV you wanted. The Sanyo DS13204 was built for early gaming systems, featuring front A/V inputs that made connecting consoles a breeze. Today, retro gamers seek these out for authenticity. Clean models that still work with old consoles can fetch around $100—a bargain for pure nostalgia.
Watch tv on a 2006 Sanyo DS13204 CRT TV!, Kenneth’s Vintage Junk
Sony Trinitron
Few TVs are as legendary as the Sony Trinitron. Known for its vibrant color and sharp resolution, this 24-inch powerhouse dominated living rooms in the ‘90s. Because of its enduring reputation for quality, collectors still pay over $1,000 for pristine units. The Trinitron remains a holy grail for serious retro TV fans, often used for vintage gaming setups or art installations.
CRT Spotlight - The Sony KV-1207 - A classic woodgrain Trinitron from 1982!, Steve's Assorted Stuff
1940s Pilot Radio TV
One of the earliest portable televisions, the 1940s Pilot Radio TV came with a minuscule 3-inch screen. It’s clunky, heavy, and utterly fascinating—a true relic from the dawn of televised entertainment. While most are inoperable today, collectors covet them as historical artifacts. Even non-working models can fetch around $250 for their sheer novelty.
1949 Pilot TV37 3 Inch Television Resurrection Watch A Vintage TV Come Alive, shango066
Crosley 11-445MU
This brown, wood-cased Crosley has all the elegance of a fine cabinet piece. Maintained in museum storage for years, many units remain in excellent condition. Its mid-century design and dependable performance make it a hit among collectors who love function and form. Expect prices to hover around $300 for one in great shape.
Early 1950's Crosley TV at the Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of CT, Kirk Stankiewicz
Emerson Brand
This tan mid-century set has the look of a sci-fi prop and the reliability of classic American engineering. The Emerson brand emphasized futuristic design, complete with front dials and space-age curves. Fully functional units are rare, but when found, they’re valued not only for aesthetics but also for their display-worthy appeal.
1988 Emerson 12" B&W TV, radiotvphononut
Emerson EWC0902
Emerson’s EWC0902 is the ultimate retro gadget—a TV/VCR combo that could run on AC or DC power. Designed for home or car use, it’s both practical and collectible. Models with working remotes are especially prized. Collectors of vintage road gear love this one for its versatility and quirky design.
Two Emerson TV's with VCRs., ToryTheFanMan
JVC Videosphere
Perhaps the coolest TV ever made, the JVC Videosphere looks like it belongs on a moon base. This spherical, helmet-like television was released in the early ‘70s and immediately became an icon of futurist design. With a working CRT screen and minor wear, these now sell for around $350 or more.
JVC 3241 Videosphere TV - Part 3: Clock Repair and Final Assembly, Mr. Brown’s Basement
RCA SpaceSaver Colortrak
Compact yet stylish, the RCA SpaceSaver Colortrak was built for modern apartments of its time. Its clean white finish and 9-inch screen made it perfect for kitchens, dorms, or retro gaming rooms. Collectors appreciate its functionality and size. It’s a great entry-level collectible for newcomers to vintage tech.
1978 RCA ColorTrak GC930SR exploration, GuitarAudiologist
Sears Roebuck Wood Grain
With gold accents and a rich wood-grain casing, this Sears model epitomizes mid-century charm. It features manual knobs, a black-and-white screen, and plenty of nostalgic appeal. While not the rarest, it’s a favorite for interior decorators who love mixing retro electronics into their designs. Affordable, stylish, and oozing character—it’s a timeless piece of Americana.
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