Hello all -
I just scored this Hi Fi at auction and I believe it's a Paul McCobb. The dates that are hand written on the chassis are from June 1956, and it pretty much mirrors one I've seen in an old Bell & Howell ad. Does anyone know anything else about these? Are they rare? It needs a little work, but I'm hesitant to sink money into it if it's just like every other old console out there. The caninet it self has a few deep gouges, but otherwise in solid condition, and the radio needs work to function.
Bell and Howell Series 850
That's a Bell and Howell Series 850 Hi-Fi unit, designed by Paul McCobb.
These Hi-Fi's were produced by Bell and Howell from late 1955 until mid 1957 at which point the entire Bell and Howell Hi-Fi apparatus was purchased by Columbia from which point the units were re-marketed as Columbia's Masterworks series. These units would continue to be sold until the early 60's
http://paulmccobb.blogspot.com
If you were able to remove...
If you were able to remove the original components without damage to them or the case (and kept them) and installed your new components without altering the case, it wouldn't be bad at all. Just make sure you can put it all back together one day if you want/need to.
Doubling Up
I would gladly buy it off you.
Please contact me via my blog if you would consider selling it.
http://paulmccobb.blogspot.com
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