This handsome vintage cabinet. . .
. . . is an early version of a home entertainment system.
The television is the "Easy-Vision" model manufactured by the Hoffman Radio and Television Company.
In 1941, H. Leslie Hoffman, a florescent lamp salesman, purchased the bankrupt Mission Bell Radio company, and around 1948, the company began manufacturing televisions. as well. The company lacked the resources of established businesses such as Phlico or Zeneth and needed sources of inexpensive materials. Early televisions required protective safety glass on the front of the screen to prevent injury in case the picture tube imploded; Hoffman used yellow Plexiglas manufactured for aircraft, as it inexpensive and available in large quantities. This gave the television screen a yellow-green tint, but the creative Hoffman claimed that the tint reduced eye strain, marketing his televisions as "Easy Vision." By 1950, his company was the largest west coast producer of televisions. The company was part of the first coast-to-coast color broadcast in this country when, on January 1, 1954, the Tournament of Roses Parade was broadcast in color. Hoffman also founded Hoffman Electronics Corporation, which manufactured a wide range of consumer, industrial and military products. He died in 1971, and six years later the board of directors sold the businesses
Not only does the television provide "easy-vision," but easy listening as well, as there is a pull-out record player in the drawer uber the television screen. The alcove next to the screen could be used to store the records.
All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!
168380-46
