Admiral Corporation

Once monochrome broadcasts were common, CBS and RCA went to war with different color broadcast systems. Baird had demonstrated a crude color system as early as 1928. CBS, which proposed its Field Sequential System in 1940, fought its way through the courts, received approval for color broadcasts to begin June 25, 1951. CBS produced a gala opening broadcast. The only problem? CBS Color Television, while of very high quality, was incompatible with the monochrome sets that were now being sold in increasing numbers. While CBS pondered the problems, the Korean War shut down all color tv production.

After the Korean War, RCA sought to get the FCC to revisit the matter of color standards, pushing its NTSC system. Based partially upon its compatibility with monochrome televisions sets, the FCC approved the RCA-NBC backed NTSC color method on December 17, 1953, replacing the CBS system, effective January 22, 1954. Among the first compatible televisions sold was the Admiral, selling for $1175 (over 1/2 the average salary in the US that year), and the RCA CT100. The price of a receiver dropped to under $200 is about a year.


Certificate: Common Stock, issued in the 1970’s

Printer: American Bank Note Company

Dimensions: 8” (h) x 12” (w)

State: DE-Delaware

Subject Matter: Famous Companies | Consumer Products | TV and Radio Makers

Vignette Topic(s): Allegorical Featured | Allegorical Mercury | Allegorical Truth

Condition: Vertical fold lines, punch hole and stamp cancels in the signature areas and body and some toning from age.