Are old TVs worth anything?

The short answer is maybe, but probably not much. While a few rare vintage TVs appeal to collectors and can sell for decent money, most common old TV sets have very little cash value in today‘s market.

However, with creative repurposing or recycling, that old television you have taking up space can still gain new life and usefulness. Read on for a detailed guide examining the value of old tube TVs.

Why most old TVs are near worthless

If you have an old, bulky tube TV from the 1960s-1990s cluttering up your basement or garage, it’s unlikely to make you any money. Here’s why:

• Mass produced brands offer no scarcity. Brands like RCA, Magnavox, Zenith, GE, etc produced millions of TV sets. There is nothing special or rare about them.

• Technology has advanced. Modern slim, digital TVs make old tube TVs seem obsolete. Newer TVs have better picture/sound and cost much less now.

• Repair costs outweigh value. Fixing up an old TV costs more in parts/labor than it will sell for. They often have tube, wiring or component issues.

• Shipping is impractical. Big console TVs can cost over $100 to package and ship safely. Their size and weight make selling online prohibitive.

According to earlytelevision.org, most common TVs made after 1950 sell for less than $50, if they sell at all. Large console models are particularly difficult to sell due to bulky size and shipping costs.

Rare vintage TVs appeal to collectors

While typical old TVs won’t make you money, some rare antique models definitely appeal to collectors:

• Pre-1950 models – Restored TVs from the 1930s/40s can sell for $1000+ to technology enthusiasts. Early adopters find these pioneering models highly desirable.

• Obscure brands – Rare 1950s brands like Dumont, DuMont, and Capehart can fetch $100-$500 restored. Their unique look and unusual name increases value to niche collectors.

• Celebrity history – TVs owned by a celebrity often sell for higher prices. Provenance from someone famous makes them more collectible as memorabilia items.

• Original condition – Sets kept in pristine original state with labeling, knobs, veneers intact bring much higher prices than altered or refinished ones.

Well-preserved, working vintage TVs with chassis intact can sell to collectors for prices ranging from $100 for console models to over $1000 for pre-WWII sets. But finding the right enthusiastic buyer is key.

Creative ways to repurpose old TVs

If selling your old TV doesn‘t make sense, consider giving it new life creatively as something else:

• Fish tank – Remove guts and waterproof interior to build a unique aquarium with built-in viewing screen.

• Clock – Add clock arms and mechanism to TV screen for a retro wall clock. Use original knobs for interactive functions.

• Shelving – Remove TV components to leave just the case. Install shelves to make a media console, bar, aquarium stand, etc.

• Lighting – Backlight or tube lighting can make a distinctive lighting fixture or ambient mood light.

• Gaming monitor – Connect old game consoles like Ataris to CRT TVs with analog inputs for proper retro gaming display.

[Table showing some creative ways to repurpose old TVs]

According to makeuseof.com, repurposing a vintage TV into something useful or artistic gives it renewed value and purpose. Nostalgic aesthetics also work well housing modern tech like Raspberry Pi computers.

Dispose of unusable TVs properly

If you have a TV that simply doesn’t work, consider responsible recycling and disposal options:

• Donate – Some thrift stores may accept old TVs. Call first to check policies as requirements differ.

• Recycle – Best Buy and many local e-waste recycling centers safely dispose of TVs at no charge to avoid hazardous materials entering landfills.

• Sell cheaply – Be honest about condition and missing parts. Price low for someone who wants it as-is for parts or repair.

• TV disposal services – Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK will haul away and recycle old TVs safely for a reasonable fee.

CRT TVs contain up to 9 lbs of lead so should not go in household trash. according to citizen-times.com, proper television recycling is important to keep hazardous components out of waterways and the environment.

Key takeaways on old TV value

In summary, here are some key points on whether those old TV sets gathering dust have any value:

• Most common TVs made after 1950 have very little cash value, typically less than $50. Large console models are especially difficult to sell.

• Rare, vintage TV models like pre-1950s or celebrity-owned sets can sell to collectors for several hundred to over $1000 restored.

• Repurposing old TV cases into fish tanks, clocks, shelves, or Raspberry Pi computers gives them new usefulness.

• Faulty or damaged TVs should be properly recycled or disposed of to avoid hazardous materials entering landfills.

• A few exceptions aside, most hand-me-down old tube TVs are not worth trying to sell. But they still have options for creative new life through repurposing or responsible recycling.

So take a close look at that old television in your basement or attic. It may not make you money…but it could become something cool and new! With some imagination and resourcefulness, give it renewed purpose.