Shown here from 70 years ago is an ad for Raytheon Television’s deluxe offering, the model RC-1720 “Starlight” set. According to the ad, the set was famous for fringe area performance, and it boasted a 17 inch picture tube, along with room-filling volume from a 10 inch speaker.

The set retailed for $369.95, which was down from the previous price of $469.95. That price included the federal excise tax, as well as a one year warranty. In addition to the TV, the set included an AM radio (but no FM), and a three speed phonograph.

In 2021 dollars, the price of the set works out to almost $4000, according to this inflation calculator.  The ad appeared in the December 1951 issue of Radio & Television Retailing.