General Electric GM-295

1938 experimental model. It has an almost identical chassis to the HM-275/1941 Model 90, but without the radio.  The "G" is the 1938 model year and the 29 is the number of tubes.  (Information courtesy of Jeff Lendaro). The GM-295 was made in 1938 in very small quantities. The cabinets were made by the W. H. Gunlock Chair Co. It appears to have a RF amplifier, which other prewar sets lacked. The CRT appears to by a 12AP4, but the number shown on the label is C7318C. The set uses 2 - 2X2 high voltage rectifiers, which suggests that it has a voltage doubler, which would make the picture much brighter. Two other GM-295s survive, both in museums. GE also made a model GM-297, which used the same chassis but had a different cablinet. In 1939, GE introduced the HM product line. It is notable that the set doesn't have a radio, which all other console prewar sets had. This would have made it difficult to sell, so it it likely that this set was never sold to the public.

Thankd to our many generous members who donated to make it possible for us to acqure this set.

Walter R. G. Baker, pioneer television engineer at General Electric

Notice the different masks in these pictures. GE made several prototype sets in late 1938 and early 1939, including this one and models GM-296 and GM-297.

Courtesy of Jeff Lendaro

Courtesy of Jeff Lendaro

Another version of a similar set

Courtesy of Jeff Lendaro

The GE exhibit at the 1939 World's Fair. The set on the left may be a GM-295, while the one on the right is the HM-171A.

Description of the GE World's Fair display

G-95 radio from 1938