When was the first floor model tevision made and how much did it cost?
All of the early televisions were really “floor models” because they were too large to be a “portable”. So it depends on how you define the word “television”. See the links below for more info. For historical cost data on televisions you might want to consult the Consumer Electronics Association. They collect and publish historical data for the industry. Normally they charge for this information but perhaps if you explained in an email that the use you have for the information is educational they would be willing to share the answer to your very specific question at no charge. Be sure to credit them in your research if they do. You might also consider perusing a few years worth of newspapers in an archive to find television sales ads to get your historical pricing info. For a really interesting project you should adjust the costs of the television for the cost of living and you will be able to show that in the 1950’s a television set might cost about the same as a small car. Good luck!
