CAST FROM THE PAST: Family renovating home find rare 68-year-old TV in the attic

By Tom Campbell via SWNS

A couple renovating their new home were stunned to find a 68-year-old television set dating back to Queen Elizabeth II 1953 coronation in the attic.

Amy Lockwood and Jamie Jenkins found the dusty old 14-inch Ferguson 992T in the attic while renovating their new home in Kent, England.

They think the set, which was once described as a “big screen”, was bought to watch the Coronation.

After posting a picture online, the couple received more than 100 messages, with many people remembering watching the Queen’s special day on a similar machine.

The Queen's coronation in June 1953 was the first service to be televised and for most people, the first time they had watched an event on television.

"We bought the house in August but we haven't moved in yet – we are renovating before we do," said Amy, 29.

"We were putting some stuff up in the loft when Jamie started snooping around.

“That's when he found the TV set."

The couple are hoping to donate the TV to a museum or organization where it can be used for educational purposes or to provide a bit of nostalgia.

Amy is also considering giving it to a theatre so they can use it as a stage prop or giving it to a care home for dementia patients.

“ From what I have seen it is not worth a lot of money but I don't want to sell it," she said

“I want it to go somewhere where people can enjoy it.

"A lot of people have said it was probably bought for the coronation so it is a bit of history."

One woman inquired: “Our neighbors had the same model. What road are you in?

“I would love to know if it's the TV that I watched the coronation on."

Another said: "Bet that was bought for the coronation. Social history brought to life."

Around eight million people tuned in across the country to watch the Queen’s coronation, while an additional 10 million crowded into their friend's or neighbors' houses.

A further 1.5 million people watched the event in cinemas, halls and pubs.

UK television sales boomed in the weeks leading up to the event, with the number of TV licenses rising from 763,000 in 1951 to 3.2 million in 1954.

At the time, an advert described the Ferguson 992T as a "big screen television" and claimed that "for best viewing in this area we recommend Ferguson."

Back then, viewers would have watched programs such as "In the News", a fortnightly discussion on current affairs, a quiz show called "Animal, Vegetable, Mineral" and "About the Home," a daytime broadcast for women.

A 14-inch screen, like the one Amy discovered at their new home in Winchester Way, Rainham, would have cost around 66 guineas - just over £66 ( $88).

Another advert, which lists the 992T for 59 guineas, says the "handsome and table model" offers "bright well-defined pictures".

Ferguson also made a larger, more expensive, 17-inch set and a smaller 12-inch model.