The Official Vintage Curtis Mathes site by Glenn Waters
The Official Vintage Curtis Mathes site by Glenn Waters
Curtis Mathes, Vintage Electronics, Televisions, Stereos, Radios, VCRs, Multiplexes, Speakers, Eight Track Players, Cassette Tape Decks, Reel to Reel Players, Wall to Wall Entertainment Centers, Curtis Mathes LPs, Camcorders, Mathes Coolers and Fans, Made in the USA. Design
Welcome to the Curtis Mathes Vintage Site by Glenn Waters, here we cover every aspect of the early days and the golden era of Curtis Mathes. From the early days of the Mathes Cooler Fans the the start of the Curtis Mathes Electronics Company. We cover every aspect from the first Curtis Mathes televisions to the last television to come off the assembly line in Athens Texas. Curtis Mathes Advertisements, Curtis Mathes Stereos, Curtis Mathes wall to wall complete Entertainment Centers, Curtis Mathes VCR Players and recorders, Curtis Mathes Camcorder, Curtis Mathes LPs and Records, Curtis Mathes Reel to Reel, Console Television Combos, Curtis Mathes Cassette Players, there is so much more, the list of electronics is amazing. Today Curtis Mathes today stands as a reminder of an era when televisions were crafted as enduring centerpieces of the living room, combining reliable performance, thoughtful engineering, and sophisticated design into a single statement of American craftsmanship. Curtis Mathes will always be remembered as one of America's most respected names in premium home entertainment. In the 1980s The Curtis Mathes - Las Colinas Design Group, led by visionary designer Glenn Waters, earned acclaim for merging architectural proportion with technological precision. Their design philosophy emphasized harmony between form and function, ensuring every Curtis Mathes console served not simply as an electronic device, but as a centerpiece of gracious living.
The 1986 Curtis Mathes Entertainment Center: Texas Craftsmanship at Its FinestIn an era when televisions were built to become part of the home rather than merely sit within it, the 1986 Curtis Mathes Entertainment Center Model A2529RC stood as a shining example of American craftsmanship, technological excellence, and furniture-quality design. The cabinet was Designed by the celebrated Las Colinas Design Group under the leadership of visionary Designer Glenn Waters
In the photo above and below is the 1986 Curtis Mathes Entertainment Center: Texas Craftsmanship at Its Finest
In an era when televisions were built to become part of the home rather than merely sit within it, the 1986 Curtis Mathes Entertainment Center Model A2529RC stood as a shining example of American craftsmanship, technological excellence, and furniture-quality design. More than a color television, it represented a philosophy that combined dependable engineering with elegant styling, creating a centerpiece for family entertainment that would endure for decades.
Manufactured in August 1986 at the renowned Curtis Mathes plant in Athens, Texas, this impressive entertainment console was proudly built by American workers who took great pride in their craft. Its creation brought together components manufactured throughout Texas, including facilities in Irving, Austin, Dallas, and Houston, reflecting the company's commitment to domestic production and quality control.
At the heart of the console was a genuine Texas-made Curtis Mathes CRT picture tube, model A63ABP20X. Known for producing rich color, sharp detail, and dependable performance, the picture tube delivered the vibrant viewing experience that made Curtis Mathes one of the most respected names in home entertainment. Paired with integrated stereo sound, the A2529RC transformed television viewing into a truly immersive experience, bringing movies, sporting events, and family programming to life within the comfort of the living room.
What makes this particular console even more remarkable is its longevity. Nearly three decades after leaving the factory floor, the television remained fully operational in 2014, a testament to the quality of materials, engineering, and craftsmanship that Curtis Mathes became famous for. While many modern electronics are designed with short service lives, Curtis Mathes products were built with durability and serviceability in mind, earning the company's well-known reputation as a manufacturer of premium American-made entertainment systems.
Equally important to the console's legacy was its sophisticated furniture styling. The cabinet was designed by the celebrated Las Colinas Design Group under the leadership of visionary designer Glenn Waters. Waters and his team believed that home entertainment products should complement the beauty of the home rather than detract from it. Their award-winning design philosophy emphasized the perfect balance of architectural proportion, ergonomic functionality, and visual elegance.
Under Glenn Waters' leadership, the Las Colinas Design Group pioneered the idea of integrated domestic technology, treating televisions and entertainment centers as fine furnishings. Rich wood finishes, carefully balanced dimensions, and thoughtfully crafted detailing transformed the A2529RC from a simple electronic device into an elegant piece of furniture capable of enhancing any traditional living room.
The work of the Las Colinas Design Group received recognition for excellence in consumer design and innovation, helping establish Curtis Mathes as one of America's premier luxury entertainment brands. Their creations reflected a time when technology and craftsmanship worked hand in hand, producing products that were not only functional but also beautiful enough to become treasured household furnishings.
Today, the 1986 Curtis Mathes A2529RC remains a lasting symbol of an era when American manufacturing, Texas pride, and thoughtful design came together to create something truly special. It stands as a reminder that the finest home entertainment systems were once built to serve generations, combining dependable performance with timeless elegance.
"The Curtis Mathes A2529RC was more than a television. It was a handcrafted Texas-made entertainment center, designed to bring families together while reflecting the enduring values of American craftsmanship, quality, and style." #CurtisMathes #MadeInTexas #AmericanCraftsmanship #VintageTVConsole #GlennWatersDesign #ClassicHomeEntertainment #CurtisMathesCollector #1980sElectronics
#TexasMadeQuality
#RetroTechnology
#EntertainmentCenters
The 1986 Curtis Mathes Entertainment Center: Texas Craftsmanship at Its FinestIn an era when televisions were built to become part of the home rather than merely sit within it, the 1986 Curtis Mathes Entertainment Center Model A2529RC stood as a shining example of American craftsmanship, technological excellence, and furniture-quality design. The cabinet was Designed by the celebrated Las Colinas Design Group under the leadership of visionary Designer Glenn Waters
The photo below is of the 1980 Curtis Mathes Color Television Console Model H2508ME
Curtis Mathes Color Television Console Model H2508ME • Chassis C85-1
Pulled this beauty out of what I call the "shed of death." A massive mouse nest filled the back of the cabinet, but amazingly the wiring was untouched. The sound came to life almost immediately. The picture tube took its time, first showing a faint flicker of green, then red, and finally, as if by magic, all the colors returned.
This Curtis Mathes H2508ME, powered by the C85-1 chassis, now delivers bright color, strong contrast, and excellent sound through its side-mounted speaker system. To celebrate its return to service, I fired up one of my favorite color broadcasts, Lost in Space, "The Mechanical Men," originally aired April 5, 1967. These classic color episodes are perfect for testing a vintage color console and showing off what these old sets can still do nearly sixty years later.
A true survivor, and proof that sometimes the old ones just need another chance.
#CurtisMathes #CurtisMathesH2508ME #VintageTelevision #LostInSpace #ColorTelevision #TelevisionRestoration #ClassicTV #RetroElectronics #C85-1Chassis
The 1980 Curtis Mathes Color Television Console Model H2508ME
Curtis Mathes Color Television Console Model H2508ME • Chassis C85-1
#CurtisMathes #CurtisMathesH2508ME #VintageTelevision #LostInSpace #ColorTelevision #TelevisionRestoration #ClassicTV #RetroElectronics #C85-1Chassis
Recent Photos
Recent Photos
Recent Blog Entries
Recent Blog Entries
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Curtis Mathes during the 1980's was a Great Adventure.
Curtis Mathes during the 1980's was a Great Adventure.
The 1986 Curtis Mathes Entertainment Center color television with stereo sound. Model A2529RC. Made in Texas by Americans who took pride in their work. This console still works great today in the year 2014. Made in August 1986, at the Athens Texas Plant. With parts made in Irving, Austin, Dallas, and Houston Texas. With a Curtis Mathes made in Texas CRT picture tube model number A63ABP20X.
In the photo below is Grantley Waters showing the inside of the 1986 Curtis Mathes Entertainment Center color television with stereo sound. Model A2529RC.
In the video below is the Made in Texas by Americans who took pride in their work. This console still works great today in the year 2014. Made in August 1986, at the Athens Texas Plant. With parts made in Irving, Austin, Dallas, and Houston Texas. With a Curtis Mathes made in Texas CRT picture tube model number A63ABP20X.
In the photo below is "The Invaders" playing on the 1986 Curtis Mathes Entertainment Center color television with stereo sound.
In the video below the 1986 Curtis Mathes Model A2529RC is playing "The Invaders" from a VHS tape on a Curtis Mathes VCR tape
player. In the photo below is the inside of the back of the 1986 Curtis Mathes Model A2529RC showing the amazing made in the USA circuit boards, and hardware around the Texas made cathode ray tube for the CRT picture tube model number A63ABP20X.
In the photo below Charis Waters is showing the size comparison to a person of the beautifully designed console cabinet 1986 Curtis Mathes Model A2529RC. I remember being on the Design team of this wonderfully made console. So many of these consoles work as good today as they did back in the 1980's.
In the photo below show that this Curtis Mathes model A2529RC has a wonderful control panel that was state of the art back in the year 1986, so many of the components for this model came from the same factories in Texas that made circuit-boards for the Saturn V Rocket and military electronic hardware, built to last.
In the photo below show that this Curtis Mathes model A2529RC has a wonderful control panel that was state of the art back in the year 1986, so many of the components for this model came from the same factories in Texas that made circuit-boards for the Saturn V Rocket and military electronic hardware, built to last.
In the photo below you can see the detail of this chassis that has a lot of made in America parts. As is stated above many of the components came from the same factories in Texas that made circuit-boards for the Saturn V Rocket and military electronic hardware, built to last.
Which explains why you can still see that in they year 2014 she still is going strong as she did in 1986.The American workmanship has proven itself with the test of time.
She as the marvelous Vacation switch in the back, which is the classic Curtis Mathes trade mark of the 1980's era. Built for folks that had Vacation home and could afford to spend more for the best color television made in that era.
As Grantley Waters can tell you they don't make them like this anymore. Sadly many of these classics are thrown away and they are still working as good as the day they were made when they are crushed in the trash compactor.
Let us keep these American beauties for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. Sadly they don't make Televisions in Texas anymore.
Let us keep these American beauties for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. Sadly they don't make Televisions in Texas anymore.
The tag tells it all, made in Texas by Americans who took pride in their work.
Just ask Grantley Waters, he can tell you this is a well made Texan beauty. We need to save our past on TV at a time ...
Below is a beautiful Vintage Curtis Mathes Color TV a fully functioning portable vintage color CRT TV that was manufactured in the US (1982) this is the one was made to last.
Works great with a digital TV tuner or other RF source.19" CRT, Standard analog 2-13 VHF and 14-83 UHF, 12 tunable tuner buttons, IR Remote included ...Cabinet dimensions: 24" W x 17" H x 17" D
The name said it all, manufactured in the month of February back in 1982. Made at the Athens Texas plant by folks that cared about what they were making.
And has the really well made remote control which was the same model used in the larger floor models for that same year.
Below is Karah with another Curtis Mathes Console television from the 1980's, Made October 1981 the Curtis Mathes Model G552R Color Console-television.
