Jack Kerouac Personally Owned & Used Television, ca. 1958

A Zenith Radio Corporation (Chicago, Illinois) television set personally owned and used by Jack Kerouac (1922-1969), the famous mid-century American writer who brought us On The Road (1957). The model number dates the TV to approximately 1958, the same year Kerouac published iconoclastic works Dharma Bums and The Subterraneans. Provenance: This piece will be accompanied by our Certificate of Authentication as well as an estate certification signed by John Shen-Sampas, executer of the Kerouac Estate. John Shen-Sampas is the son of John Sampas, friend and brother-in-law of Jack Kerouac, and the brother of Stella Kerouac, Jack’s wife.

The tube television set (assumed black and white) is a Zenith model #A1412G, ca. 1958. Griege with gray accents, and with a stylized gold-toned handle at top and a pair of matching gold-toned channel dials found in the upper corners. The convex glass screen measures approximately 17.5" along the diagonal. A Wave Magnet dial is located on the top, while a panel of "Z" form switches on the right side adjust brightness, contrast, and horizontal and vertical orientation. Raised on casters, and with an intact electrical cord present. Expected surface wear consistent with heavy use. Isolated rust and corrosion. A van lines moving sticker is located on the top. Else very good. 12.75" high x 15.75" wide x 13.75" deep. May Require 3rd party shipping

Kerouac seems to have preferred the Zenith brand; he purchased a Zenith television in the fall of 1964, and his wife Stella ordered another in early 1969, just eight months before his death.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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