Sir Robert Menzies’ Astor television, c. 1950

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A photo of a television with a wooden veneer. It has a silver panel on the side with 3 dials. On top of the set there is a handle.
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-07/Image-Sir-Robert-Menzies%E2%80%99-Astor-television%2C-c.-1950-1733924.jpg
Title:
Sir Robert Menzies’ Astor television, c. 1950
NFSA ID
1733924
Year
1950

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Production designer and art director Bernard Hides purchased this 1965 portable Astor Royal television from a second-hand dealer in Melbourne to dress the set for the TV series Sword of Honour in 1985, not realising it was a piece of Australian political history. Upon purchase, he questioned the lettering 'RGM' on the side of its cardboard box – the dealer confirmed it was from the parliamentary office of former prime minister Sir Robert Gordon Menzies. One can only imagine what Menzies watched on this set – news and current affairs, or a spot of Bandstand between parliamentary sessions? 

After Sword of Honour wrapped, Hides feared the TV would be thrown away. He kept it safe in a furniture storage facility for 16 years while working in the USA before donating it to the NFSA in 2023.

1950s
Sir Robert Menzies