Abstract: A front assembly for a color cathode ray tube includes a faceplate having a peripheral sealing area adapted to mate with a funnel, with a centrally disposed phosphor screen. The assembly according to the invention includes a separate shadow mask support structure composed of ceramic material secured to the faceplate inner surface on opposed sides of the screen and within the sealing area for receiving and supporting a foil shadow mask in tension a predetermined distance from the screen. Other configurative aspects include a separate continuous or discontinuous metal cap or strip secured to the support structure for receiving and securing a mask, and a mask support structure comprising four discrete rails composed of ceramic with weldable metal strip means for interconnecting the rails to form a generally rectangular unitary shadow mask support structure.