Zenith Antique Radios
Zenith is recognized as one of the most revolutionary companies in the country because of their innovation and introduction of very important electronic products that are still used until today. The company started in 1918 as a manufacturer of amateur radios, but it moved to transistor radios in the early 20s. In 1923 the company registered as Zenith Radio Corporation. The company is credited to produce the first portable radios which were released near the end of the 20s. The founders were Ralph H.G. Mathew and Karl Hassel but the success of Zenith is credited to the sales strategy of Eugene F. McDonald, Jr.
Probably the most sought after edition of Zenith Antique radios is the shortwave radios of Zenith. They were the first type of radios that were developed by Zenith. In fact, this type of radio convinced McDonald Jr. that this product could be a great hit. The Stratosphere model of Zenith is also very impressive. This tube type radio was developed during the 30s and produces remarkable sound for a radio in that era. Their portable radios, which was the first in the industry, is a must for most collectors because of its beautiful wooden furnish as well as improved functionality compared to its contemporaries.
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$9.99 |
16h |
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$9.99 |
17h 6m |
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10 |
$126.60 |
17h 41m |
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1 |
$19.95 |
18h 8m |
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$399.00 |
1d 7h 35m |
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$475.00 |
1d 7h 53m |
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$49.00
$69.95 |
1d 8h 26m |
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24 |
$325.00 |
1d 12h 39m |
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$7.99 |
1d 17h 59m |
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$25.00 |
2d 17h 33m |
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18 |
$255.00 |
2d 17h 51m |
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$26.00 |
2d 18h 6m |
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$9.99 |
3d 12h 29m |
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$19.95 |
3d 12h 55m |
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$3.99 |
3d 16h 12m |
Antique Zenith Radio's
If you are an ardent antique collector and you have the taste for old radios, you would know what you can't miss in your collection - an antique Zenith radio. Radio collectors pride over their antique Zenith radios and those who don't have them can just envy. The first Zenith radios were built in 1923, soon after its incorporation. They then went on to produce what can be called gem of a radio set. All different types of antique Zenith radios have a charm of their own. Be it the floor model wooden chassis, or a table top or a tomb stone. Usually available in American walnut, in ebony, tan and brown apart form a few other colors, these sets made it to all households in the 1930s and 1940s. Having products ranging from about $20 to upwards of $750 back then, they catered to every class of the society.
It is not very difficult to understand the relation between pricing and the model number in antique Zenith radios. The smaller numbered models in any series usually were lesser priced with the price going up gradually with the model number. From small table tops with 5 tubes to huge 15 tubes floor models, the quality with Zenith cannot be questioned.
Looking at the models of the antique Zenith radios, almost all average Zenith brands could receive domestic and foreign broadcasts. One would find chrome grilled models in the 800-series onwards, like the 809, 829, 835 etc. Continuing with its grand black dials which gave it the elusive elegant look, they entered into the white dial region with their 807 model. It also featured multi colored dials with a black background to differentiate between the different bands.
The rarest and most elegant catch among the antique Zenith radios is their Stratosphere models. Very chic designs to meet the contemporary styles, it was a style and a status symbol. Available in 3 models, the 16-A-61, 16-A-63 and the 1000Z, these were all above 43 inches high and featured 12 inches auditorium speakers apart from small reproducers. 1000Z model had 25 of them. The 16-A-16 model has a very bold look and a sturdy stature whereas the other 2 models quite elaborately designed. While the first two models were labeled at $450 which came down to about $290 the subsequent year, the 1000Z remained at an enormous $750 through out the 4 years that it was sold.
Now, only a handful of these antique Zenith radios remain. It is expected that there should be more of these wonders surviving in some part of the world.
