Vintage 1940 Zenith Bakelite Radio
- I researched this radio & learned the following:
- This is a rare Zenith recalled radio. This model radio was recalled because these radios were damaged easily and challenging to work on.
- Zenith attempted to recall these Bakelite sold and unsold radios. Zenith destroyed many of these radios & customers returned their radios. Hence, this is a hard to find radio.
- You are buying a part of Zenith history, when you buy this 83-year-old radio.
FEATURES
- "ZENITH" is embossed on the front & back of the radio. A "Z" is embossed on the white dial on the front and a "Z" is embossed in the center of the back of the radio.
- Original gold decoration on the bottom of the dial window and radio handle.
- The 5 push buttons have the following original selections on the buttons (as far as I can tell, some are a little challenging to read) from top to bottom: WLW, WIBC, WFBM, WIRE & DIAL.
- Front of the radio, at the bottom, has as a switch that I moved left left or right, to select "Broadcast" or "Police."
CONDITION
- Radio has been in the home for decades, sitting on a shelf. Other than dusting the radio, I left it as is.
- Radio has scuffs, scratches, some white paint, patina, soiling, screws missing and dust.
- I took the radio to a vintage radio repairman in May 2018. He said the set was complete and the tubes were good. Radio is currently not working. So, I don't know if it is missing pieces at this time, or if it will work after being worked upon.
- This radio might have originally been white, I don't know.
- Both of the white dials move on the front of the radio. The needle moves when I turn the dial.
- I pushed in the push buttons, they seem to work just fine.
- The window is foggy, where the radio numbers are located. I can see the radio numbers and a dial needle though the foggy window.
- Radio has 2 cracks on the front, to the right of the 1st & 4th white push buttons. Photo 7. I don't know if these 2 cracks are under the white panel listing the radio stations, or not. I am guessing they probably are. These same 2 cracks go around to the right side of the radio. I think (I'm not sure, it is difficult to tell) these 2 cracks come together on the right side of the radio, creating kind of an oval shape, an area about 3 1/4" x 4 1/4" (8.3 x 10.8 cm). The crack at the widest is 1/16" or .12 cm wide. There is old glue in this crack. Photo 8.
- There is a chip on the right side, 4th rib from the bottom, near the curve, 1/8" x 3/8" (.32 x .95 cm). Photo 8.
- A thin crack about 1" or 2.5 cm long, on the left side, near the bottom, photo 9.
- The feet of the radio have chips, photo 10.
- Overall, this beautiful, very rare, 83-year-old Zenith radio, appears in good condition.
Measurements
- Radio Length, at the widest point - 13 1/4" or 33.7 cm
- Radio Width (measured at the base of the radio) - 6 3/4" or 17.1 cm
- Radio Height, including Handle - 8" or 20.3 cm
- Ruler in the photos is 12" or 30.5 cm in length
Manufacture Location
- Zenith Radio Corporation, Chicago, Illinois
- 7 pounds, 10.6 ounces or 3.47 kg
SHIPPING- Your vintage Zenith radio will be very carefully packaged. I will double-box it, placing your radio in one box, inside another box. I will gently place Poly-Fil between the tubes.
- Items costing $750 or more (including shipping & tax) eBay requires a signature confirmation. The delivery person will need a signature for the item.
PAYMENT
- Please submit payment within 2 days.
- No returns please, sold as is.
QUESTIONS
- If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. :)
- I will try to respond within 24 hours or less.
- Please check out my other eBay items.