Now this is
something really special, even for a Zenith black-dial radio: It’s a 1937 model
5R226. I’ll let Zenith’s own ad for this little set speak for itself: “A miniature console, just like Dad’s – a fine
radio, made especially for children.” I can’t top that!
I had heard that Zenith had made a miniature (16”h x
10”w x 10”d), 5-tube console for children, but I had always considered it an
urban legend until I pulled this one out of an attic in central Maine some
years back. The woman who owned it told me that it had been her father’s, and
that he had actually purchased it for himself – as a fully-grown adult. I suspect
more adults may have purchased these for themselves than for their children – they
were expensive, for one thing, and handsome, and very good radios, besides. But
it was the Great Depression, and not many were sold; they are exceedingly hard
to find today. Naturally, I snapped it up.
When I got this set home I immediately set about
restoring it, which meant a thorough electronic restoration – but not a
cosmetic one. It was complete and all-original when I found it, down to the
Zenith lightning-bolt wooden knobs and the leaf grille-cloth. The chassis was
and in remarkably clean, as is the original Zenith 5-inch speaker, which sounds
much larger than it is. This set is a real gem, and I have displayed it, and
played it, in my office every day since I restored it. Visitors love it, too –
they can’t believe anyone ever made such a thing! (The adjective I hear most
often to describe it is “darling!”) I have enjoyed it more than I can say, but
now I am running out of space, so it’s time to pass it on to another collector
who will cherish it as much as I have. If you’ve always wanted one of these but
were worried you’d never find one – much less one in such nice, all-original
condition – this is your lucky day! You won’t find another like it. Best of
all, I offer it here with NO RESERVE – high bidder takes it!
Be sure to see all the pictures! I'll be happy to
answer any questions you may have, but please try to ask as early as possible,
as it sometimes takes me a while to get to my email. Please see my other
listings, as I am running out of space and am thinning out my collection
considerably. I have several fine items up on Ebay right now, and will be
listing many more in the weeks and months to come, so please keep checking.
Good luck and happy bidding!