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!

 

I will ship this item ONLY within the United States. If you live elsewhere and are interested in it, please contact me BEFORE bidding so we can discuss the shipping charges, which can be very expensive outside the U.S. I ship once a week (whenever possible). Having received, over the years, some items that did not survive shipping, I always take care to pack very carefully. If you prefer, I will be happy to drop it off at a nearby UPS store and have it professionally packed and shipped at your expense. I reserve the right to raise or lower the shipping charges should they prove to be significantly different than those determined by the shipping calculator. I reserve the right to refuse sale to anyone with excessive negative feedback or an otherwise suspicious history. Payment is due within three (3) days of the auction's close. Due to its age I am selling this item without any warranty. All sales are final. I am not a dealer, and don’t have a big operation with a staff, so I would appreciate your patience while I take the time to pack your items with the care they deserve.

 

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!