If either lamp burns out, the power tube gets no filament current, and you get almost no amplification. Although there was nothing unusually hard or time-consuming about the cosmetic work, the electronics took more time than I had expected. not with the actual production date. Zenith 1938 - 1940 Knob. I used Citri-Strip, an easy to use, non-smelly gel stripper. It is my belief that the year used to date The radio has very nice reception with no hum. The Walton radios, (so named because of the fame this series received when one was used in the TV series, "The Waltons") are among the most popular among serious Zenith collectors. Each 1938 zenith for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, fabric and glass. Turning off personalized advertising opts you out of these sales. Learn more in our Privacy Policy., Help Center, and Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. Testing further revealed that the tube voltages were very high, reading about 200 volts on plate pins that should have 125-135 volts. Turning off the personalized advertising setting wont stop you from seeing Etsy ads or impact Etsy's own personalization technologies, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive. Other small pulleys often act as guides for the string. When I queried the rec.antiques.radio+phono newsgroup for ideas, I learned that many restorers don't bother buying "store-bought" replacement belts. He joined a fledging Beaverton electronics company, Tektronix, in 1951 as its 351st employee. It was painted 3 different colors black, red and brown. All tube shields are in place as well. The new owners were happy to have it. The show rather trite, boring. Etsy Search for items or shops Close search Skip to Content Sign in 0 Cart Halloween Hub Jewelry & Accessories Clothing & Shoes So in terms of performance, it is "original," possibly even working closer to the designer's specs than when it left the factory. . The radio is sensitive enough to get the local stations just fine. each represented by a single letter. This is a showpiece! The next photo shows the rubber just before I finished splitting it. and they work just as well as square ones. Original Price 29.76 Store Radio Knobs Zenith Zenith 1938 - 1940 Knob. As you see from the pictures, the chassis has some rust spots. To attach the new belt, I needed to stretch it around the pulleys, trim one end to exactly the right length, then glue the ends together to make it back into a circle. 1938 Zenith model 6S229. Original Price 74.50 for radios built through 1942, when Zenith halted The styling sometimes reminds me of this old TV show. Entdecke 1938 n. Many of the surviving 15U270 and 15U271 suffer from cracking burl on the curved areas on each side of the dial. It needs restoring as you can see, but the veneer is perfect, speaker is great and most of the dials are great. It sold new for $169.95 (list price). I also have all original knobs now too. Not really necessary for alignment, but I power all of my radios on the workbench through the variac, which in turn is powered through an isolation transformer for safety. 12.14, 14.29 Even if it plays, it undoubtedly needs some repair before you put it into regular service. 3-bands, Broadcast (AM), and 2 shortwave. THE 1938 ZENITH 15U269 CONSOLE - DECO TO THE MAX By Kent Martin Of all radio manufacturers during the fabulous Art Deco design years of the 1930s and 1940s, one company that has always shone brightly is the Zenith Radio Corporation of Chicago. The Zenith 6S254 (6-S-254) is a 6-tube console radio with broadcast band and two short wave bands. Cookies and similar technologies are used to improve your experience, to do things like: Without these technologies, things like personalized recommendations, your account preferences, or localisation may not work correctly. obtained an export model. Original Price 1,180.75 produce civilian hearing-aids throughout the war 12 in this case, 11 on the chassis plus an "eye" tube. Zenith did not produce radios for the general public Nope. 67.04, 74.50 After I had a good color match, I sprayed one coat of clear lacquer on the top, then removed the masking and the grille cloth to expose the whole cabinet. Radio must be picked up in Cleveland. This radio really set in motion Zenith's sales growth that took them from around the 10th largest radio manufacture to number two by 1942. Numbers in colored circles identify points of interest. For instance, my radio doesn't tune to 456 kilohertz, but it does tune to 912, double the target frequency.) The leftmost knob is a tone control and the next one in line is the power/volume control. I. A multitester, used to measure the radio's output during alignment. Why would a radio designer do this? Why would the B+ voltage be too high in the first place? It was kind of hard to let it go but the money was too good. There was just enough slack in the connecting cables to let me replace those parts without unwiring all of the cables. 15 tube Zenith radios are not common and easy to find, but this model is the highest production model produced for the 1938 season. k42: ivory: $12.00: k42-divided: ivory: $12.00: k42b: black: $12.00: It seems as though there are two types of knobs used on these radios that look the same but have different dimensions for the hole. line-up. The large gray and blue components near the center of the photo are the new filter capacitors. In 1927, Zenith introduced the first radio with push-button tuning, and in 1940 it broadcast the first FM radio station in the Midwest. The brand says the new spring is more durable and resistant to magnetic fields. Toning lacquer was sprayed on the wood trim, very lightly, to keep with the original appearance. (If your radio can't tune to the target frequency, tune it to a multiple. In this case, however, the radio's performance was quite poor, as mentioned earlier. 5 out of 5 stars (1) $ 850.00. indicated that there were 17 initial categories, The 1000 Z Stratosphere was designed to introduce the big Black Dial and other features that showed up on the 1936 and 37 Zenith Black Dial line. ZenithAmerica's most copied radio again a year ahead. I purchased the empty cabinet from Alan Jesperson. $2,995.00 SOLD Quantity Add to Cart We spared no expense to restore this gorgeous 1938 Zenith 9S232 tombstone radio known as 'The Waltons' because it starred in the 1970s TV series of the same name. Go for it. The starch gives the cloth more body, helping it resist sagging in the future. On most old radios, a strong string drives the tuning capacitor. The audio was also harsh and extremely loud, so loud that the radio played at medium volume with the volume control turned all the way down. Oh well, this is how we learn! In our example of the 12S232, the radio was built for the 1938 model year. 1930-1937 The Depression and the Rise of the Golden Age of Radio, 1945-1959 Post War Tube Radios-The Baby Boom Years. For most adjustments, you simply turn the screw while watching the tester's readout, aiming for maximum output. I also had to replace the drive belt in the tuning mechanism. Powered bySquarespace. in its range (00-39) indicating a rather expensive This is a 1938 Zenith 12 tube model 12S265, Zeniths most famous and collectible year. The shutters open nicely. Some of the technologies we use are necessary for critical functions like security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and to make the site work correctly for browsing and transactions. Number 1 shows the ground terminal of the generator connected to the ground terminal on the radio's antenna strip. Sure. Once everything was in place, trimming the belt and gluing it was pretty easy. Had I been alive and of a radio-buying disposition in 1938, I would have looked at . The original grille cloth was still in good condition. As it happens, Antique Electronic Supply sells an exact replacement belt for this particular model. First; the big round "airplaine" dial A final alignment was in order, particularly since I had already changed the alignment earlier. (That is, the dial pointer did not always point exactly to the station being tuned.) A good looking radio and the one I restored had great reception. Etsys 100% renewable electricity commitment includes the electricity used by the data centers that host Etsy.com, the Sell on Etsy app, and the Etsy app, as well as the electricity that powers Etsys global offices and employees working remotely from home in the US. If I was going to have a radio collection, I need a Walton (and at least one catalin). In other words, I could have avoided the time spent laboriously splitting and regluing the square rubber material. The introduction to smaller and more efficient tubes help speed things along- rising to the peak of radio's Golden Era. Substituting larger filters reduced the hum to an acceptable level. Instead, I simply disconnected the old filters and left the cans in place to preserve the radio's original appearance. In It is a striking radio from top to bottom. Manufactured by Zenith/Herman Miller. The audio was extremely weakbarely audible with the volume control turned all the way upuntil I replaced a burned-out dial lamp. On my radio, the little rubber drive belt was shot. To my delight, the belt worked perfectly! The two SW bands work well also. Great display and talking piece. Content is for presentation purposes only. Mar 24, 2022 - Explore Daniel Mumau's board "1930's - 1940's floor model Zenith radios" on Pinterest. their range, the higher the position in that years Price: $12.00. Since I operate the radio on AC, I shortened the cables and tucked them under the chassis. It had an original purchase price of $169.95 and boasts the following list of features:- Motorized tuning & foreign station re-locator 12-inch electrodynamic speaker with "acoustic adapter" Push-pull 6V6 output stage producing a room- This classic "black dial" Zenith tombstone is a real jewel. Incidentally, here is a case in which careful notes might have led me to these "hidden" capacitors sooner. In a small subchassis inside the box were several small components, including a handful of paper capacitors. This tuning system is not only reliable, but also very accurate. Would I like one? Antique Radio Forums Index Category Online Auctions and Sales Forum, Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests. The sixth tube, a 1J6, takes only one volt, however, as we can tell from the 1 at the beginning of its type number. The real Walton comes with personalized delivery. Despite new filter capacitors, there was still too much background hum. Neither the TV show or the radio (style & circuit) appeals to me. So it is truly a very rare Zenith radio. The following photo shows the radio after I completed its restoration. The, runners are in excellent condition. Many folks think the "Waltons" TV show made these radios desirable. The light application of water shrunk the cloth slightly, getting rid of the sags. Beginning in 1936, Zenith introduced a new model Sellers looking to grow their business and reach more interested buyers can use Etsys advertising platform to promote their items. Original Price 934.76 (10% off), Sale Price 14.17 Perhaps chemicals were spilled on it or someone made an aborted attempt to refinish it. Original Price 737.97 The cabinet was stripped of its original finish, lightly sanded, re-stained, grain filled and then sprayed with Mohawk sealer and lacquer. I have the 12 tube version pictured on another page. This is now equipped with Tissot's new titanium-based alloy Nivachron balance spring. Antique Radio Forums Index Category Online Auctions and Sales Forum, Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests. The next photo shows the underside of the chassis after recapping. You will also need the alignment instructions from the schematic, of course. After his military service, Miller returned to Hillsboro, Oregon, and worked for Meltebeke's Furniture repairing TV's and appliances. The next photo shows how I taped the capacitor in place to keep the spring from pushing it back down. 1938 Zenith Model 12S265 Restored Bluetooth Radio Art Deco About the Item This is a 1938 Zenith 12 tube model 12S265, Zenith's most famous and collectible year. It released the first portable radio in 1924, followed two years later by the first radio that operated entirely on household electricity. on. Should you ever come across a Zenith radio which This allows you to precisely measure the final output on the multitester. The large black Zenth dial is in perfect shape. Dial" radios and the numbering scheme which included every vacuum tube in the tube count including: Two important points need to be covered for a After reinstalling the radio in its cabinet one last time, the restoration was complete! The belt is made of layers of rubber-impregnated fabric, similar to the fan belt in your auto but much smaller. You can change your preferences any time in your Privacy Settings. Maybe I'll bite. Features: Ours is a Zenith model 6S-239, from 1938. second station re-location & "tell-tale" controls. Each 1938 zenith for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using, Prices for a 1938 zenith can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes at 1stDibs, they begin at, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Featured Collection: 2023 Designer Survey Trends, Association of International Photography Dealers, International Fine Print Dealers Association, Loggers WPA Depression Era Modern Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism, 1970s Brutalist Welded Steel Sculpture George Kafka Chicago Modernist Artist. 1938 ZENITH 15-U-269 ART DECO SHUTTER DIAL TUBE RADIO Excellent PICK UP ANAHEIM $1,740.00 Local Pickup Was: $2,900.00 Magnificent Art Deco 1940 Zenith 12S471 "Aztec" Console, Restored & Works Well! 3 bands including broadcast, shortwave and police Manufactured by Zenith/Herman Miller. to discuss in this article. If the letter designation is followed by a two 1938 Zenith Radio - Etsy Check out our 1938 zenith radio selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Cleaning and recapping are standard practice, but solving the voltage problems added extra hours. Sigh. You know, these are actually not exactly rare radios. The following email snippet continues the tale: Fixing the voltage problem introduced a new glitch, however, as the following email explains. Antique Vintage 1938 Zenith Tombstone Radio Model 5S228 $83.03 11 bids $72.58 shipping 5d 14h classic ZENITH Trans-Oceanic Royal 3000-1 SHORTWAVE Radio World-Band RECEIVER $24.95 0 bids $28.02 shipping 4d 22h or Best Offer *AS-IS* Vintage Zenith Royal 300 Transistor Radio Black USA *No Power* $15.00 0 bids $12.45 shipping 6d 17h This is the mahogany version of the 15U270 walnut model. left or leading side of the model number using The belt runs inside machined brass pulleys and is held at the right tension by a spring-loaded arm. Toward the front was a big messy splotch of some hard substance, possibly dried glue or some kind of varnish. The one dial that was left showing/open is crazed, but I have a spare chassis to replace that one dial. Introduced in June of 1937 for the 1838 model year. He constructed ornamental railings and, smaller numbers, and are more difficult to find today. Model 6-J-230 dates from 1938 and is typical of many radios of that era. 1995-2023 Philip I. Nelson, all rights reserved. So I will wait. Radio production kept rising and America's love for style and form had manufacturers continuing to upgrade products. The chassis was purchased separate, it was originally from a chairside. type of chassis, power requirements, model year, If you see this ad, the radio is available. Only $1900! 6V27), the radio was built for In 1938 Zenith released several models of 12-tube table radios with what Zenith referred to as their "Robot Dial." The Zenith robot dial was equipped with a tuning eye tube that indicated signal strength of a station and in several models the dials were motorized. Given the extent of damage on top, stripping was the only alternative. I was offered a similar one for $2300 earlier this year and had to laugh. The next photo shows the power subchassis before replacing its capacitors. Fixing the cabinet was a straightforward job. After I reinstalled the cloth, the cosmetic restoration was complete! Beautiful tri-color black 6-inch lighted dial which Zenith made famous and still a favorite of most collectors. Note-taking may seem tedious when you're hurrying to get results, but it saves time in the long run. At this point, the set played for the first time, but very poorly. Those partners may have their own information theyve collected about you. This three-band, nine-tube Art Deco radio is completely restored and retrofitted with Bluetooth. Since doing this restoration, I have gotten in the practice of writing down every replacement as well as the results of every test. Sale Price 708.45 the relative placement in the line-up ($costs$). To enable personalized advertising (like interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. On to the next challenge . Antique radio. (15% off), Sale Price 1,023.32 Vintage Zenith Radio Knob 1930s Wood Lightning Bolt AntiqueMeUp (576) $34.99 Vintage Soviet tube network radio RECORD. Original Price 17.86 The black contrasting stripes near the bottom had a few scuffs, which I restored with black paint and a small artist's brush. The tuner on this radio is well engineered and quite interesting. This radio has the fabulous Robot Shutter Dial with a green tuning eye. Number 2 shows the signal ("hot") lead of the generator connected to the grid lead of the 6D8 tube. Looks really good. Here is Walter's comment on that point: Now that we have added an extra resistor, can this radio be considered "stock" or "original?" The first digit(s) will be the number of tubes, The dealer did not want to sell it, he was going to fix it himself. Again, the blue arrow points to the shaft and the belt is placed loosely around the pulley. This scheme allows the radio to work if a lamp burns out. Sure, it has one extra resistor not specified in the schematic. To conceal blemishes on the photo-finished sides and front, I wiped on a coat of Min-Wax walnut stain with a soft cloth, let the stain set for a minute or two, then buffed it off again with a clean cloth. If the leading number is 1 (IE 5S128) (20% off), Sale Price 350.10 Also features 5-point tone control, Bass compensation, spinner tuning, split second station relocation. It rattles objects in the room when played loud. Antique gift. Sad part about is, I offered them $150.00 over 2 months ago, the person on the phone said it was his sons radio and he would have to check with him about my offer, never heard back from them, Now I have lost interest in the radio! Want to know more? It is a 1939 model 15S372. The dial belt was replaced for smooth tuning. After I replaced the lamp, the radio played, but not very well. Used to be on occasion you would see one or two. As Bob says, in a few years the market will be flooded with them. I bought the Zenith it in December of 2012, after finding it on Craigslist. Learn more. Little force is needed to spin the large dial pointers and the tuning is quite precise. As with most old cloths, it had faded somewhat in the areas exposed to light, but not so much as to merit replacement. The radio had been serviced in the past but most of the original parts were still in place. But I ain't paying $2,000 for one. This is an extremely rare 1938 Zenith model 15U271. Number 4 shows the multitester's probes clipped to test leads in parallel with the radio's speaker terminals. The higher the last two digits within I offer free shipping via Greyhound to the lower 48 states. The front and sides of the cabinet appears to be covered with finely grained veneer, but the "veneer" is actually a photographic decal of a wood pattern. 1938 Estimate $80 - $120 4 d 8 h 27 m 46 s $40 (1 bid) Your Maximum Bid: Secure $50 or 4 payments of $12.50 with Place Bid 27 bidders watching this item The four original wood Z knobs are present. The 15U270 & 15U271 are the only 1938 15 tube Zenith radios that utilize two speakers, a 12 woofer and a 6 tweeter. 25 tube Stratosphere, first produced in The knobs are the original wood Zenith knobs. When the US entered the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, production of new radios stopped from 1942-1945 as manufacturers helped support the war effort. the radio was found.